CELEBRITY SUPPORTERS
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf — President of Liberia
President Sirleaf recently presented Kimmie Weeks Liberia’s highest award. She named him Knight Grand Commander in the Humane Order of African Redemption for “sacrificial services to the wellbeing of the people of the Republic of Liberia.”
John Littlefield — Extreme Makeover Home Edition
John Littlefield is a strong supporter of Youth Action International and the Greener Diamond. Best known for his role on the TV show Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Littlefield has also worked on many TV projects including Law & Order, Another World is Possible, and the West Wing. In 2009, Littlefield visited and toured YAI’s projects in West Africa. He continues to be a strong supporter of the organization.
Petra Nemcova — Supermodel & Humanitarian
Petra Nemcova (born June 24, 1979 in Karvin (now Czech Republic); pronounced Nyemtzovah) is a fashion supermodel. She recently wrote of Kimmie Weeks & Youth Action International: “There are not that many great leaders as Kimmie. He left me speechless and so inspired, because of his strength to overcome major challenges and do such incredible work which is changing so many lives! I wish that there would be more people doing such an amazing work like Kimmie.”
Wyclef Jean — Musician & Humanitarian
Wyclef Jean is a Grammy Award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated Haitian-American rapper, guitarist, producer, and member of the hip hop trio The Fugees. Jean has been active in his support of his native country and created the foundation YAI Haiti to provide humanitarian aid and assistance to Haiti. He describes YAI as a non-political organization intended to empower the people of Haiti and the Haitian diaspora to rebuild their nation.
Renee Wilson — Actress, Singer, Songwriter
Renee Wilson is an acclaimed actress and musician. She was cast as a singer in Tim Bakers stage musical of Dreamgirls. She went on to portrayed General Stanley’s ward in Michael Howard’s stage musical production of the Pirates of Penzance. While her talent has garnered her roles in several stage productions, Renee’ made her television debut in the season finale episode New York Unbound on the sitcom Girlfriends. However, perhaps her most recognizable role is that of Raylette Pat Lyle in acclaimed director Taylor Hackford’s Academy Award winning film Ray, starring Regina King and Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx.
M.I.A. — Musician
Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam is a vocalist, songwriter, composer, record producer and visual artist of Sri Lankan Tamil origin. She is best known by her stage name, M.I.A.. Her music style contains elements of grime, hip-hop, ragga, dancehall, electro, and baile funk. In 2005, her first album, Arular, was nominated for the Mercury Prize. In 2007, her second album, Kala, was voted Mixmag’s Album of the Month in the magazine’s September issue. Maya visited Liberia in December 2006 to meet war-affected people there including ex-child soldiers and film a documentary on the post war situation in the country with activist Kimmie Weeks.
Korto Momolu — Fashion Designer
Korto Momulu is a Liberian fashion designer currently residing in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is best known for her achievements on Bravo’s Project Runway Season 5, where she placed second in the competition and was awarded the coveted title of “Fan Favorite”. Korto has gone on to create a name for herself in the fashion industry with designs that are created for real women and blend modern fashion with African details inspired by her Liberian heritage. Her designs have been featured in Essence magazine, Marie-Claire magazine, and InStyle online. Of Kimmie Weeks, she said: “It’s amazing when someone goes through the hell stages of life, rises up from it and instead of self-pity, proclaims self-determination. The determination to help the ones who are the most helpless, our children. It is an honor to support not just a fellow Liberian, but in my opinion, one of our generation’s greatest humanitarians. The Kimmie Weeks movement will be going long after he is gone, but while he is here, I vow to contribute and do my part to stop the suffering of our children one country at a time. Please know you have my support always.”
Esther Chae — Actress, Writer, Academic
Esther Chae is an international award-winning actor/writer and academic. A professionally-trained actor of Yale School of Drama, her solo act, “So the Arrow Flies” was featured at the prestigious TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) Conference. She has appeared on television programs including NCIS, Law and Order, West Wing and ER, as well as in films and on multiple theatre stages.