(BlackNews.com)—Iman Kerigo, the first woman of African descent to be crowned Miss Norway, arrived in the U.S. last month as part of her goodwill tour. Kerigo, a refugee from Kenya who fled with her family to safety in the United Kingdom, continues her mission to raise awareness on poverty, war and domestic abuse. She visited Los Angeles, Las Vegas and surrounding areas as part of her 12-day visit.

IMAN KERIGO

As a child born into a life of extreme hardship forged by her family’s struggle in war torn Kenya, she and her mother struggled to survive day-to-day while living under the rule of an abusive father. Iman’s mother’s greatest dream was to simply see her children live. She never dreamed her second child could achieve something so amazing.

“My mother was just happy that we were alive but she didn’t want us to live a meager existence,” Kerigo said. “Being crowned Miss Norway gave me the opportunity to make sure that her dream came true.”

Week of Nov. 12-18

November 12

1775—General George Washington, first president and “father of the country” issues an order barring free Blacks from serving in the army as the U.S. struggled for independence from England. Washington was also a slave owner. The slave owning aristocracy felt if free Blacks fought for America’s liberation they would demand freedom for their enslaved brothers and sisters. Despite Washington’s order, hundreds of Blacks did fight in the Revolutionary War.

HENRY OSSAWA TANNER

1900—Henry Ossawa Tanner becomes an internationally acclaimed artist as he takes a silver medal for his art displayed at the Paris Exposition. Nearly 7,000 artists had entered their works. The Pittsburgh-born Tanner had numerous major works including his painting called “The Banjo Lesson.”

by Barrington M. Salmon

(NNPA)—Howard University alumnus Maria Ellis is one face of the Occupy D.C. movement. She has a graduate degree in International Relations and wanted to go to law school but couldn’t afford it.

And as a homeowner, she, like other Americans, feels squeezed by the recession. She is among a vocal group who hold politicians, corporate interests and others responsible for the declining state of the nation’s economy.

MARCHING FOR JOBS AND JUSTICE—Howard University alumni and students march near the Treasury Department in Washington, Oct. 28, for Jobs and Justice in solidarity with the Occupy movements. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Ellis’ concerns are what prompted her to join scores of Howard University alumnae, students and faculty on the university’s campus Oct. 28 and to march to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to rally for a change.

by Ken Thomas

WASHINGTON (AP)—President Barack Obama is promoting new ways to help veterans find jobs in a tough economy while pressing Congress to approve tax credits for businesses to hire former members of the military.

Just ahead of Veterans’ Day, Obama planned to meet Monday with leading veterans’ groups, then discuss steps his administration is taking to help veterans who have struggled to find work. The president was to speak from the White House Rose Garden Monday at noon.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS—President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama shake hands with members of the Air Force and Army after the president’s remarks at the 94th Fighter Squadron Hangar, the Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Oct. 19, in Hampton, Va.

The actions are part of a larger effort by the White House to draw contrasts with congressional Republicans who have opposed Obama’s jobs legislation a year before the 2012 election. Obama has signed executive orders aimed at spurring job growth and helping homeowners and college students in recent weeks, saying he does not want to wait for Congress to act.