But Ozolua feels just as troubled when the plight of survivors dealing with the aftermath of the attacks goes unheard. The princess, a member of Benin Empire in southern Nigeria, doesn't want those victims to be forgotten.
Ozolua is taking a step toward raising awareness and money to assist displaced victims at her inaugural "Rise Above Terror" African Art Gala at the Besharat Gallery on Saturday in Atlanta. She hopes the money can help rebuild schools, homes, provide medical relief and food to help some of the millions who have been unable to leave an area with destroyed schools and burnt villages.
"When people hear about Boko Haram, you think about 'Bring Back Our Girls' only, but it's much bigger than that," Ozolua said. "Figures are being thrown around about how many people are being killed. It's bigger than that. There are millions of people who have survived these attacks, seeing their families killed in front of them. Their lives are completely traumatized. Nobody is giving much attention to them. Our focus is on them. They should be assisted."
"Vampire Dairies" actress Kat Graham will co-host the gala. The event will auction off African artwork including 29 paintings and 11 handmade wood and brass carvings.
Ozolua, a cosmetic surgery philanthropist, has brought aid to victims in Africa since she started her nonprofit foundation, Empower 54, in 2003. But this is first time she is holding the fundraiser in the United States, calling it a "coming out party."
"It's my privilege to join Empower 54 and help internally displaced persons in northeast Nigeria," said Graham, who is of Liberian descent. "The horrors of IDPs losing their loved one's possessions and rendered helpless does not make them hopeless." [AP]
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