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CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF SCHOLARSHIP, BEAUTY & ACHIEVEMENT
HerStory | Mission | Milestones | Testimonials | Success Stories
HerStory
The Miss Black U.S.A. Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit corporation in the state of Maryland, recognized under the 501(c)3 code of the Internal Revenue Service. The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc., was founded in 1986 by Karen Arrington.
On June 6, 1987, the J.W. Marriott hotel ballroom in Washington, D.C. was transformed into an elegant showplace. It was standing room only, and the atmosphere was electric. A celebrity panel of judges representing the sports, entertainment, media and fashion industry had the best seats in the house. At 8:00pm the lights faded and the curtains were raised. Next, twenty-one stunning, smart and talented African American women from across the nation represented the dreams of our ancestors. From the Harlem Renaissance to the New Renaissance we have moved beyond the cotton club, savoy and into an arena that gives us the freedom to conquer all.
The delegates took to the runway. They made no secret of their ambition to succeed. They were academic divas with high aspirations, advocating change in their communities. They were following in the footsteps of African American she'roes, and paving the way for those who would follow. They modeled one-piece swimsuits in bold and shimmering palettes. Next, the delegates showcased their talents. Inspired by the works of some of the greatest and renowned African American literary writers and artists, delegates belted out tunes to the likes of Billy Holiday, performed ballet, tap and modern dance, and read dramatic recitations from the works of Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Zora Neale Hurston and others.
The mood softened for the eveningwear competition. Delegates graced the runway with layers of chiffon flowing gowns, panels of lace, and strapless dresses that were made for the red carpet.
The high voltage show was one to not be forgotten and culminated in the crowning of the first and only "Miss Black USA," Tamiko Gibson, Miss Black Maryland a 21-year-old professional model. The stunning University of Maryland Broadcasting Journalism major made history when she won the coveted title of "Miss Black U.S.A. 1987" and paved the way for others to follow:
Twenty-One later, the tradition continues
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Mission
The Miss Black U.S.A. Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit corporation, recognized under the 501(c)3 code of the Internal Revenue Service. It is the mission of the Miss Black U.S.A. Pageant to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young women of color and to develop the "whole woman mind, body, and spirit.
Scholarship
Miss Black U.S.A. Pageant celebrates scholastic achievement and believes that education is the key to lifelong success and empowerment. The Miss Black USA Pageant promotes education and leadership by providing scholarships opportunities to its winners.
Community Service
The Miss Black USA Pageant is a community driven organization and is committed to addressing health and education, two leading social issues in the African American community. The winners of the official "Miss Black USA" state pageants will use her civic platform to promote awareness of these issues during her reign.
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Milestones
1986 Miss Black USA Pageant is founded by Karen Arrington
1987 The first Miss Black USA Pageant is held. The pageant was held in Washington, DC.
1989 Granted 501(c)3 tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service
1990 The first full tuition scholarship is awarded. The winner received a full four year scholarship to Miles College and a fully furnished apartment.
1994 Miss Black USA 1994 Tours Rio & Salvador da Bahia, Brazil
1995 Miss Black USA 1995 Tours Johannesburg, South Africa
2003 Miss Black USA 2003 Pageant is outsourced and licensed to Independent Company
2005 Miss Black USA Partners with Bally Total Fitness
2005 Miss Black USA is New Face of Flori Roberts Cosmetics
2006 Miss Black USA organization partners with the American Diabetes Association
2007 - The Pageant is held outside the U.S. for the very first time (The Gambia, West Africa)
2007 Over $300,000 awarded in Scholarships
2007 New Teen Division Announced: Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2009
2007 Debra Carr, Miss Black USA National Advisory Board Member named President of Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2009
2007 Miss Black USA Becomes National Spokesperson for American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Cultural Competency Campaign
2007 Miss Black USA Becomes Celebrity Advocate for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
2007 - Miss Black USA appears on Good Morning America Now
2008 - Miss Black USA Partners with the Heart Truth CampaignTM The Heart Truth and Red Dress are trademarks of the DHHS
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