Maryland's Kennedy Lucas Crowned Miss Black USA 2024
Washington, D.C. – August 4, 2024 – The Miss Black USA Organization is thrilled to announce Kennedy JoAnn Lucas, representing Maryland, as the winner of the 2024 Miss Black USA Pageant. The crowning took place tonight at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C.
Kennedy Lucas, a 26-year-old native of Maplewood, NJ, and recent resident of Huntley, IL, has been recognized for her outstanding achievements and commitment to community service. She is an alumna of Hampton University, where she excelled both academically and through her involvement in various campus organizations, including the Gamma Iota chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
In her professional life, Kennedy works as a Government and Public Service Consultant with Deloitte Consulting in Arlington, VA, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion projects. Her advocacy for breast cancer awareness, particularly within the Black community, has been a cornerstone of her platform as Miss Black Maryland USA 2024. Kennedy's dedication to service extends to her volunteer work, from beach cleanups to mentoring young girls.
The first runner-up in the competition was McKenzie Estep from the District of Columbia, whose grace and talent were also celebrated during the event.
The 2024 Miss Black USA Pageant was generously supported by major sponsors, including the 400 Years of African American History Commission and Soror by Satasha Stephens Cosmetics.
Kennedy's win is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of her community. As the new Miss Black USA, she is eager to serve as an ambassador for the organization, bringing attention to important social causes and uplifting marginalized voices.
For more information, please contact: [Your Contact Information]
The Miss Black USA Pageant empowers women of color to become role models, leaders, and community advocates. Through scholarship, volunteerism, and community involvement, the organization seeks to celebrate the talent, beauty, and culture of African American women nationwide.
Contact:
LaTia Jackson
E-mail: pr@missblackusa.org
www.missblackusa.org
About Miss Black USA:
The Miss Black USA Pageant is a premier national competition that promotes education and leadership among Black women. The pageant celebrates the unique talents, beauty, and intelligence of African American women and aims to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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39TH ANNUAL MISS BLACK USA PAGEANT live streamed On AUGUST 4 in historic Washington, D.C.
A Bold Celebration of Beauty, Culture and Identity That Empowers Women to Own Their Power and Celebrate Their Unique Talents and Traits
MARYLAND-JULY 9, 2024 – The Miss Black USA Pageant is set to crown its 2024 national winner in a spectacular event on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 5:00 pm at the University of DC Theater of Performing Arts. Approximately thirty-one contestants from across the nation will compete for the esteemed title of Miss Black USA 2024.
This year’s pageant holds special significance as it takes place in the nation’s capital, home to historic milestones such as the first Black Vice President, Kamala Harris, and the first African American female Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson. Hosting the pageant in Washington, D.C., underscores the progress and achievements of African Americans in leadership and justice, aligning with the pageant’s mission to empower and uplift Black women.
The winner will receive a full scholarship to the University of the District of Columbia, covering undergraduate, graduate, or law school, along with a host of cash and prizes. The event will feature three celebrity judges, including Derrick Rutledge, the exclusive makeup artist for Oprah Winfrey, Destiny Payton of Love & Marriage Huntsville, and Dr. Kevin Wade Associate Vice Chancellor, Elizabeth City State University.. In addition to judging, Mr. Rutledge will be honored with the Pinnacle of Beauty Award for his exceptional contributions to the beauty industry.
This year's Miss Black USA Pageant is proudly sponsored by the 400 Years African American Heritage Commission, The University of the District of Columbia, and Soror Cosmetics. These sponsors play a crucial role in supporting the mission of the pageant, which aims to provide significant educational and professional opportunities for Black women across the country.
"We are thrilled to host such a prestigious event in Washington, D.C., a city that embodies the strides African Americans have made in leadership and justice," said Karen Arrington, CEO & Founder. "The Miss Black USA Pageant continues to be a beacon of inspiration and empowerment within the Black community, and we are honored to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable young women in such a historic setting."
We invite all media outlets to join us in celebrating the achievements of these remarkable young women and the crowning of Miss Black USA 2024.
For more information, please contact:
Tiffany Johnson
Email: pr@missblackusa.org
240-345-3360
About Miss Black USA:
The Miss Black USA Pageant is a premier national competition that promotes education and leadership among Black women. The pageant celebrates the unique talents, beauty, and intelligence of African American women and aims to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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Official Statement from Miss Black USA
(MARYLAND-APRIL 16, 2024) We want to inform our supporters that Ariel Thompson has concluded her tenure as the reigning queen of Miss Black USA. While her time with us has come to an end, we wish her well in her future endeavors.
As an organization, we remain focused on our mission of empowering Black women and celebrating their achievements. Our upcoming pageant, Aug. 4-5, 2024 promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and beauty, and we look forward to the journey ahead.
For further updates and information, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Miss Black USA Pageant Appoints Dr. Tiffany Lloyd to the Miss Black U.S.A. Advisory Board
(MARYLAND-NOVEMBER 17, 2023) - The Miss Black USA Pageant proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Tiffany Monique Lloyd, PhD, also known as "Dr. Tiff," to the 2023 Miss Black U.S.A. Advisory Board. Dr. Tiff brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this prestigious role, further strengthening the mission of the Miss Black USA organization.
A multifaceted and award-winning professor, radio host, and political scientist, Dr. Tiff hails from Ferriday, LA. She is a respected author, HBCU and political activist, scholar, and motivational speaker. Dr. Tiff earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in educational psychology from Alcorn State University, where she served as captain of the Alcorn State University Cheerleading Squad, Student Government Association, and editor of the university's yearbook.
With a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a PhD in Public Policy (economics) from Southern University A&M College, Dr. Tiff has made significant contributions to academia and the political landscape. She is best known for her principal role in the romantic comedy play "All the Women I’ve Loved," and has been featured on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) as a special guest.
Throughout her career, Dr. Tiff has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Louisiana Emerging Leader Award by the Louisiana Black Caucus, the Women of Distinction Award, and the Outstanding Faculty Award at Texas College. Her advocacy for HBCUs and work as a motivational speaker have made her a highly sought-after public figure, addressing topics such as race relations, education, civil rights, voting rights, and more.
Notably, Dr. Tiff made history in Louisiana by being selected as Miss Black Louisiana USA in 2008 and 2009, and she was honored with the Michelle Obama Lifetime Achievement Award from the Miss Black USA Organization. Her commitment to societal issues aligning with the teachings of Jesus Christ is evident in her role as the host of "Jesus & Justice with Dr. Tiff" on the V Network TV, where she tackles controversial topics such as police brutality, racial injustices, and women's rights.
Dr. Tiff's appointment to the 2023 Miss Black U.S.A. Advisory Board reflects her dedication to empowering and uplifting communities. Through her work with mentoring programs and advocacy for healthy living, she continues to make a lasting impact on society.
"It is with great pride that we welcome Dr. Tiff to the Miss Black U.S.A. Advisory Board," said Karen Arrington, CEO of the Miss Black USA Pageant. "Her unwavering commitment to social justice and education makes her a valuable addition to our team, and we look forward to the positive influence she will bring to our organization."
Dr. Tiff's philosophy on life reflects her passion for making a difference: "There are three kinds of people in the world, those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wondered what happened – I am the person that makes things happen because what I am is God’s gift to me and what I become is my gift to God."
About Miss Black USA Pageant
The Miss Black USA Pageant empowers women of color to become role models, leaders, and community advocates. Through scholarship, volunteerism, and community involvement, the organization seeks to celebrate the talent, beauty, and culture of African American women nationwide.
Contact:
LaTia Jackson
E-mail: pr@missblackusa.org
Phone: 240-345-3360
www.missblackusa.org
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Breaking Barriers: Miss Black USA 2023 Winner to receive Full-Ride law school Scholarship
The scholarship is offered by the prestigious David A. Clark School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia.
(MARYLAND-JULY 6, 2023) - The Miss Black USA Pageant, a distinguished platform that celebrates the exceptional achievements and empowerment of African American women, is thrilled to unveil a ground-breaking initiative that will reshape the future of its winner. In an unprecedented move, the crowned queen of Miss Black USA 2023 will be awarded a full-ride scholarship to the esteemed David A. Clark School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia. This historic recognition reflects the commitment of both the Miss Black USA organization and the David A. Clark School of Law to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities within the legal profession.
The mesmerising Miss Black USA 2023 Pageant, set to take place at the renowned University of the District of Columbia in the nation's capital, promises to captivate audiences nationwide. Broadcasting live on Fox Soul on Sunday, August 6th at 6:00pm EST, this must-see event will shine a spotlight on its immense significance, particularly for women of color.
During the event, thirty-two extraordinary and ambitious women from across the nation will compete for the coveted crown and the grand prize - a full-ride scholarship to law school. The Miss Black USA organization firmly believes in the transformative power of education and its ability to shape lives and, by partnering with the prestigious David A. Clark School of Law, they are bridging the gap between aspirations and reality for the deserving young woman who will claim the crown.
Notably, the reigning Miss Black USA, Tahira Gilyard, embodies the essence of this empowering journey. As a dedicated full-time law student, Tahira exemplifies the tenacity and drive that the Miss Black USA organization stands for. Beyond her legal aspirations, Tahira thrives as a professional salsa dancer and a successful model, showcasing the multifaceted brilliance that women of color bring to the forefront.
“The full-ride scholarship to law school offered by the David A. Clark School of Law represents a monumental step towards equity and dismantling systemic barriers that have hindered the progress of aspiring women of color in the legal profession,” says a spokesperson for the organization. “By eliminating the financial burden that often impedes the pursuit of higher education, this scholarship paves the way for young women to excel academically and make significant contributions within their communities.”
The Miss Black USA Pageant is cordially inviting members of the media to schedule an interview with the winner on August 7th for her first media appearance. This is an opportunity to discuss the transformative and historical impact of this momentous occasion.
For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact the Public Relations Manager at pr@missblackusa.org or 240-345-6610.
ABOUT THE DAVID A. CLARK SCHOOL OF LAW
The David A. Clark School of Law is a distinguished institution committed to empowering its students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become effective, ethical advocates for justice. The law school is dedicated to promoting social justice and advancing the rights and well-being of underserved communities through legal education and community engagement.
ABOUT MISS BLACK USA
Founded in 1987, the Miss Black USA™ Pageant is an internationally recognized organization committed to empowering women to use their voices to make a difference in society. It is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for women of color, having awarded over $500,000 in scholarships. Over the past two and a half decades, the pageant has garnered positive broadcast and editorial coverage in leading international and US national media outlets, including USA Today, Good Morning America Now, NBC Nightly News, New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, Black Voice, The Roots, and BET Network. Miss Black USA™ is a highly respected organization redefining what it means to be a courageous, compassionate, and confident woman of color.
Contact:
Joelle Polisky
Email: marketing@missblackusa.org
Phone: 615-516-0358
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Miss Black USA Announces Groundbreaking Partnership with Black Wall Street Originals Academy to Foster Wealth Creation and Economic Empowerment within the Black Community
(MARYLAND-JUNE 20, 2023) - The Miss Black USA Pageant, the nation’s premier pageant for women of color, is proud to announce its partnership with Black Wall Street Originals, the leading training ground that teaches the fundamentals of investing, with an emphasis on fostering wealth creation and economic empowerment within the Black community.
This partnership is especially important for women of color who disproportionately experience the wealth gap. According to recent studies, women of color are less likely to have access to financial resources and investments, which puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to building wealth and achieving financial independence.
Through this partnership, the winner of Miss Black USA will be awarded a scholarship to attend the virtual training program at Black Wall Street Originals. This exciting opportunity will equip the winner with the knowledge and skills necessary to build wealth and create a better future for herself and her community.
"Our partnership with Black Wall Street Originals marks a pivotal moment in our mission to bridge the wealth gap for women of color," exclaimed Karen Arrington, CEO and Founder of Miss Black USA Pageant. "We're excited to empower our participants with the skills and knowledge to achieve personal and professional growth, and we're confident that this program will be a game-changer in transforming lives."
The Black Wall Street Originals’ training program covers a variety of investment topics, including stock market fundamentals, asset allocation, and portfolio management. The program also has a strong emphasis on community building and empowerment, providing a supportive environment for its members to grow and learn together.
This partnership between Miss Black USA Pageant and Black Wall Street Originals Academy is a groundbreaking step towards encouraging financial literacy and empowerment in the Black community. We look forward to seeing the impact that this program will have on the lives of our contestants and the wider community.
ABOUT MISS BLACK USA
Founded in 1987, the Miss Black USA™ Pageant is an internationally recognized organization that is committed to empowering women to use their voices to make a difference in society. It is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for women of color, and has awarded over $650,000 in scholarships. For the past two and a half decades the pageant has received positive broadcast and editorial coverage in leading international and US national media outlets including: USA Today, Good Morning America Now, NBC Nightly News, New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, Black Voice, The Roots, and BET Network. Miss Black USA™ is a highly respected organization redefining what it means to be a courageous, compassionate and confident woman of color.
Karen Arrington is a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant. Plus, her book Your Next Level Life was a winner of a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.
ABOUT BLACK WALL STREET ORIGINALS
Black Wall Street Originals (BWSO), the premier destination for education and financial literacy focused on empowering individuals to invest in the stock market. Our Academy offers a variety of courses, from beginner to advanced, covering everything from understanding the basics of the stock market stock market investing, portfolio management, and wealth-building strategies. Our team of experienced instructors, who are experts in finance and investing, are dedicated to helping our students succeed and achieve financial independence. With Black Wall Street Originals Academy, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to take control of your finances and make informed investment decisions that can help you build generational wealth.
Lawrence Eggleston is a visionary leader and self-made millionaire who's changing the game of investing. His journey began in New York, where he recognized the power of collaboration and education in building a brighter future for us all. Upon moving to Atlanta, he observed a gap in financial literacy that left many feeling disempowered and at a loss. It was this realization that galvanized Lawrence to take action and start investing at the young age of 17.
Fast forward six years later, and the now CEO of Black Wall Street Originals has successfully seen six-figure returns on the stock market. But Lawrence's mission goes beyond his own wealth accumulation. He's cultivated a dedicated community through weekly events and classes, empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to take control of their financial futures.
Lawrence Eggleston is proof that with dedication, hard work, and the right mindset, anything is possible. Join him on his journey to building a better world, one investment at a time.
Contact:
Joelle Polisky
Email: marketing@missblackusa.org
Phone: 615-516-0358
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Miss Black USA Announces Expansion of Pageant Partnerships with The Cultural Presence
(MARYLAND-FEBRUARY 23, 2023)- Miss Black USA announces a new exclusive partnership with The Cultural Presence to give it’s contestants the winning edge and propel them to a new level of success in pageantry and life. The pageant is pleased to appoint Dr. Estenia Goodrige as the Chief Etiquette Officer of the Miss Black USA Organization.
The Cultural Presence is the leading training ground for equipping young women of color with soft skills such as leadership, social etiquette, business etiquette, dining etiquette, and character development preparing them for an ever-evolving global world. Founder, Dr. Estenia Goodridge knows how to bring the culture to etiquette. Ever since she was a young girl, Estenia has always been a lover of etiquette. Exposed by her mother to Jane Austen and other Regency era films, she first took notice of the mannerisms and etiquette of their day.
Women spend their whole lives contorting themselves to fit into societal ideas of womanhood. When it comes to African American women, there’s always the intersection of gender and race at play. Eighty-percent of the Miss Black USA contestants are in graduate school. Several are practicing attorneys and in medical school. They are influencers and leaders in their schools and communities. “I believe we have a responsibility to equip our contestants with the soft skills they need to navigate any room they enter and take up space.” stated Karen Arrington, CEO & Founder of the Miss Black USA Pageant, a national scholarship pageant that celebrates the achievements of outstanding young women of color through the awarding of scholarships each year.
Every contestant will be afforded business etiquette training at no cost. The winners of the 2023 national pageant held August 7, 2023 will be offered one-on-one training with Dr. Goodridge based on their career goals and ambitions.
ABOUT MISS BLACK USA
Founded in 1987, the Miss Black USA™ Pageant is an internationally recognized organization that is committed to empowering women to use their voices to make a difference in society. It is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for women of color, and has awarded over $650,000 in scholarships. For the past two and a half decades the pageant has received positive broadcast and editorial coverage in leading international and US national media outlets including: USA Today, Good Morning America Now, NBC Nightly News, New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, Black Voice, The Roots, and BET Network. Miss Black USA™ is a highly respected organization redefining what it means to be a courageous, compassionate and confident woman of color.
ABOUT KAREN ARRINGTON
Karen Arrington is a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant. Plus, her book YOUR NEXT LEVEL LIFE was a winner of a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.
Over the past 20 years, Karen has mentored over 1,000 young women. She has helped them secure life-changing scholarships, pursue global travel opportunities, get into top medical schools, land major modeling contracts, launch multi-city speaking tours, and transform their lives and communities. Karen is here to help women write the new rules of power, opportunity, and life-changing confidence.
Karen’s coaching, mentoring, and philanthropic work spans over 100,000 hours of service — including her position as a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, her work as the co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and her role as the founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant. She has launched international campaigns to raise awareness (and cash) for heart disease research, negotiated $2 million sponsorship deals with heads of foreign nations, and secured over $300,000 in financial aid for young black scholars, artists & emerging leaders. They don't call her the Queen of Service for nothing, and she's just getting started.
About The Cultural Presence
The Cultural Presence, LLC was created to establish positive values and promote cultural ideals in the community, TCP focuses on two goals: The first - to strengthen social skills in the community, as research has revealed social skills combined with technical skills are more valued in the job industry than technical skills alone. The second - to bring back etiquette and making it relatable to all different cultures in the community.
It is the mission of TCP is to enhance the well-being of young adults by improving their soft skills such as leadership, social etiquette, business etiquette, dining etiquette, and character development. The soft skills help build confidence, improve their daily lives, and assist them in securing a placement in the global workforce. Additionally, The Cultural Presence, LLC seeks to advance social and cultural knowledge as well as opportunity, growth, self-esteem, and confidence for all people and all cultures.
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NEW YORK’S TAHIRA GILYARD CAPTURES MISS BLACK USA CROWN LIVE ON FOX SOUL
(MARYLAND-AUGUST 8, 2021)- Fordham University Law Student, Model, and New York Contestant, Tahira Gilyard is crowned Miss Black USA Live on FOX SOUL, presented by People of Color Beauty. FOX SOUL is a free streaming platform serving unapologetically black, consumable by all entertainment..
The Miss Black USA Organization crowned New York contestant, Tahira Gilyard, the new Miss Black USA live on Fox Soul and presented by People of Color Beauty. This is the second year the pageant was televised. Gilyard is the first contestant from New York to win the national title. Along with the coveted crown, Gilyard was awarded a 4-year, full-tuition scholarship to the University of the District of Columbia which can be used for undergraduate or graduate school, a $10, 000 For Every Type Protective Hair Scholarship and a host of other prizes.
Eighty percent of Miss Black USA contestants are in graduate or professional school. They are lawyers, graduate students, scientists, educators, and more. .
“I am so honored to carry this crown and, as Miss Black USA, I plan to advocate for women to see the beauty in themselves and the limitless possibilities available to them.,” Gilyard said. “Representation matters and it’s so important that Black women are seen and heard and we create our own narratives and not allow others to tell us who we are.”
Top 5 Finalists:
1st Runner Up - South Carolina, Maya Rose Phillips
2nd Runner Up - New Jersey, Tiera Williams
3rd Runner Up - Texas, Kyara Murry
4th Runner Up - Kentucky, Demitrea Snorton
Trailblazer Award - Texas, Kyara Murry
Community Activist Award - Texas, Kyara Murry
Miss Congeniality - Maryland, Atiya Stewart
This year’s pageant was sponsored by People of Color Beauty, The University of the District of Columbia, For Every Type, ICONI Activewear, MMG, Mygani, Arrow and Phoenix Swimwear, VIP Smiles, Forever K. Michael, Bemade, and The 400 Years of African-American History Commission.
Visit MissBlackUSA.org for more information and booking inquiries.
More about Miss Black USA
Founded in 1987, the Miss Black USA™ Pageant is an internationally recognized organization that is committed to empowering women to use their voices to make a difference in society. It is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for women of color, and has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships. For the past two and a half decades the pageant has received positive broadcast and editorial coverage in leading international and US national media outlets including: USA Today, Good Morning America Now, NBC Nightly News, New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, Black Voice, The Roots, and BET Network. Miss Black USA™ is a highly respected organization redefining what it means to be a courageous, compassionate and confident woman of color.
More about Karen Arrington
Karen Arrington is a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant. Plus, her book Your Next Level Life was a winner of a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.
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36TH ANNUAL MISS BLACK USA PAGEANT TO AIR ON FOX SOUL AUGUST 7
A Bold Celebration of Beauty, Culture and Identity That Empowers Women to Own Their Power and Celebrate Their Unique Talents and Traits
(MARYLAND-AUGUST 2, 2021)- FOX SOUL, the Black community's premiere free streaming platform, announced today that they will be exclusively broadcasting the 36th annual Miss Black USA Pageant on Sunday, August 7, 2022, presented by People of Color Beauty. The Miss Black USA Organization is a non-profit corporation that is the first and largest scholarship pageant for women of color, awarding over $500,000 in scholarships. The winner of this year’s pageant will receive a life-changing 4-year, full-tuition scholarship to the University of The District of Columbia, which can be used for an undergraduate or graduate degree program. The pageant empowers women to own their power and celebrates their unique talents, traits, and beauty. Miss Black USA defines her own standard of beauty and celebrates the whole woman, mind, body and spirit, all shades of brown, hair texture and size.
“The pageant allows for Black women to have a platform to showcase the power and beauty of being unapologetically Black,” stated Karen Arrington, CEO & Founder of Miss Black USA, Inc. “Our organization is highly respected and has redefined what it means to be a courageous, compassionate, and confident woman of color. We are proud that FOX SOUL is airing the Miss Black USA Pageant for the second year, emphasizing their commitment to the community.”
“FOX SOUL is thrilled to be partnering with Miss Black USA for the second consecutive year to celebrate and honor the unique talents, traits and accomplishments of women of color from all over the country,” said FOX SOUL’s Executive Producer, Joyce Coleman-Sampson
The pageant has successfully launched the careers of young women of color in the fields of education, law, medicine, entertainment and the arts. The contestants will kick-off their arrival in the nation’s capital on Thursday, August 4th with the “Miss Black USA Stronger Than” Luncheon in partnership with the 400 Year African American History Commission and will culminate with the crowning of Miss Black USA on Sunday, August 7th. The pageant is currently collecting votes on their website for fans to select their favorite contestants for this year’s People's Choice Awards. One dollar will equal one vote and all proceeds will go to the Miss Black USA Scholarship Fund.
To learn more about this year’s pageant and its contestants, please visit: https://www.missblackusa.org/ and https://www.missblackusa.org/2022-peoples-choice
ABOUT MISS BLACK USA
Founded in 1987, the Miss Black USA™ Pageant is an internationally recognized organization that is committed to empowering women to use their voices to make a difference in society. It is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for women of color, and has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships. For the past two and a half decades the pageant has received positive broadcast and editorial coverage in leading international and US national media outlets including: USA Today, Good Morning America Now, NBC Nightly News, New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, Black Voice, The Roots, and BET Network. Miss Black USA™ is a highly respected organization redefining what it means to be a courageous, compassionate and confident woman of color.
ABOUT KAREN ARRINGTON
Karen Arrington is a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant. Plus, her book YOUR NEXT LEVEL LIFE was a winner of a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.
Over the past 20 years, Karen has mentored over 1,000 young women. She has helped them secure life-changing scholarships, pursue global travel opportunities, get into top medical schools, land major modeling contracts, launch multi-city speaking tours, and transform their lives and communities. Karen is here to help women write the new rules of power, opportunity, and life-changing confidence.
Karen’s coaching, mentoring, and philanthropic work spans over 100,000 hours of service — including her position as a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, her work as the co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and her role as the founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant. She has launched international campaigns to raise awareness (and cash) for heart disease research, negotiated $2 million sponsorship deals with heads of foreign nations, and secured over $300,000 in financial aid for young black scholars, artists & emerging leaders. They don't call her the Queen of Service for nothing, and she's just getting started.
ABOUT FOX SOUL
FOX SOUL is the Black community’s premiere free streaming platform serving UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK, CONSUMABLE BY ALL entertainment around the clock to 44+ million viewers. With over 1,300 hours of live and interactive programming annually, we are home to some of the most iconic faces and voices of our culture: Cocktails with Queens hosted by Claudia Jordan, the award-winning FOX SOUL's Black Report, the black filmmaker showcase known as FOX SOUL's Screening Room hosted by Vivica A. Fox, The Book of Sean hosted by Dr. Sean McMillan, Business of Being Black with Tammi Mac, TEA G-I-F and more. We share YOUR voice and YOUR Truth 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on FOX SOUL, visit us on YouTube and FOXSOUL.TV.
Media Contacts:
FOX SOUL
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36TH ANNUAL MISS BLACK USA PAGEANT TO AIR ON FOX SOUL AUGUST 7
A Bold Celebration of Beauty, Culture and Identity That Empowers Women to Own Their Power and Celebrate Their Unique Talents and Traits
(MARYLAND-AUGUST 2, 2021)- FOX SOUL, the Black community's premiere free streaming platform, announced today that they will be exclusively broadcasting the 36th annual Miss Black USA Pageant on Sunday, August 7, 2022, presented by People of Color Beauty. The Miss Black USA Organization is a non-profit corporation that is the first and largest scholarship pageant for women of color, awarding over $500,000 in scholarships. The winner of this year’s pageant will receive a life-changing 4-year, full-tuition scholarship to the University of The District of Columbia, which can be used for an undergraduate or graduate degree program. The pageant empowers women to own their power and celebrates their unique talents, traits, and beauty. Miss Black USA defines her own standard of beauty and celebrates the whole woman, mind, body and spirit, all shades of brown, hair texture and size.
“The pageant allows for Black women to have a platform to showcase the power and beauty of being unapologetically Black,” stated Karen Arrington, CEO & Founder of Miss Black USA, Inc. “Our organization is highly respected and has redefined what it means to be a courageous, compassionate, and confident woman of color. We are proud that FOX SOUL is airing the Miss Black USA Pageant for the second year, emphasizing their commitment to the community.”
“FOX SOUL is thrilled to be partnering with Miss Black USA for the second consecutive year to celebrate and honor the unique talents, traits and accomplishments of women of color from all over the country,” said FOX SOUL’s Executive Producer, Joyce Coleman-Sampson
The pageant has successfully launched the careers of young women of color in the fields of education, law, medicine, entertainment and the arts. The contestants will kick-off their arrival in the nation’s capital on Thursday, August 4th with the “Miss Black USA Stronger Than” Luncheon in partnership with the 400 Year African American History Commission and will culminate with the crowning of Miss Black USA on Sunday, August 7th. The pageant is currently collecting votes on their website for fans to select their favorite contestants for this year’s People's Choice Awards. One dollar will equal one vote and all proceeds will go to the Miss Black USA Scholarship Fund.
To learn more about this year’s pageant and its contestants, please visit: https://www.missblackusa.org/ and https://www.missblackusa.org/2022-peoples-choice
ABOUT MISS BLACK USA
Founded in 1987, the Miss Black USA™ Pageant is an internationally recognized organization that is committed to empowering women to use their voices to make a difference in society. It is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for women of color, and has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships. For the past two and a half decades the pageant has received positive broadcast and editorial coverage in leading international and US national media outlets including: USA Today, Good Morning America Now, NBC Nightly News, New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, Black Voice, The Roots, and BET Network. Miss Black USA™ is a highly respected organization redefining what it means to be a courageous, compassionate and confident woman of color.
ABOUT KAREN ARRINGTON
Karen Arrington is a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant. Plus, her book Your Next Level Life was a winner of a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.
Over the past 20 years, Karen has mentored over 1,000 young women. She has helped them secure life-changing scholarships, pursue global travel opportunities, get into top medical schools, land major modeling contracts, launch multi-city speaking tours, and transform their lives and communities. Karen is here to help women write the new rules of power, opportunity, and life-changing confidence.
Karen’s coaching, mentoring, and philanthropic work spans over 100,000 hours of service — including her position as a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, her work as the co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and her role as the founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant. She has launched international campaigns to raise awareness (and cash) for heart disease research, negotiated $2 million sponsorship deals with heads of foreign nations, and secured over $300,000 in financial aid for young black scholars, artists & emerging leaders. They don't call her the Queen of Service for nothing, and she's just getting started.
ABOUT FOX SOUL
FOX SOUL is the Black community’s premiere free streaming platform serving UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK, CONSUMABLE BY ALL entertainment around the clock to 44+ million viewers. With over 1,300 hours of live and interactive programming annually, we are home to some of the most iconic faces and voices of our culture: Cocktails with Queens hosted by Claudia Jordan, the award-winning FOX SOUL's Black Report, the black filmmaker showcase known as FOX SOUL's Screening Room hosted by Vivica A. Fox, The Book of Sean hosted by Dr. Sean McMillan, Business of Being Black with Tammi Mac, TEA G-I-F and more. We share YOUR voice and YOUR Truth 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on FOX SOUL, visit us on YouTube and FOXSOUL.TV.
Media Contacts:
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Queenly Announces Expansion of Pageant Partnerships with Miss Black USA
Credit: Dorian Qi & Queenly Inc.
(SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 2, 2021) /EINPresswire.com/ -- Queenly and Miss Black USA announce a new exclusive partnership that will give back to the pageant community.
In the new partnership, all Miss Black USA contestants will have easier access to the essential garments needed to participate through Queenly’s website and app. The partnership will also result in donated sponsorship money that will go directly to a Miss Black USA scholarship.
The partnership has been orchestrated by Queenly CEO Trisha Bantigue and The Miss Black USA Pageant founder Karen Arrington.
virginia’s myja gary CAPTURES MISS BLACK USA CROWN live on fox soul
(MARYLAND-AUGUST 8, 2021)- Former HBCU Queen and Virginia Contestant, Myja Gary is crowned Miss Black USA Live on Fox Soul for the first time FOX SOUL, presented by People of Color Beauty. FOX SOUL is a free streaming platform serving unapologetically black, consumable by all entertainment..
The Miss Black USA Organization crowned Virginia contestant, Myja Gary, the new Miss Black USA live on Fox Soul and presented by People of Color Beauty. This is the first year the pageant was televised. Gary is an alumna and former Queen of a Historically Black College, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the first contestant from Virginia to win the title.
As Miss Black USA, Gary is an advocate for women’s leadership. Through her platform, Bridging The Gap, she aims to helps create the next generation of women leaders by helping women feel confident, prepared, and connected to other women leaders through mentorship, career readiness and community building programs.
During her reign as Miss Black Virginia, Myja single handedly organized a virtual women’s leadership summit called Women I.N. (In the Network) that impacted over 150 millennial Black women to help them learn more about different career fields. The summit consisted of four events where a panel of women from the technology, communications and marketing, education, and health and medicine spaces shared knowledge and insight on how to secure a career role, how to be successful, and what it means to have a seat at the table.
Eighty percent of Miss Black USA contestants are in graduate or professional school. They are lawyers, graduate students, scientists, educators, and more. Gary received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and her Master of Professional Studies from Georgetown University. Currently, she works as a Corporate Communications Manager at Zoom where she serves as a strategic communications advisor and expert to internal stakeholders and executive leaders.
“I am so honored to carry this crown and, as Miss Black USA, I plan to advocate for women to have a seat at the table,” Gary said. “Representation matters and it’s so important that Black women are seen and heard and we create our own narratives and not allow others to tell us who we are.”
Top 5 Finalists:
1st Runner Up - South Carolina, Maya Rose Phillips
2nd Runner Up - Tennessee, Alicia Jones
3rd Runner Up - Pennsylvania, Tiara Risby
4th Runner Up - Texas, Jasmine Gongora
Trailblazer Award - District of Columbia, Amini Bonance
Community Activist Award - District of Columbia, Amini Bonane
Miss Congeniality - Hawaii, Hannah Archer
This year’s pageant was sponsored by People of Color Beauty, Liliana Footwear, ICONI Activewear, MMG, Mygani, Crown Jewel Designs, Neverrated LLC,
Visit MissBlackUSA.org for more information and booking inquiries.
More about Miss Black USA
Founded in 1987, the Miss Black USA™ Pageant is an internationally recognized organization that is committed to empowering women to use their voices to make a difference in society. It is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for women of color, and has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships. For the past two and a half decades the pageant has received positive broadcast and editorial coverage in leading international and US national media outlets including: USA Today, Good Morning America Now, NBC Nightly News, New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, Black Voice, The Roots, and BET Network. Miss Black USA™ is a highly respected organization redefining what it means to be a courageous, compassionate and confident woman of color.
More about Karen Arrington
Karen Arrington is a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant. Plus, her book Your Next Level Life was a winner of a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.
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Miss Black USA Pageant on FOX SOUL, August 8th
The pageant empowers women to own their power and celebrates their unique talents, traits, and beauty
(MARYLAND-AUGUST 3, 2021)- Announced today, the 35th annual Miss Black USA Pageant, will be broadcast live on FOX SOUL August 8th, 2021. FOX SOUL is a free streaming platform serving unapologetically black, consumable by all entertainment.
Karen Arrington is the Founder and CEO of Miss Black USA, a national scholarship pageant that celebrates the achievements of young women of color through the awarding of scholarships each year.
The Miss Black USA Organization is the first and largest scholarship pageant for women of color, awarding over $500,000 in scholarships. The pageant empowers women to own their power and celebrates their unique talents, traits, and beauty. Miss Black USA defines her own standard of beauty and celebrates the whole woman, mind, body and spirit, all shades of brown, hair texture and size. Miss Black USA is a non-profit corporation headquartered in the state of Maryland.
”The pageant allows for Black women to have a platform to showcase the power and beauty of being unapologetically Black,” stated Karen Arrington, CEO & Founder of Miss Black USA, Inc. “Our organization is highly respected and has redefined what it means to be a courageous, compassionate, and confident woman of color. We are proud that FOX SOUL is airing the Miss Black USA Pageant for the very first time, emphasizing their commitment to the community.”
A practicing physician, a doctoral student, an attorney, and several other graduate students are among those who are competing in this year’s prestigious pageant. More about all of the contestants https://www.missblackusa.org/2020-peoples-choice
To learn more about this year’s pageant, please visit: https://www.missblackusa.org/
More about Miss Black USA
Founded in 1987, the Miss Black USA™ Pageant is an internationally recognized organization that is committed to empowering women to use their voices to make a difference in society. It is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for women of color, and has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships. For the past two and a half decades the pageant has received positive broadcast and editorial coverage in leading international and US national media outlets including: USA Today, Good Morning America Now, NBC Nightly News, New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, Black Voice, The Roots, and BET Network. Miss Black USA™ is a highly respected organization redefining what it means to be a courageous, compassionate and confident woman of color.
More about Karen Arrington
Karen Arrington is a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant. Plus, her book Your Next Level Life was a winner of a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.
Over the past 20 years, Karen has mentored over 1,000 young women. She has helped them secure life-changing scholarships, pursue global travel opportunities, get into top medical schools, land major modeling contracts, launch multi-city speaking tours, and transform their lives and communities. Karen is here to help women write the new rules of power, opportunity, and life-changing confidence.
Karen’s coaching, mentoring, and philanthropic work spans over 100,000 hours of service — including her position as a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, her work as the co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and her role as the founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant. She has launched international campaigns to raise awareness (and cash) for heart disease research, negotiated $2 million sponsorship deals with heads of foreign nations, and secured over $300,000 in financial aid for young black scholars, artists & emerging leaders. They don't call her the Queen of Service for nothing, and she's just getting started.
About FOX SOUL
FOX SOUL is the Black community’s premiere free streaming platform serving UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK, CONSUMABLE BY ALL entertainment around the clock to 44+ million viewers. With over 1,300 hours of live and interactive programming annually, we are home to some of the most iconic faces and voices of our culture: Cocktails with Queens hosted by Claudia Jordan, the award winning FOX SOUL's Black Report, the black filmmaker showcase known as FOX SOUL's Screening Room hosted by Vivica A. Fox, Get Into It with Tami Roman, Worth a Conversation with Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins, The Book of Sean hosted by Dr. Sean McMillan, and more. We share YOUR voice, YOUR truth, and YOUR stories 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on FOX SOUL, visit us on YouTube.com/FOXSOUL and FOXSOUL.TV.
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