Hello everyone!
Over the past few months I have gotten the opportunity to speak with many of the delegates about the job of Miss Black USA. I have been rather impressed that the questions asked were thought provoking, sincere, and passionate letting me know that these contestants are very serious about this position and the responsibilities that come along with it.
So I wanted to take the time out to address the two questions that are most often asked by future delegates, fans, and supporters alike.
What does it take to win?
I'm not really sure that there is a set formula for that, other than being yourself. As cliche' as that may sound it is your greatest ammunition. Having a strong sense of self and understanding what your gifts are and why they make you so unique and intriguing and ultimately an awesome individual, is a winning combination no matter what forum you decide to participate in. Never be afraid to be who you are and to let that inner light shine. By no means am I any more extraordinary than any other woman that has graced that stage. I'm sure everyone thought their girl was the cream of the crop, and honestly, they were. I just put my very best foot forward and gave it my all and understood that if that was what God had for me then that's what I was going to go with. To have compared myself with other contestants would have driven me crazy and made me lose the enjoyment of the whole process. Meeting some of those girls really enhanced my outlook on what someone can truly accomplish in life and I met one of my very close friends as well. If I had've been stressed about what someone was wearing, or who had a more extensive resume' than myself, that would have never happend. Pageants are subjective and a matter of opinion so no matter what believe that you are a winner and you will be just that....and sane at the end of it all...LOL. So my advice to any woman striving to become the next Miss Black USA is to believe in yourself and have faith in what God has put in you. Make a plan, and in doing so, make sure these things are addressed: How will you execute this job upon receiving it?; What role does the title play to the progression of your future?; and most importantly how will being Miss Black USA help to enrich someone else's life and the community? If you can give clear and concise answers to those questions for yourself, then you are ready for more than just the glitz but also the work.
What is it like to be Miss Black USA?
Well....in a phrase, it is the experience of a lifetime! In my 28 years I have been extremely blessed to experience some wonderful opportunities, but nothing quite like this. I am so grateful to be on this journey. It is however, a job. I know, doesn't sound all that glamorous (the word J O B) but above all else that's what it is. So always approaching it in the way that I approach my business has been a help. Being flexible and open to the process makes the experience a joy. Service is dear to my heart, so the fact that as Miss Black USA you get to be affiliated with organizations like the 50 million Pound Challenge, the American Heart Association's Heart Truth Campaign, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children via my platform Project Protect are gratifying. Especially seeing as how heart disease is the number one killer among African-American women, the Heart Truth Campaign definitely strikes a cord. So for all the contestants that are getting their teams together for the 50 Million Pound Challenge contest for the pageant understand that teaching those healthy habits are also helping to keep our women healthy as well. Life is truly a circle!;0) Our organization is making strides everyday to continue its legacy as the number one provider of scholarship for African-American women and giving them avenues to express themselves, their talents, and help the community. The people, relationships, trips, trials, triumphs and everything in between have truly boarden my view of this world and my place in it. God is so good and I am excited for the next woman who will have such a privilege bestowed upon them as well.
Well..I hope I've given some insight...always feel free to ask any question. I'll answer to the best of my ability!!
'Til next time...be blessed!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Friday, December 19, 2008
Television, Radio, and Magazines Oh my!!
I am ecstatic about how the month of December shaped up. God truly is good and never ceases to amaze me.
I appeared on the nationally syndicated Warren Ballentine Radio Show, my episode of Tyler Perry's House of Payne aired, and my feature article in Sophisticate's Black Hair Magazine hit newstands. I'm almost ready to launch the website for Project Protect, my non-profit and Miss Black USA platform iniative, with the help of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children--they are such giving people and an extraordinary organization.
But I must say that one of the highlights of my month was going through the Miss Black USA Pageant blog and catching up with the goings and comings of my fellow MBUSA sisters. You ladies never cease to amaze me. You are the lifeblood of this organization and continuing examples of just how fantastic it is to be a strong black women. Kudos to you and specifically Miss Black Michigan USA 2008 Kyona Cook who is the Blog hostess with the mostess;0). HIVE FIVE FROM ONE SIS TO ANOTHER!! Please stop by and check my ladies out...you won't be dissappointed!! www.missblackusapageant.blogspot.com.
Till next time...be blessed.
Kristen White
Miss Black USA 2008
I appeared on the nationally syndicated Warren Ballentine Radio Show, my episode of Tyler Perry's House of Payne aired, and my feature article in Sophisticate's Black Hair Magazine hit newstands. I'm almost ready to launch the website for Project Protect, my non-profit and Miss Black USA platform iniative, with the help of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children--they are such giving people and an extraordinary organization.
But I must say that one of the highlights of my month was going through the Miss Black USA Pageant blog and catching up with the goings and comings of my fellow MBUSA sisters. You ladies never cease to amaze me. You are the lifeblood of this organization and continuing examples of just how fantastic it is to be a strong black women. Kudos to you and specifically Miss Black Michigan USA 2008 Kyona Cook who is the Blog hostess with the mostess;0). HIVE FIVE FROM ONE SIS TO ANOTHER!! Please stop by and check my ladies out...you won't be dissappointed!! www.missblackusapageant.blogspot.com.
Till next time...be blessed.
Kristen White
Miss Black USA 2008
Merry St. Maarten!!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Its five days until the big day and I have yet to do any real shopping, I have one gift under my belt, so maybe I'm not so bad...that's what I'll keep telling myself LOL. Anywhooo......
I am fresh off the hills of such an amazing trip. As Miss Black USA, our director and founder Karen Arrington and myself got the opportunity to participate in the Miss Caraibes Hibiscus Pageant located in beautiful St. Maarten! In a word it was beautiful. The staff, pageant officials, and contestants were so incredible. We were blessed to have accomodations provided by the La Samonna Resort. Our villa was right off of the beach. Every morning I got the chance to wake up to an ocean view. But that wasn't the best part.
The best part was realizing how awesome this world is, to have such incredible gems like the Carribean and the people were just as warm and inviting. I was fortunate enough to spend time with many of the contestants prior to the competition and what inspiring women they are. It amazed me how every girl there was at the very least bi-lingual, last year's winner alone spoke 5 languages. These women were not just faces, though gorgeous they were true contributors to there communities, countries and great representations of strong women. I was humbled at how excited they were for the US to have its first African-American leader and how so many of them now had renewed hope. How amazing to discover, that even in our differences we still shared commond bonds. Each of their stories touched me and inspired me to come back and ensure that I am the same type of representation of strength, ambition and true beauty as each of those young ladies were for me.
Knowing how awesome these women were made it even more difficult to choose just one as the winner, but we managed and she was more than deserving. Congratulations to the new Miss Caraibes Hibiscus 2009 Curacao, which makes back-to-back wins for the country! Well deserved on both accounts! A wonderful culmination to a wonderful weekend/event.
Wish me luck on the shopping, I think I'm gonna need it;0).
Til Next time...be blessed
Kristen White
Miss Black USA 2008
Its five days until the big day and I have yet to do any real shopping, I have one gift under my belt, so maybe I'm not so bad...that's what I'll keep telling myself LOL. Anywhooo......
I am fresh off the hills of such an amazing trip. As Miss Black USA, our director and founder Karen Arrington and myself got the opportunity to participate in the Miss Caraibes Hibiscus Pageant located in beautiful St. Maarten! In a word it was beautiful. The staff, pageant officials, and contestants were so incredible. We were blessed to have accomodations provided by the La Samonna Resort. Our villa was right off of the beach. Every morning I got the chance to wake up to an ocean view. But that wasn't the best part.
The best part was realizing how awesome this world is, to have such incredible gems like the Carribean and the people were just as warm and inviting. I was fortunate enough to spend time with many of the contestants prior to the competition and what inspiring women they are. It amazed me how every girl there was at the very least bi-lingual, last year's winner alone spoke 5 languages. These women were not just faces, though gorgeous they were true contributors to there communities, countries and great representations of strong women. I was humbled at how excited they were for the US to have its first African-American leader and how so many of them now had renewed hope. How amazing to discover, that even in our differences we still shared commond bonds. Each of their stories touched me and inspired me to come back and ensure that I am the same type of representation of strength, ambition and true beauty as each of those young ladies were for me.
Knowing how awesome these women were made it even more difficult to choose just one as the winner, but we managed and she was more than deserving. Congratulations to the new Miss Caraibes Hibiscus 2009 Curacao, which makes back-to-back wins for the country! Well deserved on both accounts! A wonderful culmination to a wonderful weekend/event.
Wish me luck on the shopping, I think I'm gonna need it;0).
Til Next time...be blessed
Kristen White
Miss Black USA 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
August, September, October...here we go!!
Yes, I know its been a minute. Okay more like months, but there's much to tell. I can't believe that already, I am 5 months into my reign. Time is truly flying, but I am blessed to say I am making the most of it. So to make this update as efficient as possible,:0), will take it a month at a time. Here goes....
August-
I was honored to start this month off with the Clayton County Board of Education in my home state of Georgia. I was a special guest and speaker for their annual Clayton County Back-to-School Kickoff. This program welcomes back all faculty and staff and serves as a day to motivate and encourage educators to have a successful year. Over 3,600 educators and staff were in attendance. It was such an electrifying feeling to be able to speak to that many people. I also got the opportunity to perform at PALS Bingo, which is a charity event that raises money for PALS, a non-profit organization that provides pets to those suffering from terminal illnesses. That was a particularly good night; 1) we raised alot of money and 2) I won $150 in a bingo round! In addition, I also co-hosted the Dress for Success event, "Design for A Purpose" Competition. The designers were incredible and their lines didn't dissappoint. This month also yielded the start of some great partnerships....more to come on that later;0)
September-
Miss Black USA welcomed a new member to the family as I attended the crowning of the new Miss Mahogony. The pageant was held in Memphis, TN and when I say they arguably have some of the best ribs I've ever eaten I mean that..mmm mmm good!!:0) Alicia Lewis, Miss Mahogany 2009 and the Mississippi rep for Miss Black USA 2009, will surely do them proud. I also got the opportunity to be a special guest for HBCU Hall of Fame weekend and served as judge for the Miss HBCU competition. A big hand clap of praise goes out toe Miss North Carolina A&T who brought the title home. September ended with a bang. I was a keynote speaker for Usher's New Look Foundation Voter Registration Campaign "You Can but I Can't". We encouraged kids that are not of voting age to encourage those around them who are of age to go out and vote. This month also ended fantastically, as I was able to help my father ring in his 63rd birthday. My eldest brother's birthday is the day before, so it was good week in the White family.
October-
This month started off at the movies. As Miss Black USA I do get the opportunity to attend premiers but this was different. The Women's Ministry at my church had an outing and we saw "Fireproof". It was incredible and I can only hope that I one day find a guy who would do the "love book". Curious as to what I'm talking about? Google it, and then go see it...you'll love it too. Being that I am a Georgia peach, its always nice when I have appearances that are close to home. My Clark Atlanta visit definitely fit the bill. I got to speak to every campus queen from all of the Atlanta University Center institutions. Topic of choice?....finding your purpose. They asked alot of questions so apparently, what I said must of been interesting. That, or they were being really polite;0). Spelman also hosted an open forum, "the LaVena Johnson Update" for which I was a panelist. This month also had its share of industry events including the BET Hip Hop Awards, the Janet Jackson concert, and my taping of Tyler Perry's House of Payne! Professionally, I shot features for CTP Magazine, Sophisticates Black Hair Magazine, and Jezebel Magazine. I was also named as one of the new faces of Poshissimo Jewelry. I think it's safe to say it was a good month;0). Additionally, I also made a great stride with my non-profit Project Protest as I presented for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at my first national conference. NCMEC is also now an official partner of Project Protect, so we will be working very closely together in the near future! Finally, this month ended in Washington, DC where I was a special at the "For Sista's Only" Expo. I not only kicked off the event with the black national anthem, but I signed autographs and did a radio show with "Big Tig". Shout out to Miss Black DC 2008 Amanda Lewis for making my stay in DC even more enjoyable!
Well I'm outta words so til next time....be blessed and fearlessly walk into your destiny!
Kristen White
Miss Black USA 2008
August-
I was honored to start this month off with the Clayton County Board of Education in my home state of Georgia. I was a special guest and speaker for their annual Clayton County Back-to-School Kickoff. This program welcomes back all faculty and staff and serves as a day to motivate and encourage educators to have a successful year. Over 3,600 educators and staff were in attendance. It was such an electrifying feeling to be able to speak to that many people. I also got the opportunity to perform at PALS Bingo, which is a charity event that raises money for PALS, a non-profit organization that provides pets to those suffering from terminal illnesses. That was a particularly good night; 1) we raised alot of money and 2) I won $150 in a bingo round! In addition, I also co-hosted the Dress for Success event, "Design for A Purpose" Competition. The designers were incredible and their lines didn't dissappoint. This month also yielded the start of some great partnerships....more to come on that later;0)
September-
Miss Black USA welcomed a new member to the family as I attended the crowning of the new Miss Mahogony. The pageant was held in Memphis, TN and when I say they arguably have some of the best ribs I've ever eaten I mean that..mmm mmm good!!:0) Alicia Lewis, Miss Mahogany 2009 and the Mississippi rep for Miss Black USA 2009, will surely do them proud. I also got the opportunity to be a special guest for HBCU Hall of Fame weekend and served as judge for the Miss HBCU competition. A big hand clap of praise goes out toe Miss North Carolina A&T who brought the title home. September ended with a bang. I was a keynote speaker for Usher's New Look Foundation Voter Registration Campaign "You Can but I Can't". We encouraged kids that are not of voting age to encourage those around them who are of age to go out and vote. This month also ended fantastically, as I was able to help my father ring in his 63rd birthday. My eldest brother's birthday is the day before, so it was good week in the White family.
October-
This month started off at the movies. As Miss Black USA I do get the opportunity to attend premiers but this was different. The Women's Ministry at my church had an outing and we saw "Fireproof". It was incredible and I can only hope that I one day find a guy who would do the "love book". Curious as to what I'm talking about? Google it, and then go see it...you'll love it too. Being that I am a Georgia peach, its always nice when I have appearances that are close to home. My Clark Atlanta visit definitely fit the bill. I got to speak to every campus queen from all of the Atlanta University Center institutions. Topic of choice?....finding your purpose. They asked alot of questions so apparently, what I said must of been interesting. That, or they were being really polite;0). Spelman also hosted an open forum, "the LaVena Johnson Update" for which I was a panelist. This month also had its share of industry events including the BET Hip Hop Awards, the Janet Jackson concert, and my taping of Tyler Perry's House of Payne! Professionally, I shot features for CTP Magazine, Sophisticates Black Hair Magazine, and Jezebel Magazine. I was also named as one of the new faces of Poshissimo Jewelry. I think it's safe to say it was a good month;0). Additionally, I also made a great stride with my non-profit Project Protest as I presented for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at my first national conference. NCMEC is also now an official partner of Project Protect, so we will be working very closely together in the near future! Finally, this month ended in Washington, DC where I was a special at the "For Sista's Only" Expo. I not only kicked off the event with the black national anthem, but I signed autographs and did a radio show with "Big Tig". Shout out to Miss Black DC 2008 Amanda Lewis for making my stay in DC even more enjoyable!
Well I'm outta words so til next time....be blessed and fearlessly walk into your destiny!
Kristen White
Miss Black USA 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Hello, Wassup, Bonjour, Hola, Ohio, and all that other good stuff.....
1 Timothy 2:7-- "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of love, of power, and of a sound mind" --Stir up the GIFT!!!
Well well Love Muffins (props to B. Scott)!!
Let me properly introduce myself. My name is Kristen Elizabeth White and I am the reigning Miss Black USA. Welcome to my official blog which will keep you posted on the goings, comings, and travels of my journey. I want to start off by thanking the 37 young women that braved the Las Vegas desert with me while vying for the title of Miss Black USA. If you ever wanted to see class, intelligence, beauty and grace personified then you should've been there. These women were nothing short of phenominal and it was truly a blessing to meet you and, moreso, to represent you which I vow to do to the best of my ability.
More than just represent my fellow sisters, I am overjoyed and humbled at the opportunity to represent this country and the rich vibrance that the African-American community brings to it.
The month has been craziness with all the events and traveling that I've done. One of the first things I did was fly to LA for the BET Music Awards and while there I interviewed with the Tom Joyner Morning Show. You can check it out at www.blackamericaweb.com. Since then I've hosted Casino Royale Night with Bobby Valentino, been featured on the show "BET-Black Carpet", was a celebrity guest for the BET Summer Girls Camp along with Teyana Taylor, Toccara, Tiffany Evans, and Keri Hilson, appeared in several magazines/nrewspapers and on radio shows, I've had my official fashion shoot, was a VIP guests of the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show with Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, Janet Jackson, and Eric Benet and host/speaker for many other events. Whew...it's been a jam packed month and it only gets busier, and BUSIER!!!;0)
Well Love Muffins, that's my update for now, but be sure to stay posted as many exciting new things are happening everyday. Always remember, walk FEARLESSLY into your destiny!!
'til next time...BE BLESSED!!
Kristen White
Miss Black USA 2008
www.missblackusa.org
Well well Love Muffins (props to B. Scott)!!
Let me properly introduce myself. My name is Kristen Elizabeth White and I am the reigning Miss Black USA. Welcome to my official blog which will keep you posted on the goings, comings, and travels of my journey. I want to start off by thanking the 37 young women that braved the Las Vegas desert with me while vying for the title of Miss Black USA. If you ever wanted to see class, intelligence, beauty and grace personified then you should've been there. These women were nothing short of phenominal and it was truly a blessing to meet you and, moreso, to represent you which I vow to do to the best of my ability.
More than just represent my fellow sisters, I am overjoyed and humbled at the opportunity to represent this country and the rich vibrance that the African-American community brings to it.
The month has been craziness with all the events and traveling that I've done. One of the first things I did was fly to LA for the BET Music Awards and while there I interviewed with the Tom Joyner Morning Show. You can check it out at www.blackamericaweb.com. Since then I've hosted Casino Royale Night with Bobby Valentino, been featured on the show "BET-Black Carpet", was a celebrity guest for the BET Summer Girls Camp along with Teyana Taylor, Toccara, Tiffany Evans, and Keri Hilson, appeared in several magazines/nrewspapers and on radio shows, I've had my official fashion shoot, was a VIP guests of the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show with Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, Janet Jackson, and Eric Benet and host/speaker for many other events. Whew...it's been a jam packed month and it only gets busier, and BUSIER!!!;0)
Well Love Muffins, that's my update for now, but be sure to stay posted as many exciting new things are happening everyday. Always remember, walk FEARLESSLY into your destiny!!
'til next time...BE BLESSED!!
Kristen White
Miss Black USA 2008
www.missblackusa.org
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