Miss Black USA Pageant Brings the Next Generation of First Ladies to the Nation's Capital

UPPER MARLBORO, Md., Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- "It's truly befitting that we hold the national pageant this year in the nation's capital. In the spirit of the First Lady Michelle Obama, this year's contestants truly embody her legacy since 75% of our contestants are in graduate or professional school. Our contestants truly are the 'next generation of first ladies!'" said Karen Arrington, Founder/CEO.

Miss Black USA (MBUSA) pageant is not just another beauty pageant.  Examples are Miss Black District of Columbia, who is a practicing Pharmacist; Miss Black Michigan, who is pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience; and Miss Black Pennsylvania, who has a degree in Osteopathic Medicine.

MBUSA has been revolutionizing pageantry since 1986 as the preeminent pageant for women of color ages 18-27.  MBUSA promotes education by giving scholarships to its winners.  

Celebrities and political leaders will participate in the pageant's week long activities.  The Honorary Host Committee includes members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) such as  Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9), Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL), Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-7), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), and Congressman Donald Payne (NJ-10).  

Judges include Roger Bobb, Producer (Tyler Perry Studios); Nakia Sanford, Washington Mystics (WNBA); Derrick Rutlege, Celebrity Make Up Artist (First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey), Edwin Avent, Publisher (Heart & Soul magazine); and Nikki Kimbrough, Fitness Expert.

Official sponsors include Tyler Perry Studios, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, W Hotels, Ame' Cosmetics, and Heart & Soul magazine.

The week will commence with a Red Dress VIP Reception at the "W" Hotel on Wednesday, August 4 (7-9:30pm) in Washington, DC to raise awareness of heart disease.  Special guest Bruce Johnson - Emmy award winning anchor (WUSA Channel 9 News) and heart attack survivor - will be signing copies of his book "Heart to Heart".  

The 23rd annual final competition on Monday, August 9 (7:30pm) takes place at the historical Lincoln Theatre.  Special guests will grace the Red Carpet (6:30pm).  Deya Smith, former MBUSA 1994 and Senior Producer (Tom Joyner Morning Show), will host.  Press conference will follow the crowning of the new queen.  

Talented Teen Pageant, alongside MBUSA pageant, is Sunday, August 8 (5:30pm) at the Gaylord National Resort in Prince George's County, MD.

Supporters can vote for their 2010 MBUSA People's Choice:  http://www.missblackusa.org/delegates.  

Tickets to MBUSA Preliminary and Final competitions are available:  http://www.missblackusa.org/shop.

ABOUT MISS BLACK USA:

The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation®, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3, founded in 1986 by Karen Arrington to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young women of color.  Ms. Arrington will release her book, "First Ladies, Be the Leading Ladies of Your Life", this fall.  For more info:  www.missblackusa.org.

SOCIALIZE WITH MISS BLACK USA:

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/MissBlackUsa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MissBlackUsa

SOURCE Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc.