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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2005
Contact: Unnia Pettus
Publicist
(202) 641-7632
upettus@aol.com
American Idol’s Ruben Studdard to Headline
The Miss Black USA 2005 Scholarship Pageant
A Host of Celebrity Judges will Participate in Choosing the
“New Miss Black USA”
at the Pageant to be held on Sunday, August 7, 2005 at 6 p.m.
at the Warner Theatre
(Washington, DC) Ruben Studdard, the 2003 American Idol winner, will be the headline entertainment act for the Miss Black USA 2005 Scholarship Pageant to be held this Sunday, August 7, 2005 at 6 p.m. (EST) at the Warner Theatre in Washington, DC. The Theatre is located at 13th and E Street, NW. The double-platinum Grammy nominated J Records Recording Artist, affectionately known as the “Velvet Teddy Bear,” will entertain the audience and serenade the contestants who are contending to be the next “Miss Black USA 2005.”
The Pageant will be co-hosted by Kimberly Brooks from the new Showtime series “Huff,” and critically acclaimed Television and Film Actor, Philip Morris, whose credits include playing the popular “Jackie Chiles” character on “Seinfeld.” Actor/Comedienne Tommy Davidson, Meg DeLoatch, the Creator and Executive Producer of UPN’s top-ranked show, “Eve,” R & B Recording Artist Ginuwine, former “Washington Redskins” player Brian Mitchell, and best selling authors A’Lelia Bundles and Farah Gray will serve as final night celebrity judges.
The women who are participating in this competition are all single and their ages range from 21 to 27. The District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia will be represented in this year’s Pageant along with the following states. Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. The theme for the Pageant is “Keeping the Dream Alive in 2005.” The contestants will participate in the following official Scholarship Pageant events from today through Sunday, August 7, 2005:
Thursday, August 4, 2005
· Contestants will take an “official” Tour of the Nation’s Capital.
The tour will end with the contestants eating lunch at Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street, N.W. in Washington, DC
the other sites of the tour will be announced later.
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (lunch stop scheduled
for noon)
· Contestants will participate in the Interview Competition.
Friday, August 5, 2005
· Preliminary Competition (Fitness and Evening Gown)
Location: The Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre, George Washington University, 800 21st Street, NW, First Floor, Washington, DC
Time: 8:00 p.m.
· Contestants will attend the ”From Dreams to Reality” 2nd Annual Celebrity Birthday Bash for Laron Profit of the Washington Wizards
Location: Daedalus, 1010 Vermont Ave., NW,
Washington, D.C.
Time: 11 p.m. - midnight
Saturday, August 6, 2005
· Preliminary Competition (Question & Answer and Talent)
Location: The Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre, George Washington University, 800 21st Street, NW, First Floor, Washington, DC
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 7, 2005
· The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant’s Prayer Breakfast
Location: JW Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10 a.m.
· Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant (i.e. the final night of competition)
Location: The Warner Theatre, 13th & E Streets,
NW, Washington, DC
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Former Miss Black DC USA and President, Nicola Black, believes the mission for the Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant is to promote excellence of African-American women in the community. “The Pageant celebrates the scholastic achievements, talents, and beauty of women of color,” she said.
Former Miss Black Virginia USA and Chair of the Board, Rev. Yolanda Sampson, said that the mission of the Board is to make “this Scholarship Pageant the largest single source of scholarship funds for African-American women. It’s a big goal, but we are determined to reach it!” Rev. Sampson encouraged the public to purchase tickets to support these young women who have worked so hard to get here to “keep their dreams alive.”
The Executive Director of Pageant Relations, Ms. Karen Lyew, commented that “these are fabulous young women that epitomize sisterhood within the African-American community. They devote making change with those they come in contact with.”
The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant will be televised for the very first time exclusively on Black Family Channel, Saturday September 3, 2005 at 9 p.m. (EST). Check your local cable guide for channel listings or visit www.blackfamilychannel.com for more details. “Black Family Channel the nation’s only African-American owned cable television network is proud to be the exclusive program partner for this extraordinary event,” stated Pat Hooks Vice President of Operations. Our partnership with The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant is significant because collectively, our focus is to portray more positive African-American influencers on television. Part of our mission at Black Family Channel is to continuously provide platforms that showcase role models who are making a positive difference in their communities.”
Media Credentials Note: Reporters, photographers, and camera operators will need credentials to cover the Pageant on Sunday, August 7, 2005 at the Warner Theatre. Contact the Publicist, Unnia Pettus, for credential clearance ASAP at (202) 641-7632 or via email at upettus@aol.com. To find out more about each contestant, including viewing their photographs and biographies, please visit the Miss Black USA Web site at www.missblackusa.org. To secure media interviews with President Nicola Black or the contestants; reporters should contact the Ms. Pettus.
Tickets to attend the Miss Black USA 2005 Scholarship Pageant are now on sale through all Ticket Master sales outlets and through the Warner Theatre’s Box Office. Ticket prices range from $25.00 to $100.00 (VIP). *Events that require tickets (i.e. paid events).
About The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant
The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant was founded in 1984 to advance educational and professional opportunities for women of African-American descent. Its foundation was built on integrity and unity among young African-American women.
About Black Family Channel
Black Family Channel is America’s only minority owned and operated, 24-hour cable network committed to providing quality entertainment for the entire family. Our mission is to entertain, inform and empower urban communities with family programming.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2005
Contact: Unnia Pettus
Publicist
(202) 641-7632
upettus@aol.com
Top Winner for the Children’s Miracle Network Fundraiser and
Delegates Prepare for a day of fitness with Bally’s Total Fitness
(Washington, DC) Today, the delegates attended a Children’s Miracle Network Luncheon hosted by the Washington Marriott to be thanked for their efforts in raising funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. The top 5 delegates were, Miss Black Missouri, Miss Black Arizona, Miss Black Pennsylvania, Miss Black Texas, and Miss Black Minnesota. Those five delegates each raised over $1000.00. The 2nd place winner was Miss Black Pennsylvania, who received a Marriott Vacation Package for two for any where in the United States. And, the grand prizes winner raising that largest amount out of all the delegates was Miss Black Minnesota. She received a plaque from the Children’s Miracle Network and the Marriott Hotel, along with a Marriott Vacation Package for two for anywhere in the world for four nights. We are happy to announce that over 1 million dollars were raised by the delegates on behalf of the Miss Black USA Pageant.
On Wednesday the delegates will participate in a “Fitness Fair” sponsored by Bally Total Fitness. The corporation will award a $5,000.00 scholarship to the new “Miss Black USA 2005,” along with a one-year “Bally Total Fitness” gym membership. The “Fitness Fair” will take place at Bally’s Total Fitness, located at 2000 L Street, NW, Washington, DC from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
To schedule an interview please contact Unnia Pettus.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2005
Contact: Unnia Pettus
Publicist
(202) 641-7632
upettus@aol.com
DC Mayor Anthony A. Williams Holds Press Conference Today To Welcome The Contestants of the Miss Black USA 2005 Scholarship Pageant to the Nation’s Capital
Pageant Activities will convene in Washington, DC
from August 1-7, 2005
(Washington, DC) Today, DC Mayor Anthony A. Williams will join the Executive Officers of the Miss Black USA 2005 Scholarship Pageant, and the Pageant’s 26 contestants, for a 7 p.m. press conference to be held at the Washington Marriot Hotel, which is located at 1221 22nd Street, N.W. in Washington, DC. At the press conference, the Mayor will proclaim today as “Miss Black USA Day” and recognize the DC, Maryland and Virginia winners of the Pageant’s “Queen for the Day” contest.
The beautiful and talented young women competing to be the next “Miss Black USA 2005”are all single, and range in age from 21 to 27. The contestants represent the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas.
The Pageant will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2005, at 6 p.m. at the Warner Theatre, which is located at 13th & E Streets, N.W., in Washington, DC. The Pageant’s celebrity judges include Actor/ Comedienne, Tommy Davidson, R&B Recording Artist Ginuwine, and Meg DeLoatch, the Creator and Executive Producer of UPN’s top-ranked show, “Eve.” The co-hosts for this event are television and film Actor, Philip Morris, whose credits include playing the popular “Jackie Chiles” character on “Seinfield” and Actress Kimberly Brooks from the new Showtime series “Huff.” American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard will be the headline entertainment act for the evening’s festivities.
WHAT: Miss Black USA 2005 Scholarship Pageant Press Conference
with DC Mayor Anthony A. Williams, and the 26 Scholarship Pageant Contestants, which includes “Miss Black DC,” “Miss Black MD,” and “Miss Black Virginia.” Announcement of the three “Queen for the Day” contest winners, (one from DC, MD, and VA) who will receive a day of spa pampering and will serve as Special Guest Judges for the Pageant.
WHEN: Monday, August 1, 2005 at 7 p.m. (today)
WHERE: Washington Marriott Hotel, 1221 22nd Street, N.W.,
Washington, DC
The theme for the Pageant is “Keeping the Dream Alive in 2005!” To learn more about the contestants or the Pageant, visit our Web site at www.missblackusa.org. The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant was founded in 1984 to advance educational and professional opportunities for women of African-American descent. Its foundation was built on integrity and unity among young African-American women.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2005
Contact: Unnia Pettus
Publicist
(202) 641-7632
upettus@aol.com
American Idol’s Ruben Studdard to Headline
The Miss Black USA 2005 Scholarship Pageant
Pageant to be Held on Sunday, August 7, 2005
at the Warner Theatre in Washington, DC
(Washington, DC) Today, officials of the Miss Black USA 2005 Scholarship Pageant announced that Ruben Studdard, the 2003 American Idol winner, will be the headline entertainment act for the upcoming Pageant to be held at the Warner Theatre on Sunday, August 7, 2005 at 6 p.m. The double-platinum Grammy nominated J Records Recording Artist, affectionately known as the “Velvet Teddy Bear,” will entertain the audience and serenade the contestants who are contending to be the next “Miss Black USA 2005.”
The women who are participating in this competition are all single and their ages range from 17 to 27. The District of Columbia and 25 states will be represented in this year’s Pageant. The states are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. The theme for the Pageant is “Keeping the Dream Alive in 2005!”
During the week of Monday, August 1, 2005 through Sunday, August 7, 2005, the contestants will participate in the following official Scholarship Pageant events. Further information about some of the events will be released at a later date.
Monday, August 1, 2005
· A press conference and reception with DC Mayor Anthony A. Williams to welcome the contestants and the Miss Black USA 2005 Scholarship Pageant to the Nation’s Capital. The three winners of the Pageant’s “Queen for the Day” local contest will also be announced at this event (see details below).
Location: Washington Marriott Hotel, 1221 22nd Street, NW, Washington, DC
Time: 7:00 p.m.
· Flori Roberts will host a make-up workshop event with the contestants. The newly crowned “Miss Black USA 2005” will become the “face of Flori Roberts” and will be featured in their new campaign advertisements.
The “Queen for the Day” Local Contest
There will be a “Queen for the Day” winner chosen to represent the District of Columbia, one to represent the state of Maryland, and one to represent the state of Virginia. The three contest winners will be chosen based upon their outstanding contributions to their communities in support of education. In addition to a full-day of spa pampering, the contest winners will serve as Special Guest Judges for the final night of the Pageant on Sunday, August 7, 2005.
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
· The contestants will visit children at the Children’s National Medical Center hospital in Washington, DC as part of their community service.
· The contestants will also attend a Children’s Miracle Network Luncheon hosted by the Washington Marriott to be thanked for their efforts in raising funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. The three contestants who raised the most funds will be awarded prizes at this luncheon.
The top fundraiser will receive a Marriott Vacation Package for two for anywhere in the world for four nights. The second place fundraiser will receive a Marriott Vacation Package for two for anywhere in the United States for four nights. And the third place fundraiser winner will receive a Marriott Vacation Package for two to Washington, DC for four nights.
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
· The contestants will participate in a “Fitness Fair” sponsored by Bally Total Fitness. The corporation will award a $5,000.00 scholarship to the new “Miss Black USA 2005,” along with a one-year “Bally Total Fitness” gym membership.
Location: 2000 L Street, NW, Washington, DC
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday, August 4, 2005
· Contestants will take an “official” Tour of the Nation’s Capital.
· Contestants will participate in the Interview Competition.
Friday, August 5, 2005
· *Preliminary Competition (Fitness and Evening Gown)
Location: The Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre, George Washington University,
800 21st Street, NW, First Floor, Washington, DC
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 6, 2005
· *Preliminary Competition (Question & Answer and Talent)
Location: The Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre,
George Washington University,
800 21st Street, NW, First Floor, Washington, DC
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 7, 2005
· *The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant’s Prayer Breakfast
Location: JW Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10 a.m.
· *Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant (i.e. the final night of competition)
Location: The Warner Theatre, 13th & E Streets, NW, Washington, DC
Time: 6:00 p.m.
The Pageant will be co-hosted by Kimberly Brooks from the new Showtime series “Huff,” and critically acclaimed Television and Film Actor, Philip Morris, whose credits include playing the popular “Jackie Chiles” character on “Seinfeld.” Actor/Comedienne Tommy Davidson, Meg DeLoatch, the Creator and Executive Producer of UPN’s top-ranked show, “Eve,” and best selling authors A’Lelia Bundles and Farah Gray will serve as final night celebrity judges.
The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant will be televised for the very first time exclusively on Black Family Channel, Saturday September 3, 2005 at 9 p.m. (EST). Check your local cable guide for channel listings or visit www.blackfamilychannel.com for more details. “Black Family Channel the nation’s only African-American owned cable television network is proud to be the exclusive program partner for this extraordinary event,” stated Pat Hooks Vice President of Operations. Our partnership with The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant is significant because collectively, our focus is to portray more positive African-American influencers on television. Part of our mission at Black Family Channel is to continuously provide platforms that showcase role models who are making a positive difference in their communities.”
“The emphasis of this Pageant is not solely on the physical beauty of black women but on the importance of a solid education, living healthy and fit, mentoring and community advocacy. These fundamental platforms represent the foundation of Black Family Channel’s grassroots campaigns and pro-social initiatives,” she added.
Former Miss Black DC USA and President, Nicola Black, believes the mission for the Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant is to promote excellence of African-American women in the community. “The Pageant celebrates the scholastic achievements, talents, and beauty of women of color,” she said.
Former Miss Black Virginia USA and Chair of the Board, Rev. Yolanda Sampson, said that the mission of the Board is to make “this Scholarship Pageant the largest single source of scholarship funds for African-American women. It’s a big goal, but we are determined to reach it!” Rev. Sampson encouraged the public to purchase tickets to support these young women who have worked so hard to get here to “keep their dreams alive.”
To find out more about each contestant, including viewing their photographs and biographies, please visit the Miss Black USA Web site at www.missblackusa.org. To secure media interviews with President Nicola Black or the contestants; reporters should contact the Pageant’s Publicist, Unnia Pettus, at (202) 641-7632 or via email at upettus@aol.com.
Tickets to attend the Miss Black USA 2005 Scholarship Pageant are now on sale through all Ticket Master sales outlets and through the Warner Theatre’s Box Office. Regular tickets cost $50.00 and VIP tickets cost $100.00.
*Events that require tickets (i.e. paid events).
About The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant
The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant was founded in 1984 to advance educational and professional opportunities for women of African-American descent. Its foundation was built on integrity and unity among young African-American women.
About Black Family Channel
Black Family Channel is America’s only minority owned and operated, 24-hour cable network committed to providing quality entertainment for the entire family. Our mission is to entertain, inform and empower urban communities with family programming.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2004
MISS BLACK USA ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc., announces its new board of directors. The new board of directors are: Nicola Black, former "Miss Black District of Columbua 1993." Ms. Black is the new President and CEO; Reverend Yolanda Sampson, former "Miss Black Virginia 1993;" Ms. Sampson is the Chair of the Board. Karen Lyew is the new Executive Director of Pageant Relations. Janell Inez Smith, former "Miss Black Maryland 1994"; and Dr. Lynnette Danley, former "Miss Black Iowa 1995" have all joined the new board. To read the bios of the new board of directors, click here.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2004
Miss Black USA Website Goes Live
The Miss Black U.S.A. Pageant has launched its new website. The site, developed by AvalonGold Online Solutions is now live. Providing prospective contestants with the tools to submit preliminary applications online will significantly enhance the pageant's recruitment efforts. "We are impressed with the quality of applicants applying from around the country," says Karen Lyew, National Executive Director of Pageant Relations, to the Miss Black USA Pageant."
Avalongold Online Solutions customized their prodct to the needs of the Miss Black USA Pageant. The pageant's online features will grow as the pageant continues to grow. The website is fully functional and as contestants are selected, they will be provided with a unique userid and password to login to the contestant only section of the site.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2004
Miss Black USA Partners with AvalonGold Online Solutions
The Miss Black U.S.A. Pageant is pleased to announce its partnership with AvalonGold Online Solutions to develop its online web presence.
AvalonGold is a leader in online solutions with proven experience in website design and development, ecommerce, and content management. Nicola Black, President of the Miss Black USA Pageant states, “AvalonGold understands our business and was able to customize their product to our business needs. The Miss Black USA staff collaborated with senior developers at Avalongold to create a well-designed site that is user-friendly.
Today’s prospective contestants are technically savvy and prefer to do business online. The Miss Black USA site will provide contestants with the opportunity to download and complete all application and required forms online.
Visit AvalonGold at www.avalongold.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2004
Direct Communications, based in St. Louis, MO is no longer the producer of the Miss Black U.S.A. Pageant. Effective March 1, 2004, the Miss Black U.S.A. Scholarship Pageant, Inc. has terminated its relationship with Direct Communication, who independently produced the 2003 Miss Black USA Pageant.
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Former Miss Black USA contestants and winners are paving new ground in every major arena. Find out what our former contestants are doing now. 
