The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant will be televised for the very first time, exclusively on the "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,” Hooks added.

Four-time heavyweight Boxing Champion, and Co-Chairman of the Black Family Channel, Evander Holyfield, and Actor/Comedienne Tommy Davidson will serve as celebrity judges for the final night of the competition. Meg DeLoatch, the Creator and Executive Producer of UPN’s top-ranked show, “Eve,” will also serve as a final night judge along with other celebrities to be announced at a later date.  

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.  

Former Miss Black DC USA and President, Nicola Black, states the mission of 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 Publicist, Ms. Unnia Pettus, Ph.D., at (202) 641-7632 or via email at upettus@aol.com.

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.