LOREAN CHRISTIAN MAYS

MISS BLACK TENNESSEE USA 2005

Lorean Christina Mays is the daughter of Mr. Willie Mays and Ms. Linda J. Mays. She was born on September 29, 1983 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  At an early age,  Lorean showed an unusual love for the arts.  Drawing and coloring kept her very busy.  In elementary school, she took up gymnastics, track, and cheerleading, and began playing the violin.  Later, she would switch to the viola, and become an active member of both the string and full orchestras at Chattanooga High School of Performing Arts.  Lorean transferred to Red Bank High School for her senior year and was a member of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), the Key Club, Opti Miss Beta (a school-wide service organization), and Phi Rho, Inc. (a high-school sorority social club).  During her high-school career, Lorean was presented as a “Junior Debutante”, and again as a “Debutante” in the Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Lorean began her college studies at Cleveland State Community College as a nursing major.  She was a member of the Minority Student Association and Sigma Alpha Lambda (Society of Success and Leadership). She also participated in the Miss Phi Beta Sigma pageant for the Xi Upsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and captured the title of “Miss Photogenic 2004-2005.”

Lorean currently attends Lee University as a pre-med major with a concentration in Nursing. Upon receiving her undergraduate degree, Lorean plans to obtain a master’s degree in nursing.  With this degree, she hopes to obtain a position as a Professor of Nursing at one of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Her dream is to one day return to Chattanooga to open a health clinic and provide free medical care for people who would otherwise not be able to afford it. 

On February 17, 2005, Lorean was blessed with the title of Miss Black Tennessee USA 2005.  During her reign, Lorean will raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) and the American Cancer Society, and work with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Erlanger Hospital Breast Cancer Center.  She will also tutor and mentor children in the Chattanooga area.  "Breast Cancer Awareness-With a Focus on African-American Women" is her platform, chosen in honor of her grandmother who passed away after suffering with the disease.  Lorean hopes to one day start the Tommie L. Whatley-Fields Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.