Miss Black Connecticut USA Archives

Tonille Watkis Crowned Miss Black Connecticut USA

June 30, 2016 New York, New York (FETE|PR) Neiman Rose, FETE|PR neiman@feteeventgroup.com

In light of her many accolades, Tonille Watkis will represent the state of Connecticut! Watkis will act as an ambassador of the national premier pageant for women of color. Furthermore, she will take part in nationals this August. Tonille Watkis is an alumna of Adelphi University and the London Academy of Music. Her schooling also includes Dramatic Art, studying Theatre and Classical Acting.

In addition, Tonille travels to inner city schools and churches performing her autobiographical one-woman play, No Boxes Allowed. She also teaches theatrical performance, creative writing, dance and diversity workshops to at risk youth. All in an effort to advocate for her platform, Perfecting Your Voice: Freeing Your Mind.

Miss Black Connecticut USA

After nearly 20 years Miss Black Connecticut USA will be making its return. The state’s capital will house the pageant this September. This premier pageant for women of color is a division of the Miss Black USA pageantry system. Miss Black USA has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to women of color.

Most noteworthy, thousands of women from all 50 states have had the opportunity to participate and compete. Competitions are held in DC and Africa. Miss Black USA contestants and winners come from all walks of life. Ranging from students, doctors, lawyers and successful business leaders.

Miss Black USA Facts

In 2007, over 80% of contestants were pursuing graduate and professional degrees. No small feat when also competing for the crown! Furthermore, Madison Gibbs (Miss Black USA 2015 in Washington D.C.) is a prime example of pageant greatness. The Howard University Law student travels the globe speaking on mental health, heart disease and women’s empowerment. Also, by partnering with PBS and The Heart Truth, Gibbs has made a huge impact on others.

The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc is a Non-Profit Corporation. It is located in the state of Maryland and was founded in 1986 by Karen Arrington. “Creating Miss Black USA was a way to smash the negative stereotypes and images portrayed of African American Women in mainstream media” says Arrington.

Submissions

Currently, submissions are being accepted for a Miss and Talented Teen. Hence, ladies that submit in those categories will compete to claim the state crown of Connecticut. State winners experience a year of beauty, brains and benevolence. They also receive a cash prize, scholarship, personal stylist, talent coach and a modeling spread. A few of the many perks due to being a winner!

Think you have what it takes? The Connecticut State Pageant is scheduled to take place September 15-19 in Hartford, Connecticut. Therefore, get those submissions in early and we may be writing about you next!

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After nearly 20 years Miss Black Connecticut USA will be making its return to the state’s capital this September. The premier pageant for women of color, Miss Black Connecticut USA, is a division of the Miss Black USA pageantry system. Miss Black USA has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to women of color.

Kade Henderson, Miss Black New York USA 2015 and the pageant’s curator for the Connecticut division says she is extremely excited and honored to be working in Connecticut’s community “It is great pleasure to pass my experience to the Sister Queens of Connecticut and cultivate with a community in which I come from to encourage positive self-esteem, promote scholastic achievement, healthy living, and community involvement to empower women of color” says the entrepreneur and businesswoman.

Kate Henderson

The reintroduction of the Miss Black Connecticut USA pageant is one more milestone in the pageant’s prestigious legacy and history. 1,000’s of women of color from all 50 states have had the opportunity to participate and compete for their reign as Miss Black USA in DC in addition to Africa. Miss Black USA contestants and winners come from all walks of life ranging from personalities, students, doctors, lawyers and successful business leaders. In 2007 over 80% of contestants were pursuing graduate or professional degrees while also competing for the crown. Last year, Madison Gibbs was crowned Miss Black USA 2015 in Washington D.C. The Howard University Law student has had the opportunity to travel the globe speaking on mental health, heart disease and women’s empowerment partnering with PBS and The Heart Truth out of others.

The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc is a Nonprofit Corporation in the state of Maryland, founded in 1986 by Karen Arrington. “Creating Miss Black USA was a way to smash the negative stereotypes and images portrayed of African American Women in mainstream media” says Arrington.

Currently, submissions are being accepted for a Miss and Talented Teen segments of Miss Black Connecticut USA to claim the state crown of Connecticut. State winners will experience a year of beauty, brains, and benevolence and receives a cash prize, scholarship, personal stylist, pageant coach, talent coach, and a modeling spread out of many other perks.

The Connecticut State Pageant is scheduled to take place September 15-19 in Hartford, Connecticut and is looking for contestants to apply.

For Pageant details including Sponsorship, Vending or Working Opportunities contact Kade Henderson at kade@missblackconnecticutusa.com

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