Miss Black Ohio Speaks: I Just Can't Get Enough!

This posts is dedicated to some of my FAVORITE moments over the past couple of weeks!

One of the most beautiful moments from the past few weeks was while I was watching the AKA Jewels and Gems cotillion. It was so wonderful to see the young men and women honored for their achievements. Watching the show and seeing each person presented by their parents and the young men dancing with their mothers and the girls dancing with their fathers, was truly a beautiful thing!
Events that showcase the beauty and accomplishments of young people are some of my favorite to attend! I also attended the University of Cincinnati, Kuamka Ball. It was such an honor to be apart of a ceremony that not only acknowledged the Mr. and Miss Black University of Cincinnati but also honored the scholastic achievements and accomplishments of black students all over UC's campus.
Just this past week Miss Black Ohio Talented Teen and I were honored on the Ohio Senate floor. During the February 14th Senate Session Dominique and I were honored for our work in the state of Ohio. As a young woman who hopes to one day work for the state house as a senator, this was truly a big day for me! It was great to give a short speech about the greatness of this state and to accept such a huge honor.

Working with young women is truly my passion. It was so much fun hosting a Junior Delta Gems session on "A Woman's Worth." Speaking with the girls about how important they are and the importance of encouraging one another was an amazing experience. These young women were so intelligent, loving and beautiful. The understanding of how wonderful they each were, warmed my heart.

My final favorite moment was working with the Future Women of Appalachia. These Ohio University students have dedicated their lives to helping the young women in the Appalachian area believe in themselves. The mentorship program pairs Ohio University students with young women in middle school and high school. They work to encourage and foster relationships with young women, in hopes that these girls will be the future leaders of this great state!

Miss Black Ohio Speaks: Growth Through Service

Hello Everyone!

I can't believe that it's already February 15th. I've been Miss Black Ohio for almost four months now, and I still haven't  "gotten used to it." I am still coming to terms with the idea of myself as a role model. I think that this idea of being someone that young women should be able to look up to is making me a better person. By making sure that I am doing things that I would encourage young women to emulate, I know that I am living the right life style through my daily life. I can't believe the great connections that I have made throughout this year! My favorite thing to see, is young women who contact me weeks and even months after I have met with them, asking for advice and showing interest in my activities.


Reaching out is often the hardest thing to do when someone needs help, but to know that these girls feel comfortable doing so really touches me in ways I never thought possible. I really believe that my experiences with the Miss Black USA organization and with my title as Miss Black Ohio are shaping me into the person that the Lord wants me to be. When I decided to compete in the Miss Black Ohio pageant I really had no expectations. I knew that I would give it my best and that my end goal was to get the chance to work with young women and make a difference in my community, but I didn't think I would win, and I had no idea it would be this amazing.

Not only has this experience given me the chance to speak and interact with young women, but I have been introduced to so many new organizations, new people, strong women and men and influential people in my state. A sash and a crown can be a very powerful thing if you let them.
I know that many people may not understand the idea behind pageants and holding a "title." But I'm here to tell you, being Miss Black Ohio has far more to do with my future than anything I will ever do on a stage. My work in this great state is what the pageant is all about. I don't know if you've heard, but this is a MOVEMENT!

When I take the time to sit back and reflect on what I have learned so far, what I see most is the importance of realizing that this is a blessing. A magnificent, amazing, beautiful, stupendous blessing. One that I know I could never deserve. I am so thankful for everything that has happened so far, I can't imagine it getting any better but I know there is so much more to do!

With love,

Kayla

It's Picture Time: Miss Black Ohio Speaks February 13th

I posted previously about the fabulous red dress photo shoot weekend, and the photos are finally here! The photo pictured below is my official "second look" but click the link to see more :) 

Click here to view my other photos!

Miss Black Teen Ohio Speaks: Living out my dreams

 Hey Everyone!

Being Miss Black Teen Ohio has exceeded my expectations. I   know I have a responsibility to myself and my community to make this the best year possible. I am really excited about presenting my Beyond Beautiful workshop to young girl around Ohio. This workshop will challenge middle school girls to set their own standard and definition of beauty. My first presentation will be at Saint Stephen Community House on February 7! Having this title has taught me so much about myself; I have the courage to go into my community and bring about change, and inspire others and can only hope that my peers follow in my footsteps.  I recently signed up for a volunteer position with Red Cross and can’t wait to see where this program takes me and how many wonderful people I will meet along the way. As Miss Black Teen Ohio everyday is learning experience, because the second I walk out that door I represent myself my family and now The Miss Black USA foundation. I have learned to stay grounded and not let the title get to my head, As Miss Black Teen Ohio I am grateful for all the past opportunities I have received such being feature on WLWT News and look forward to all the opportunities coming my way.  !  I first entered the pageant wanting to inspire the youth to live a drug free lifestyle, which I do throughout the year and my daily actions. Inspiring the youth to stay drug free is something I have been doing since my involvement with Youth to Youth International my sophomore year. So, I have decided to challenge myself, and by that I want to give back to my community by volunteering and inspire young girls. I have reached out to places like the Red Cross and Saint Jude hospital, and as previously stated I created my Beyond Beautiful Workshop! I feel like my year is going by so fast and just trying to drink it all in! My reign so far has just been a blessing and huge learning experience! Below I posted a list of events and speaking engagements, so you all can stay up to date with my current happenings!

February 4^th – I had an interview with Buckeye Kids, stay tuned to read that article!

February 7^th – I presented my Beyond Beautiful Workshop, pictures/videos coming soon!

February 11^th - Ebony Jewels and Gem Cotillion with Miss Black Ohio

Feb 12^th- I have a meeting with Role Model Magazine this magazine “Educates, Inspire, Empower Celebrates young women!  I am on their teen advisory board, and the even offered me the cover for the next issue!!!

February 14 – State House Visit with Miss Black Teen Ohio, to meet and greet with state representatives.  

Feb 21^st -Beyond Beautiful Workshop at Cassidy Elementary

Feb 18^th - Event in Dayton with Rise sister Rise and Girls Scouts

Feb 25^th - Volunteer training with the Red Cross

March 1 -2 –Volunteering with Saint Jude Hospital

March 3-4, I will be on Youth staff! With Youth to International at the Middle School Camp!

March 24^th – “Step by Step Run To Fight Human Trafficking”   I'm on the committee organizing this 5K to bring awareness to Human Trafficking! Please register and support! All the money will be donated a Rahabs Hideaway a non-profit who addresses the issue of human trafficking and works with victims…You can register at stepbystep5k.eventbrite.com

Don't let world change your smile, let your smile change the world

With love, your Miss Black Teen Ohio Dominique Jackson

Miss Black Ohio Speaks: Thoughts, Ideas and Planning!

Hello there!

The second month of 2012 has begun, and I'm so ready to experience all that it has to offer. So many great things are in the works. As promised in the title I have a lot of thoughts, ideas and planning in this Miss Black Ohio head of mine! It's so exciting thinking about all of the things that are coming up. First, its time for a little bit of reflection. Although I have had a lot of great opportunities in the last few months the greatest opportunity I have had is the opportunity to learn. I am learning so much about myself, about the world I live in, about the realities of things like heart disease and just finding out more and more about my purpose as Miss Black Ohio.

Yes, a part of having this title is having a sash and a crown, but what I keep seeing is that my crown and my sash are truly a gift. It is so humbling to realize that my message and my mission resinate with so many people. Many people who may not have paid as much attention to me had I not had a platform to stand on, are standing with me in my fight for self-love and self-worth for young women. At the beginning of this journey I said that I was going to be working hard to encourage young women to understand their worth, what I didn't know was how many other wonderful women there are who desire to do the exact same thing. It is so motivational and inspiring to know that although I have these goals and dreams for young women in Ohio, I am not alone. There are countless women around this great state who desire to do the same things. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work hand in hand with these women!

Ideas and Planning are also a VERY big part of what I have been doing in last month. The great thing is that because there are so many women who are determined to bring change to their own communities just as I am, most of my ideas and plans simply ADD to what many others are already doing. So what's am I planning you ask? Here's a quick preview of the events I have so far. (Notice how many organizations are already working hard to encourage young women to LOVE themselves!) <--- Beautiful right?

February 3rd- Brown Bag Lunch at the Ohio University Women's Center Subject: "A Woman's Worth" 

February 4th- Hosting Delta Sigma Theta Jr. Gems Workshop in Dayton Ohio for young women in 7th and 8th grade.  Subject: "A Woman's Worth". 

February 10th- Future Women of Appalachia Etiquette dinner and prom. This is a time for young women in Appalachia to experience the FUN of prom, learn some tips for etiquette in a dining situation, and have a discussion about how valuable and important they are to this world. 

February 11th- Alpha Kappa Alpha Cotillion in Dayton Ohio. This is a ceremony showcasing the beauty, intelligence and value in young women. 

February 14th- Meet and Greet with Ohio Representatives at the Ohio Statehouse. 

Subject: Miss Black Ohio and Miss Black Ohio Talented Teen concerns, questions and suggestions for the Representatives on maintaining the great state of Ohio. 

February 25th- Self Esteem Workshop with Girl Scouts in Cincinnati, Ohio. Subject: Self Esteem 

March 2nd- Girl Power! (Still in the works). This is an event in Athens, Ohio for young women in the Appalachian area. 

March 17th- Self Esteem Workshop with the Girl Scouts in Cincinnati, Ohio. Subject: Self Esteem 

Those are the CURRENT events for February and March. I'm still planning and hoping to work with more organizations in order to continue on my journey to a better Ohio and a strong force of young women ready to take on the world!