Strength: What is it truly?

"A strong woman has strength enough for the journey but a woman of strength knows it's the journey where she will become strong "

 

 

 

 

 

Recently I've become aware of the above quote and I have fallen in love with it. It reminds me that in live we experience situations that can test our character and integrity but ultimately theses things make us much better once we make it through them. I say, to embrace the experiences of life and with each one look at it as a chance to learn. Growth is something that we continue each day, a positive outlook can make for a positive result!

 

 

 

 

Goodnight!

 

Ruby Thomas -Miss Black Ohio USA 2013

Voter registration

42 days remain until we, the citizens of these United States of America can exercise our civil right to vote in a  election. As citizens of this country it is our responsibility that the person/s that is placed in office to represent our desires does just that; represent our desires.

On October 9^th  2012 the registration period will close and those who are not registered to vote will not have the opportunity to vote in the 2012 election. It’s imperative that you not only get registered to vote but you actually get out to the polls and vote. There are several ways that you can register to vote. If you live in the state of Ohio you may

·         Download and complete a voter registration form online from www.sos.state.oh.us and mail it to your county board of elections. 

·         You may visit your county board of elections

·         The local BMV

·         Local public Library’s usually have Voter registration forms available. It would be your duty to return it to the county board of elections.

·         Some universities or colleges have voter registration forms available. Simply ask and you will be directed to it if it’s available on campus. It will also be your responsibility to return the form to the board of elections.

If you are not sure of the contact information for your county’s board of elections please visit this link. Simply look for your county name and all of the information will be listed underneath the name of your county.  If for some reason you cannot use the link you want to visit the secretary of state Ohio’s website to obtain the information. Click the link that says voter then the link that says board of elections. http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/electionsofficials/boeDirectory.aspx#dir

 

In OHIO any registered voter my vote by absentee ballot. You must first be registered to vote as well as request an absentee ballot. This link will provide you with specific information about absentee voting in Ohio. http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/Voters/absentee/regAbsenteeVoters.aspx

Proper identification will be in your best interest when you go out to the polls. You may have the following:

·         A current and valid photo identification card issued by the State of Ohio or the United States government; or

·         A military identification ("military ID"); or

·         An original or copy of a current utility bill; or

·         An original or copy of a current bank statement; or

·         An original or copy of a current government check; or

·         An original or copy of a current paycheck; or

·         An original or copy of a current other government document, other than a voter registration acknowledgement notification mailed by the board of elections, that shows the voter’s name and current address.

 

Please, if you do not have an ID card go get one! Do not rely on the alternate forms of identification. If your ID card is expired it will not be accepted. If your address on the ID is not the same as the address on your registration please make sure you update your ID card. You do not want any small, avoidable problem to prevent you from casting your ballot on election day.

 

 

Happy voting!

-Ruby Thomas Miss Black Ohio USA 2013

 

Miss Black Ohio Spring Break Tour: Let No One Out Work You Today!

This has been by far the BEST spring break I have ever had! I have met so many AMAZING people and experienced so many powerful things. It is such an amazing thing to be able to interact with and educate young women about their true value. The biggest thing that I was able to leave the young women with this week was "Let no one out work you today," this seems like a simple phrase, but when used as a life motto it can change the life of a young person. Not only is it important for young women to understand their beauty, but it's even more important for them to push and work hard to accomplish their goals and dreams. Now more than ever, I can say that I truly believe in the children around the state of Ohio and around the country. They are amazing! I challenge you to invest in the life of a child. In the next five days reach out to someone in the next generation, encourage them, help them as they grow. Show them that the path to success and the keys to greatness are within them! Not only will it help them, but I guarantee it will help you as well :) 

  I can't wait to share photos with you from this week... but here's a QUICK recap :)

Sunday- Cleveland Cavaliers Game with Miss Black Ohio Talented Teen, Whitney Gaskins, and Delano White 

Monday- "A Woman's Worth" Convocation with the 5th-8th graders at Warrensville Middle School 

Tuesday- Shadowed Senator Troy Balderson at the Ohio State House 

Wednesday- "A Woman's Worth" presentation at the Rivers Edge Montessori School Rose Tea 

Thursday- Home to Indianapolis spending time with family and educating some of my former High school professors on my work as Miss Black Ohio 

5 days of fun!

Stay tuned for photos..and of course a video :D
With love,

Kayla Hardimon

I love it all

                                  With Dr.Keith Bell Chief Academic Officer Columbus City Schools

I love it all! Everything about being Miss Black Teen Ohio 2012 has allowed me to grow so much. I love the people and events I am blessed to attend. Today I got honored at the Superintendent Board and Recognition Ceremony. They recognized me for being crowned Miss Black Ohio Talented Teen 2012 and for being a positive role model in the community! I met and made good connections with  people from the Columbus City School Board=) this ceremony also honored others teens for their academic and volunteer accomplishments. This event was a great experience because I love seeing other teens make a difference in their community while going after their dreams =)

With Gene Harris Superintendent of Columbus City Schools

Free Spirit

When referring to being a free sprit I define it as somebody who is fearless, fierce and not afraid to go after what they believe in. As a senior I have accomplished fantastic things and I have seen my friends do the same; everything from getting accepted into colleges  getting scholarships’ and starting their own business etc. Most importantly doing whatever it takes to make our dreams become our reality. I'm only 18 and I know my free sprit attitude and determination will take me a LONG way! So watch out WORLD! lol I uploaded this video to highlight my year as Miss Black Teen Ohio 2012 and all of my success! I Hope you all enjoy!

                                       Check out this article I was featured in! http://www.buckeyekids.com/2012/miss-black-ohio-is-turning-heads/

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! 

Miss Black Ohio Speaks: One Step at a Time....Let's Get Healthy Together!

Hello everyone!
With National Wear Red Day, to promote heart disease awareness, right around the corner it's time for all of us to stand up and make a commitment to living healthier life styles.
So, what's the first step? It's time for The Miss Black Ohio Weekly Nutrition Challenge! How does it work? Every week will be a new challenge, we'll start simple and hopefully build up completely new habits that will help us all eat smart and be heart healthy.
This weeks challenge is VERY simple. This is something that we should all already be doing, but since I know our lives are busy and we often forget to take care of our bodies we'll start here. What's the challenge? EAT FRUIT. The challenge this week is to eat AT LEAST one piece of fruit very day this week. My fruit of choice will be apples. You know what they say, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away!"

The question is... are you up to the challenge?
It's my personal goal to not only support heart health, and to work hard to be heart healthy, but to find away to really encourage those around me be heart healthy too. Come with me on this challenge, one step at a time. Let's get healthy together :)

Remember: Starting tomorrow, FRUIT FRUIT FRUIT everyday!

Miss Black Ohio 2012 and Miss Black Ohio USA Talented Teen on Issues!

On January 11, 2012 Miss Black Ohio USA Kayla Hardimon and Miss Black Ohio USA Talented Teen 2012 Dominique Jackson appeared on Issues hosted by Jan-Michele Kearney in Cincinnati, Ohio to promote the Miss Black Ohio USA Scholarship Foundation and their programs aimed at empowering young women.

Click here to watch the full interview!

Miss Black Ohio Speaks: Two Week Recap!

Good afternoon to my fabulous and faithful blog readers!

So much has been going on in the last two weeks, and I am so excited to finally have the time to give the details. Last week I had an amazing experience at the ESPY Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati. I posted a video with LOTS of pictures from the night, but the evening was so wonderful that I must put it into words.

The quick version of my evening goes like this- went to the boys and girls club, spoke to the young women of the "Pretty Girlz Rock" program, taught a dance, met a lot of the students and then returned home. The reality of my experience at ESPY goes much deeper than that.

Miss Black Ohio Gives a Sneak Peak!

Hello everyone!
I'm currently working on a video (you know I love those!) to capture the Red Dress Photo Shoot Weekend, but for now I have a few photos to give you a sneak peak into what we were up to :)

Miss Black Ohio USA Speaks: Inspiring Our Youth! [Video]

Miss Black Ohio USA Talented Teen Speaks: A Day of Service

UCrew and the Mayor !

Happy MLK day everybody! I hope you decided to go out and give back in any way that you are capable of=) Today I went to the Veterans Memorial. This event was filled with amazing speakers, dancers, singers, and actors! There also was a volunteer fair going on that consisted of 21 non-profits from around Columbus,Ohio that represented their organization and provided opportunities to anybody willing to take advantage of them!

Miss Black Ohio Speaks: Excitement!

Hello all!

I am currently in the Columbus airport waiting to board my flight to Washington DC! I am so excited to have my first Miss Black USA experience of the year :) I can't wait to meet the other contestants, speak about the Heart Truth Campaign, take wonderful photos AND show DC what Miss Black USA contestants are made of!

I know that this will be a wonderful experience! Stay tuned, I plan to take A LOT of pictures :)

With love,

Miss Black Ohio
Kayla Hardimon

Miss Black Talented Teen Ohio 2012 Speaks: Service!

I am so honored and blessed to have this title as Miss Black Talented Teen Ohio 2012.  So far with my title I have worked at the voting poles, spoke to teens in Dublin with Youth to Youth International, volunteered at Habitat for humanity, and volunteered with a Gifts of Love charity. Recently I have created a workshop tilted Beyond Beautiful that challenges young females to live beyond the expectations of other and to know the real meaning of  beautiful instead of societies definition of it. I look forward to all the amazing opportunities and blessing that are coming my way=)

Youth @ the Booth: 

I worked at the voting polls on November, 8, 2011. I had the opportunity to work there through an organization called Youth at the Booth. I enjoyed working this long 15 hour day because it gave me a chance to see what the atmosphere at the polls are like , as well as an opportunity to met and talk to the people of my community. I will be voting in the upcoming election. As a young African American woman, I know of the struggles of women who came before me, and how they fought selflessly so women today can have the right to vote. My hopes would be that all young voters educate themselves on current political topics so we all can be informed voter, come November and let are voices be heard!

Youth to Youth International: 


Youth to Youth is youth led adult guided organization. I have been apart of this program for 3 years . Through this organization I have made friends and mentors who I look up to for guidance ans support. Youth to Youth meets every Wednesday from 6-8 at 1440 Fields Ave , Columbus Ohio 43211 . If you are High School Teen living in the Columbus area or surrounding neighborhoods I strongly encourage you to come on down! (you wont regret it!)On December 5 2011( My Birthday) I had the opportunity t to go to Dublin Teen Institute and speak=) I did a workshop called Tenspiration , witch discus 10 ways to inspire yourself and others in your community.

Habitat for Humanity: 

I had the chance to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity with an Organization called Ucrew. Ucrew is s service leadership organization that I have been apart of since October. I enjoyed volunteering at Habitat for Humanity Restore because I know the work I did that day will greatly benefit others who are less fortunate than myself. 

I look forward to continue to work with Habitat for Humanity. I am Vice President of my Senior Class at Fort Hayes , currently I am planning a Senior service day event . I will organize a day where my senior class can go to Habitat for Humanity , with hope that they get just as much out of the experience as I did.

Gifts of love: 

Over Winter break I did a Gifts of love Charity event, I passed out gifts to underprivileged families . While at the event I met tons of cool deserving people.This event showed me how great it is when people come together to better the life of others =)

Te-Te and myself 

                                           

Don't Let the world change your smile , let your smile change the world. Stay posted to see how my Beyond Beautiful Prevention works out =)

Miss Black Ohio Speaks: The Year Has Begun!

2012 is here! I am so blessed to see the beginning of another year. As I think about all of the things that are ahead of me in 2012, I can't help but be very VERY excited. I have so many wonderful things that I would like to accomplish this year.

The Miss Black Ohio organization now has an official partnership with the Girl Scouts!
This year I will be able to continue to instill the importance of true beauty and a "Woman's Worth" into young women around the state of Ohio. I am very excited about this partnership! Just recently I was able to co-host a self-esteem workshop with 3 girl scout troops in Cincinnati.

The workshop was a great experience. It's so wonderful to hear young women speak about what they believe true beauty is, and to help them build a strong sense of self-esteem. The girls had so many great ideas and were truly an inspiration to me. While my goal was to teach them, I learned a lot as well.
Along with working with the girl scouts this year I am excited about working with the Boys and Girls Clubs as well.
I truly desire to make a difference! There are 8 months left before the national pageant and 10 months before my year as Miss Black Ohio comes to an end, and I promise to make the most out of every single moment.

December 27th, Tis the Season to Be Thankful for Support!

In order to continue with my tis the season postings, today's message is directed toward all of my generous supporters! Throughout my life I have always had a tremendous amount of support from family and friends in all of the things I have done. I know that that is simply because of the wonderful blessings I have been given. The Lord has placed every person in my life for a reason, each person I meet comes and goes as my heavenly father chooses and changes my life in ways I couldn't have imagined.

In the past few months I have encountered so many giving hearts! With the help of family and friends I am coming closer and closer to my goal of getting to the Miss Black USA pageant. With each donation, I become more motivated to make a difference. Although the end goal is the national pageant, I know that my biggest accomplishment this year will never be a crown or a title.

The greatest accomplishment I can or will ever have, is the look in a young woman's eyes when she begins to truly believe in herself and see herself as beautiful. Young women are the catalysts of our society, and my dream is truly for the state of Ohio to be full of girls who believe in themselves and the great things they can accomplish.
All of the support I have received pushes me to work harder for this dream. This holiday season I am thankful for support! I am thankful for each donation, for each kind word, each congratulatory remark, and each person who has helped me plan an event. Though this post is to tell everyone how thankful I am for support, it is also to truly say thank you for all of the love I have received in the last few months. I am truly blessed :)

With love,

Miss Black Ohio
Kayla Hardimon