Washington, DC (July 3, 2019) - On Sunday, August 11, The Miss Black USA™organization will host its 34th annual Pageant featuring who’s who of young Black women today. Defying negative stereotypes, approximately eighty-percent of this year’s contestants are in graduate or professional school. Three of the contestants are practicing attorneys including the California representative Sydney Colbert, Louisiana representative Yasha Latrice, and the Ohio representative Allison Smith.

The pageant will be co-hosted by Emmy Nominated News Commentator, Dr. Rashad Richey and Miss Black USA 2015 and Attorney, Madison Gibbs.

Sitting in the hot-seat, this year’s Celebrity Judges are: Business Mogul and Board Certified Plastic Surgey, Dr. Myla Bennett, Singer, Actress, Entrepreneur Towanda Braxton, Actress and Multi-Platinum R&B Singer, Shamari Devoe, Author, Entrepreneur, Community Activist Tommy Dortch and Daytime Talk Show Host and Grammy-nominated recording artist Syleena Johnson.

The Miss Black USA™ Pageant is sponsored by Liliana Footwear, Pretty RX by Dr.Myla, Sheen Magazine, and ORS™ Olive Oil.

Following is a list of the preliminary and finals night events.

8/9 - Personal Fitness & Evening Gown Preliminary Competition

Courtyard by Marriott

2899 Richmond Hwy

Arlington, VA 22202

Time: 8:00pm

8/10 - Talent + On Stage Question & Answer Preliminary Competition

UDC Theater of the Arts

4200 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20008

Time: 12:00noon

8/11 - Miss Black USA Pageant Finals Live

UDC Theater of the Arts

4200 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20008

Time: 3:00pm

Founded by Karen Arrington, the Miss Black USA™ Pageant is an internationally recognized organization that is committed to empowering women to use their voices to make a difference in society. It is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for women of color, and has awarded over $500,000in scholarships. Miss Black USA™ is a highly respected organization redefining what it means to be a courageous, compassionate and confident woman of color.

“The pageant has a passion and commitment to continue to break barriers on archaic standards of beauty and to help Black women of all ages feel confident and shine within,” stated Karen Arrington, Founder & CEO of Miss Black USA™, Inc.

As an award-winning women’s empowerment expert and global philanthropist, Arrington has personally mentored over 1,000 young women​ helping them land life-altering scholarships, step into powerful careers and transform their lives and communities. For more information about the Miss Black USA™ Pageant visit www.missblackusa.org.