The HBCU Times Magazine is the nation's premiere publication focusing on the significant contributions of HBCUs and their distinguished alumni base.
2026 WINTER ISSUE
IVY HARRINGTON MISS NEW JERSEY 2025 FEATURING
CROWNS, CULTURE & LEADERSHIP hbcu Queens
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Post-doctoral Opportunity: Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program at the LU-RRTC on Research and Capacity Building for Minority Entities PROJECT OVERVIEW: The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program at the Langston University (historically Black college/university [HBCU]) Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (LU-RRTC) on Research and Capacity Building represents a collaborative effort between the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston ([ICI] Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving Institution [AANAPISI]), North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University ([NCA&T] HBCU), South Carolina State University ([SCSU] HBCU), Jackson State University ([JSU] HBCU), and the Kessler Foundation. The Project implements a Peer-to-Peer Multiple Mentor Model to help post-doctoral Fellows navigate institutional context and cross-fertilize their independent research project and research grant proposal through exchanges with a primary mentor and a scientific panel of mentors comprised of content experts, multicultural specialists, methodologists, and statisticians. The ARRT Program works in concert with the LU-RRTC drawing upon the center’s extensive minority-serving institution research capacity building expertise, collaborative networks, resources, and interventions (e.g., methodology and grant writing web-based trainings, communities of practice, strategic planning, sponsored programs office and institutional review board technical assistance and consultation), offers courses, webinars, and implements peer mentoring as an innovative strategy to holistically address the Fellows’ research skill building needs . INVITATION TO APPLY: We invite individuals who have earned a doctorate from a minority-serving institution (i.e., HBCU, Hispanic serving institution, Tribal college/- university, AANAPIAI) or predominantly White institution (PWI) and current doctoral candidates (must graduate before beginning fellowship) at minority-serving institutions or PWIs interested in employment research to apply to participate in the post-doctoral fellowship. Minority-serving institution based faculty members who have earned doctorates are also eligible to apply (i.e., 80% research supplements through subcontract for such faculty in residence at their employing minority-serving institution are optional). We strongly encourage individuals with disabilities to apply. We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates who have a strong desire to obtain an academic faculty position or research position at a minority-serving institution upon completion of the fellowship program. PARTICIPATION INCENTIVES: • Salary and benefits package- Annual salary with full health benefits • Peer-to-Peer multiple research mentorship opportunity with scientific panel mentors • Financial research agenda start-up package- i.e., study participant honorariums/fellow research travel • Peer reviewed publications • Present research findings at national and/or international rehabilitation related conferences CONTACT: If you have any questions regarding the Langston University Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Program (LU-ARRT), please contact Dr. Corey L. Moore, Principal Investigator/Training Director at (405) 530-7531 or email: capacitybuildingrrtc@langston.edu.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (LU-RRTC) on Research and Capacity Building for Minority Entities The MISSION of the Langston University RRTC is to empower minority-serving institutions/minority entities (e.g., historically Black colleges/universities [HBCUs], Hispanic-serving institutions [HSIs], Tribal colleges/universities [TCUs], and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving Institution (ANNAPISIs]) to improve their disability and rehabilitation research capacity and infrastructure by conducting a programmatic line of research examining experiences and outcomes of persons with disabilities from traditionally underserved racial and ethnic populations and communities and capacity-building efforts. LU-RRTC TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The LU-RRTC serves as a national resource center for minority-serving institutions/minority entities seeking to develop their research infrastructure (RI), and to enhance their capacity to engage in disability and rehabilitation research. To this end, the RRTC initiates dissemination, training and technical assistance (TA) activities to develop strong RIs for the conduct of research, preparation, submission, and management of NIDILRR funded research grant projects. TA services are provided as a part of LU-RRTC interventions for research project participants and to minority entities/minority-serving institutions around the country. The quality, intensity, and duration of TA vary by system and the readiness of TA recipients. Minority-serving Institution TA Areas- • Faculty Scholar Role & Function Balance Consultation (e.g., teaching/service/research balance) • Sponsored Programs Office Operations Consultation • Research Infrastructure Strategic Planning • Institutional Review Board (IRB) Operation Consultation • NIDILRR Research Proposal Development Mentorship • NIDILRR Research Project Management Consultation • Manuscript for Peer Reviewed Publication Development Mentorship • NIDILRR Request for Comment (RFC) or Request for Proposal (RFP) Interpretation Consultation • NIDILRR Expert Panel Application Development Consultation • Data Management and Analysis Software and Related Technology Support Consultation State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (SVRA) TA Areas- • SVRA Policy Consultation to Improve Outcomes for Persons from Traditionally Underserved Communities • SVRA Rehabilitation Practitioner Consultation or Training to Improve Outcomes for Persons from Traditionally Underserved Communities LU-RRTC PEER-TO-PEER MENTOR RESEARCH TEAM ACADEMY The LU-RRTC Peer-to-Peer Mentor Research Team Academy represents a collaborative effort between Langston University and the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston (AANAPISI), South Carolina State University (HBCU), Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, Jackson State University (HBCU), Delaware Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Cherokee Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Kessler Foundation, and Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). The Academy mentors Fellows to conduct research that addresses the rehabilitation needs of persons with disabilities from traditionally underserved racial and ethnic backgrounds and communities. Ultimately, the program builds Fellows’ scholarly self-efficacy and research skills by providing them with state-of-the-science knowledge of scientifically valid measurement strategies and methodologies, and direct hands-on experience in the conduct of research and grant proposal development. CONTACT: If you have any questions regarding the (LU-RRTC), please contact Dr. Corey L. Moore, Principal Investigator at (405) 530-7531 or email: capacitybuildingrrtc@langston.edu.
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EDITOR'S MESSAGE
journeys remind us that when young women are seen, supported, and challenged to lead with integrity, they rise not only for themselves, but for everyone watching. This issue also captures a historic moment. At the 2025 Miss USA Competition, five accomplished HBCU alumnae stepped onto one of the world’s most visible stages carrying confidence, discipline, and clarity instilled by their institutions. Their presence was powerful because it was authentic and intentional. A special spotlight shines on Ivy Harrington of Morgan State University, whose poise and commitment to service earned her a First Runner Up finish. We also celebrate Howard University alumna Taylor Davis, whose Top Five placement reflected leadership rooted in intellect, confidence, and purpose. This issue further honors Tetra Shockley of Delaware State University, Mona Lesa Brackett of Morgan State University, and Kennedy Whisenant of Clark Atlanta University. As you turn these pages, my hope is that you see what I see. Women grounded in who they are. Women who understand their worth. Women prepared to lead wherever life places them. HBCUs continue to shape Queens who do not just step onto stages, but step fully into their calling. Many other HBCU Queens are featured throughout this issue, reminding us that HBCU excellence is not rare, but richly abundant.
DR.BRIDGET STATEN
embody preparation, purpose, and the power of believing in who you are becoming. Throughout this issue, you will meet current and forever HBCU Queens whose leadership, service, and influence continue to transform campuses and communities. Their
There are moments when you witness greatness and know it is not accidental. It is cultivated. This Winter 2026 issue of HBCU Times celebrates women whose excellence has been intentionally shaped by Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HBCU Queens, both current and forever, represent far more than crowns and ceremonies. They
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Honoring the Past. Investing in the Future. For 130 years , South Carolina State University has been a cornerstone of access, opportunity, and achievement, educating generations of leaders and strengthening communities across the nation.
JOIN US FOR THE GARNET & BLUE EXTRAVAGANZA APRIL 18, 2026 A landmark anniversary celebration raising $1.3 million in scholarship support and celebrating the enduring Power of SC State .
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
ZERLINE HUGHES SPRUILL Zerline Hughes Spruill is a proud Howard University alumna, co-founder of The Capstone Crate and a writer who lives in Washington, D.C.
LORI EVANS
Lori J. Evans is a proud two- time graduate of Jackson State University, where she earned a B.S. in Speech Pathology in 1999 and an M.S. in Counseling in 2004. During her undergraduate years, she was actively involved in campus life and was crowned Miss Jackson
State University for the 1998–1999 academic year.
BRANDI KELLAM
DR. DAVID STATEN
Brandi Kellam is a two- time Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist and documentary film director. Kellam’s work has been featured by MSNBC, NBC News, CBS News, ProPublica, The Chronicle of Higher Education, ESSENCE, and more.
Dr. David Staten is the Founder and Chief Executive
Officer of HBCU Times Magazine. He is a proud graduate of SC State University.
ERICA BLOUNT DANOIS Erica Blount Danois is an award-winning journalist, author, screenwriter, producer, and professor.
DR. BRIDGET STATEN Dr. Bridget Hollis Staten is the Co-Founder and SHE-EO of the HBCU Times Magazine. She is a proud graduate of Albany State University.
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what's inside
FEATURE ARTICLE
FEATURE ARTICLE
TAYLOR DAVIS
IVY HARRINGTON Outside the Paint: How Miss New Jersey’s Ivy Harrington Pivots With Purpose 22
18
Third Time’s a Charm for Beauty Queen with HBCU Roots
10
38
LORI J. EVANS
SYDNEY GUY
More Than a Crown: How HBCU Queens Shape Career Development and Post-College Success
Crowned to Serve: a Purpose-Driven Reign as the 86th Miss Alabama State University
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41
MONALESA DIAMOND BRACKETT
QUEEN SPOTLIGHTS
Modesty is Nothing Like Invisibility for Morgan State Alumna
CURRENT QUEENS Casey Watkins Olivia L. Ratliff Christian Symone Oliver Edwina Fleuridor Dr. Kyla Marks
FOREVER QUEENS Shantavia Edmonds-Hart Chelsea B. Robinson Dr. Gillespie-Johnson Lakil Mason Darby Smith Dr. Roblena Emagaha Walker Jessica McDonald Mallory Moore Kyla Cole Errayionna Jackson Jamesia Leonard
28
KENNEDY WHISENANT
Finding a Way or Making One: The Journey of Kennedy Whisenant, Miss Alabama USA
32
TETRA S. SHOCKLEY
Never Too Late to Wear the Crown: Tetra S. Shockley’s Historic Reign as Miss Delaware USA
Imani Johnson Tamia Williams
Quinteria T. Woods Karrington Daughtry
36
STACEY LEE SPRATT
Maintaining Connection with the HBCU Mission
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credits
Editor and Co-CEO Co-CEO
Layout and Design Editor
Dr. David Staten Dr. Bridget Hollis Staten
Mia Draper
Associate Editors
Amori Washington Dr. Regina Bush
Terrell Maxwell Rolando Davis Delaware State University Howard University
Zerline Hughes Spruill Brandi Kellam Erica Blount Danois Lori Evans Dr. David Staten Dr. Bridget Staten
Clark Atlanta University Morgan State University S92 Photography (MonaLesa Diamond Photos)
Additional photos provided by the featured Queens
Roderick Rogers Estervina Rogers Paula Lyles Dr. Macie Smith Dr. Antoinette Hollis Roderick Rogers
Models
Jordan Releford Dr. Racheal Brooks Dr. Siobahn Grady
Advertising Manager
Dr. David Staten
connect with us
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Advertising Executives
Mia Draper Carlton Draper Heather Montgomery
HBCU_Times HBCU Times
Publisher Logo Design
Post and Courier Designs by Mia
INSPIRED BY: ETHEL STATEN AND JORDAN STATEN
Marketing Strategist
Heather Montgomery
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More Than a Crown: HOW HBCU QUEENS SHAPE CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND POST-COLLEGE SUCCESS
BY LORI J. EVANS
Lori J. Evans . Lori J. Evans . Lori
The title of “Campus Queen” at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),
is far more than a ceremonial honor.
It is Poise. Grace. Style. Beauty. Intellect. Servant and Philanthropic Leadership. It is BLACK EXCELLENCE. This opportunity of a lifetime is one that cultivates professional skills, confidence, and networks that continue to shape career trajectories long after graduation. HBCU Queens are often the most visible ambassadors of their respective institutions. As the “chosen one”, these young women represent the values, culture, and academic excellence of their campuses at alumni events, civic engagements, recruitment initiatives, and community partnerships. They are expected to promote the “most” school pride both on and off campus, especially
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faculty, alumni, donors, elected officials, and community leaders often without any advance notice. I learned the ability to read the room, listen actively, and respond when necessary. A memorable experience was one of our “Chat and Chews” reception. A Chat and Chews is a reception held prior to a football game and hosted by the home school’s Queen and Royal Court for the opposing school’s Royal Court and SGA. I personally looked forward to this because it gave me first-hand experience in event planning, which I continue doing today. As the Queen, I was responsible for selecting menus, sending invitations, wardrobe and preparing for our guests' arrival. The menu usually consisted of catered finger sandwiches, fruit, deviled eggs, party wings, meatballs, cake and punch. I was also responsible for developing a community service platform that would be implemented throughout the year. My focus was mentoring. I chose this because beginning with my mother, I had many amazing mentors in my life and as I found out they too had been HBCU Queens. As Miss Jackson State University, I gained experience in public speaking, brand representation, relationship management, and strategic communication. You see, this was not just a title; it was a job! Networking is another critical, and often underestimated, benefit. HBCU Queens frequently develop close relationships with university presidents, administrators, alumni boards, and corporate sponsors. These connections can translate into mentorship, internships, job opportunities, and lifelong professional support. For many Queens, their first post-college opportunities are directly linked to relationships formed while serving their institutions. In a labor market where “who you know” often matters as much as “what you know,” this access is invaluable. After graduation, I returned to my alma mater and began my career as a Student Life administrator. Eventually, I served as advisor for the SGA and the Royal Court. Boy, was that an experience, now being on the other side of the fence. I quickly grew a deeper appreciation for
. Lori J. Evans . Lori J. Evans . Lori J. Evans . Lori
at football games, parades, luncheons, etc. In essence, THERE. IS. NO. DAY OFF! Although the schedules can be grueling, this position provides early exposure to professional environments that many students do not encounter until well after college. The leadership development embedded in the HBCU Queen experience is both intentional and rigorous. Queens are expected to successfully balance academic excellence with demanding schedules, manage competing priorities, and remain composed under scrutiny. This mirrors the realities of executive leadership, where performance, presence, and accountability intersect. Employers increasingly seek candidates who can lead with confidence, navigate complex environments, and communicate effectively across diverse audiences.
1998-1999. But, let me take you back to the beginning. My parents attended and met on the campus of Jackson State University in 1956. Through research of my mother’s yearbook, I learned that she was elected by her peers as Miss Junior in 1957. I remember attending the football games with my parents as a child and being mesmerized by the beautiful lady walking along the field wearing the shiny, bright crown and waving. With each wave, step, and smile, the crowd adorned her with cheers, claps and excitement. She was beautiful. She was captivating. She was graceful. She was who I wanted to be. So, as a five-year-old, I told my mother that I wanted to be “that” lady when I grew up. And of course, she obliged me and after that game bought me a plastic crown that she let me wear to all the football games. This was the beginning of my royal journey. As Miss Jackson State University, I had someone who managed my schedule because like many campus queens, I was expected to engage with students,
For me, this journey is personal. I attended Thee Jackson State
University and was elected by peers to reign as Miss Jackson State University
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" Beyond individual success, HBCU Queens carry a deep sense of service and legacy into their careers. Rooted in institutions founded to uplift and empower Black communities, QUEENS ARE OFTEN DRIVEN BY A COMMITMENT TO GIVE BACK." - LORI
Mrs. Cathy L. Patterson, who served as my advisor and all the things she did for me. In hindsight, I now know there were many other things that she did for me to ensure that I had a memorable reign. But, rest assured, after my first game serving as an advisor, I called her, thanked her, apologized and cried…she laughed! Equally important is the cultivation of emotional intelligence. After all, we are still students on a mission to get an education, earn a degree and build a life after college. The Queen’s experience fosters maturity, diplomacy, and cultural competence. I believe these are qualities that cannot be taught solely in a classroom. The confidence gained through the Queen’s experience also plays a pivotal role in post-college success. Standing before crowds, handling criticism with grace, and carrying oneself with purpose reinforces self-assurance that extends into interviews, boardrooms, and leadership roles. Many former
Queens credit their ability to advocate for themselves, negotiate salaries, and pursue leadership positions to the confidence built during their reign. Beyond individual success, HBCU Queens carry a deep sense of service and legacy into their careers. Rooted in institutions founded to uplift and empower Black communities, Queens are often driven by a commitment to give back. This translates into careers in education, nonprofit leadership, public service, corporate social responsibility, and entrepreneurship. The Queen’s experience reinforces the understanding that leadership is not about visibility alone; it is about impact. Critics may view collegiate royalty as outdated or symbolic, but this perspective overlooks the transformative nature of the role at HBCUs. The Queen is not simply crowned; she is entrusted. Entrusted with representing history, embodying excellence, and inspiring those who follow. That responsibility shapes how
Queens see themselves and their potential long after the crown is set aside. As conversations around workforce readiness and leadership development continue, the tradition of the HBCU Queen deserves recognition as a powerful model. It blends experiential learning, mentorship, cultural pride, and professional development in ways few collegiate experiences can replicate. In the end, while the crown may be temporary in time, the skills, lasting relationships, and confidence forged through having an HBCU Queen experience are permanent. They prepare women not just to succeed after college, but to lead with purpose wherever their careers take them. While crowns, sashes, and pageantry may capture public attention, the true significance of an HBCU Queen’s experience lies in its lasting impact on career development and post-college success.
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Modesty is Nothing Like Invisibility for MORGAN STATE ALUMNA
BY ZERLINE HUGHES SPRUILL
MonaLesa Diamond Brackett . MonaLesa Diamond Brackett . MonaLesa Diamon
As a Miss USA 2025 pageant contestant last fall, MonaLesa Diamond Brackett catwalked across the stage during the swimsuit competition in her burkini – not to be mistaken with the two- piece bikini worn by the contestant who preceded her at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.
Covered from head to ankle in a long- sleeved, mock turtleneck red unitard accessorized with a shimmering gold headcovering and matching mini sarong, Brackett wowed the audience and judges alike as she made Miss USA pageant history. As an Islamic woman who chooses to wear the hijab headcovering, Brackett, 36, is the first hijabi title holder to compete in a Miss USA contest. “People asked me ‘are you going to compete with that thing on your head … what are you going to wear?’” recalled Brackett who converted to Islam in her early 30s. “Being a modest woman is not a costume where we can say, ‘when it’s over I’ll cover back up.’ I love that I was able to show up as myself. A few times a day, I take a break to pray and I’m also coming through with the styles, while my makeup is going to be A-1. All little girls can wear hijab in all of the things they want to do and they don’t have to compromise their standards, morals or religion.”
Representing New Hampshire, the Morgan State University alumna’s poise, personality and intelligence earned her 16th place in the contest, putting her in the Top 20 ranking of Miss USA 2025 contestants. She also upped New Hampshire’s reputation, earning the state's sixth overall placement in the pageant's history. “It’s history and it happened so fast,” said Brackett who is an actress, screenwriter and realtor. “I’m a winner because I choose to win. A winner finds a way to win no matter the outcome. Everyone is happy about the Top 16, but I wish I could have done better. Someone in the audience said they were glad to see me place because people were underestimating me. It never dawned on me that I’m considered not as good until people tell me. It’s shocking.” The Brooklyn native first began her beauty queen career when she was a teenager. In 2006, a guidance
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iamond Brackett . MonaLesa Diamond Brackett . MonaLesa Diamond Brackett .
counselor at Boys and Girls High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant surreptitiously gave Brackett’s classmate an envelope filled with a Miss New York Teen USA application to deliver to her. To this day, she doesn’t know who sent her the gentle nudge, but she is thankful for that life-changing handoff. From there, she became a self-proclaimed “pageant girl.” Brackett and her cosmetologist mother, her namesake, went on to raise money for pageant application fees and pageant wardrobes. In 2012, Brackett competed in Miss Maryland USA 2011, Miss DC USA 2012 and placed fourth runner up in Miss DC USA 2013 . She took a hiatus when her mother died from colon cancer. She also learned about genetic cancers that required her to be more mindful of her own health and wellness. A year after the competing age cap of 28 was lifted, Brackett competed in Miss New York USA 2025, placing in the top five with a second runner up title, making history as the first hijabi to place in
the Top 5 at a Miss USA state pageant. She then participated in an open call for Miss New Hampshire USA and earned the crown which afforded her the opportunity to compete in the Miss USA 2025 – her 14th pageant since childhood.
to an HBCU because she needed to be loved by the Blackness outside of the Brooklyn community. Because she was around other Black strong women and men, that really pushed her over the edge to help her cultivate more of her individualism and confidence in who she is a Black woman.” Once she chose Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, Brackett breezed through her communication studies and even competed in the Miss Morgan State pageant and completed her coursework in December 2010, a half semester early. She walked the stage to graduate in May 2011. She later earned her Master of Fine Arts in writing and producing for television from Long Island University in New York.
SELF CONFIDENCE ONLY AN HBCU CAN INSTILL
While Brackett’s confidence, cadence and pride was instilled by her mother and father Marion T. Brackett, she says her HBCU roots made a huge impact on her young adult years. She knew she was destined for HBCU life and said there was no other option. “That’s all she talked about, going to an HBCU and all the things she wanted to do,” said Brackett’s former high school teacher Alison Best-Adams, who is now a middle school assistant principal in Brooklyn. “She knew she wanted to pledge AKA and she just made a plan and made it happen. She needed to go
“I came there with the idea that I was going to graduate in three
years,” said Brackett who majored in telecommunications and TV production. “I was on track to do that, but when I
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" Morgan made me everything that I am today. It is the place that molded me, and the best benefit is my line sisters. I still have relationships with professors. THAT’S THE THING ABOUT HBCUS: FAMILY AND LOVE."
- MONALESA
MonaLesa Diamond Brackett . MonaLesa Diamond Brackett . MonaLesa Diamon
crossed, I had such a great time, I said ‘I’m having fun, let me relax a little and not breeze through.’ I got the full HBCU drumline experience. Morgan made me everything that I am today. It is the place that molded me, and the best benefit is my line sisters. I still have relationships with professors. That’s the thing about HBCUs: family and love.”
compete in a beauty pageant without sacrificing modesty.
University and Wayne State University to inspire young Muslim women to participate in its pageant competition and others. “It feels incredibly meaningful and deeply validating,” said Howe. “MonaLesa embodies the empowerment, dignity, strength, and grace that Miss Muslimah USA represents. Her involvement is a beautiful reminder that the work we’ve been doing for nearly a decade truly matters. Her presence shows how impactful this platform is and how much light can be created when women uplift one another.”
“There were so many misconceptions about Muslim women both, hijabi and non-hijabi, and very few opportunities for us to tell our own stories,” said Helana Bowe, CEO of Miss Muslimah USA. “Miss Muslimah USA celebrates the achievements of all Muslim women. We teach self-esteem, courage, leadership, and personal empowerment giving women a stage that Muslim women have never truly had before.” When Brackett sought support from Miss Muslimah USA, it gave the organization a much-needed boost, said Howe. Miss Muslimah USA and Brackett will team up this year for its 2026 national competition which will take place in Columbus, Ohio. The organization also plans to begin partnering with HBCUs, though it already has connected with other major universities such as The Ohio State
A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS WITHIN FAITH
Brackett found mentors, partners and prayer warriors along her journey to help her achieve her beauty queen dreams. One of those included Miss Muslimah USA, a national organization founded in 2016 by a modest clothing designer and mother, Maghrib Shahid. Aimed at providing Muslim women in America a platform where their identity, faith, beauty and leadership could be celebrated without judgment or misunderstanding, the organization offers Muslim women a chance to
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FEATURE ARTICLE
Third Time’s a Charm for BEAUTY QUEEN WITH HBCU ROOTS
BY ZERLINE HUGHES SPRUILL
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As a social media analyst for the NFL, Davis is an expert at social media audience behaviors and influencer content strategy. In the same breath, if you ask her about beauty secrets, formal wardrobe fashion and community service with young women, you will receive useful tips and motivating advice. It all comes with the territory of being a product of Howard University – and the perfect Miss America 2025 contestant. “That’s one of the things I love about pageantry: it gets contestants and audiences involved in the different parts about being a woman,” said Taylor. “You can do it all. You can be into beauty and feel super confident and feminine. I competed every year with doctors, educators, mothers, wives. When you attend a pageant, you can see the multifaceted nature of being a woman and being able to do it all.” Representing Dallas, Davis won the title of Miss Texas USA 2025 last summer after vying for the title three times. Her win led her to compete in Miss USA 2025 last fall where she was crowned third runner up. Taking it back to what she called “old-school pageantry,” she said her nude and pearls ball gown choice featured a soft yet strong, elegant yet effortless look, while her state costume entry featured elements of everything Texas: the Longhorn cow, monarch butterfly, prickly pear cactus, bluebonnet flower, a little chili and some inspiration from Houston’s own Beyoncé. Ask Taylor Davis about football stats, Super Bowl metrics and NFL audience analytics, and you’ll get an earful.
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“I’m really glad that Howard was the space where I started forming an opinion about myself, my world and my identity as a Black woman,” said Davis. “It gave me a clear idea of who I wanted to be. I’m sure I would have been able to do that at another institution, but I’m glad I did it at Howard.” Davis credits her pageant success and experience holding royal court as Miss Howard in 2020. She also gave props to her HBCU queen competitors Miss New Jersey, and Miss Alabama, both who attended Morgan State University and Clark-Atlanta University, respectively, who supported one another during the national competition. “We were all extremely confident and clear why we were at Miss USA,” said Davis. “In the middle of living our dreams, we were thinking about other people showing up, taking up space in certain spaces. We had conversations about how excited we were to be representing HBCU queens. Pageantry at HBCUs is different from the Miss USA system. We wanted to show other HBCU queens that there’s a way to participate in other systems and industries that aren’t 100 percent for you while walking in full confidence.”
an ambassador on and off campus and nationwide. One thing stood in her way of doing that full out, though. “One week later after she won, the pandemic came,” said Walter S. Servance, Howard University Executive Director of Campus Life who serves as an advisor to students on the Homecoming Court. “She missed out on that experience of going to the football game, walking the field and waving. We had to move to a virtual platform. She did not have the standard coronation. Instead, she put on a white dress and crown and did a small video to be a representation of the coronation. There was a lot of social media presence to make the time while being at home really meaningful.” The following year when students returned after the pandemic and before the new Homecoming court was announced, the university gave the 2020 court the opportunity to walk the field so they would have the experience, said Servance. “I remember being so devastated,” said Davis. “This was my senior year that I got to be on the yard as Miss Howard and I had recently become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. I just felt like these things that were supposed to represent the pinnacle of my experience and in
Tay
As Miss Howard University, Davis’ duties were to represent the institution as
" We had conversations about how excited we were to be representing HBCU queens. PAGEANTRY AT HBCUS IS DIFFERENT FROM THE MISS USA SYSTEM. We wanted to show other HBCU queens that there’s a way to participate in other systems and industries that aren’t 100 percent for you while walking in full confidence. " - TAYLOR
Taylor Davis . Taylor Davis . Taylor Davis . Taylor Davis . Taylor Davis .
one instant, it was gone. Everything feels super dramatic in college. I realized these things never shaped who Taylor was. The letters, the crown didn’t make me. Taylor was always enough without those things.” While Davis also missed her spring probate, she was able to later experience the lifestyle of a beauty queen and leader when she won the title of Miss Texas – and she did it while balancing her NFL career. Davis said she comes from a legacy of HBCU graduates and a legacy of sports. Her mother and father attended and met at Grambling State University, in addition to her grandfather and uncle, the late Willie Davis, who is featured in the NFL Hall of Fame for his career as defensive end with the Green Bay Packers. She grew up attending the Grambling- Southern Classic and was destined for a career with the NFL.
“This was my first job out of college and it’s been a dream come true,” she said. “I find a lot of times that, especially when I’m speaking to men and I say I work for the NFL, they ask, ‘as a cheerleader?’ Obviously, I love the cheerleaders, but that’s always the assumption. Then they guess that I’m on-air talent. I know people don’t mean any harm by it. It’s interesting how people assume that the two can’t co-exist.” Her career experiences make up a large part of her pageant platform which is taking bold chances and not being afraid to achieve opportunities that may seem out of reach. “My best piece of advice I got my freshman year and has followed me ever since: never let anyone count you out,” said Davis. “Sometimes believing in yourself is half of the battle, truly believing you are able to accomplish
what you’re doing. If you can push through it and make a choice to go all in and say, ‘I’m going to do it scared,’ that will open doors for you. You have no idea what’s waiting for you.” While Davis doesn’t know if pageantry is in her immediate future, she is proud of her career thus far and wants to continue to use her platform beyond the crown, she said. “I accomplished what I set out to do,” said Davis. “I’m happy how I represented Texas as the third runner up and only fourth Black woman to be crowned Miss Texas USA. I feel very blessed through things accomplished through pageantry. I am continuing to try to break barriers in a different industry and be a trailblazer inspiring other people to do the same along the way. Football will always be close to my heart.”
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FEATURE ARTICLE
OUTSIDE THE PAINT: How Miss New Jersey’s Ivy Harrington Pivots With Purpose BY BRANDI KELLAM
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Ivy Harrington holds an impressive list of titles: Division I athlete, Miss New Jersey USA 2025, and first runner-up at Miss USA. But she resists being defined by any single one. A proud graduate of Morgan State University, Harrington sees her accomplishments as chapters in a much larger story—each reflecting a skill she has relied on time and again: the ability to pivot. Her path to winning Miss New Jersey USA 2025 and capturing the national spotlight was anything but conventional. It was not carefully scripted, nor did it follow the expected trajectory of a college athlete. Instead, it grew out of a mindset Harrington says she had been practicing long before she ever stepped onto a pageant stage. That mindset took root early. Harrington recalls that her parents encouraged her to think broadly, to avoid narrowing herself to a single identity. “My dad taught me to figure out what my gifts were, figure out what my interests are, and if I can fuse and merge those two things together, then I’ll never work a day in my life and I will always love what I do,” she said. Basketball became one of the first ways she put that philosophy into action. The sport brought Harrington to Morgan State on scholarship, where she arrived determined to graduate debt free while laying the foundation for a future in media. The Morgan State graduate’s journey from Division I athletics to the national pageant stage reflects a life and career built on intention, adaptability, and purpose.
It was during her years at Morgan State that Harrington first began to consider pageantry. Sitting in her dorm room, she watched the Miss USA telecast and saw two Black women, Deshauna Barber and Kara McCullough, win the crown in consecutive years. The moment planted a seed. When the opportunity arose to compete for Miss Senior on campus, it stood out as an unconventional move for a Division I athlete whose life was already defined by practices, games, and travel. Harrington, however, saw possibility rather than departure. After graduating, she pursued pageantry beyond campus. Still, her focus remained firmly on media. A broadcast journalism major, Harrington said pageantry felt less like a crown to chase and more like a room to enter— one that could open doors into the industry she envisioned for herself. She first competed in the Miss New Jersey USA competition in 2020. Her semifinalist finish sparked a belief that she could truly win. Over the next several years, she would compete four times before finally claiming the state title, becoming the oldest woman to ever do so. This fall, she advanced to the national stage and placed first runner-up at Miss USA.
her long after graduation.
“It engulfed everything that I was aspiring to be, and it gave me the confidence to know that I would always be supported, that I would always have a community of people rooting for me,” she said. Now, Harrington is focused on completing her reign as Miss New Jersey while assessing her next pivot. After six years and four attempts to win the crown, and following her national success, she says her expectations have been exceeded. “My cup really is running over,” she said. Looking ahead, Harrington remains open to possibility, guided by perspective earned through experience. True to her athletic roots, she frames transition in competitive terms. “It’s coming up with a game plan, knowing what you have to do to show up and execute every day. Soon enough, you reap the reward and you see the results pay off,” she said.
Whatever lies ahead, she remains focused on the process.
“Winning comes in many forms, and to win doesn’t always mean that you walk away with the trophy,” she said. More significantly, Harrington hopes her story challenges the idea that ambition must follow a fixed timeline, particularly for women. She believes people have the power to reinvent themselves at any stage of life, often pointing to creatives like Ava DuVernay and Vera Wang, who pursued new paths later than expected. “We have so much permission to pivot into whatever we’re gifted in and fascinated with. I think that is one of the best ways to get the most out
“All you need is a glimmer of what you can do,” Harrington said.
Much of that confidence, she adds, was forged during her time at Morgan State. She credits the HBCU environment with strengthening her sense of belonging and purpose. “I was at an institution that was made for my people, by my people,” she said. That sense of community, along with the competitive grit she developed as an HBCU student-athlete, has stayed with
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Ivy Harrington . Ivy Harrington . Ivy Harrington . Ivy Harrington . Ivy Harrin
of this life. The more you learn about something, the more you learn about yourself,” she said. That belief anchors the legacy Harrington hopes to build, especially through her work with young women. She created Most Valuable Pivot (MVP), a workshop designed to help female student-athletes develop identities beyond their sport. Drawing from her own experience, the program encourages participants to recognize their strengths, explore creativity, and prepare for life after athletics long before the final buzzer sounds.
Harrington began piloting the workshops with the girls she coached, then expanded the program to schools in her hometown. She hopes to eventually make MVP a resource for high school students, college athletes, and young adults navigating post-graduation transitions. “At its core, it’s about equipping young people with the tools to design their own path,” she said. “The premise really is to teach female student-athletes to be the architects of their identity.”
extend far beyond sports.
“Having an identity outside of sports has just opened up the entire world to me. I want the next generation of student-athletes to have the confidence and clarity to go from whatever sport they’re playing to the most unconventional dream they have,” she said. For Harrington, the program also offers representation—something that once helped her envision new possibilities for herself and that she now hopes to pass on.
The idea grew out of her time coaching middle school basketball and lacrosse.
While MVP was created with athletes in mind, Harrington believes its lessons
“If you can see someone who was once an athlete, who’s now a pageant title
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" If you can see someone who was once an athlete, who’s now a pageant title holder, and who will be other things later, THAT MEANS YOU CAN BE WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE TO BE."
- IVY
holder, and who will be other things later, that means you can be whatever you choose to be,” she said. That sense of responsibility, Harrington says, is deeply tied to her identity as an HBCU graduate, which she describes as her proudest achievement. “Nothing reminds me of the responsibility I carry as an HBCU grad more than knowing that I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams,” she said. For her, that history is not only something to honor, but something to build upon. “When they first broke ground and dug into that soil on Morgan’s campus, people like me and other HBCU graduates, we are exactly what they dreamed of,” she said. If her current success is any indication, what comes next will be guided by the same purpose that has defined every pivot so far—a life lived beyond the paint, anchored in vision, courage, and the freedom to become.
Harrington .
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Finding a Way or Making One: THE JOURNEY OF KENNEDY WHISENANT, MISS ALABAMA USA
BY ERICKA BLOUNT
Kennedy Whisenant . Kennedy Whisenant . Kennedy Whisenant . Kennedy Wh
Given full creative freedom by her mother, Cindy Whisenant, Kennedy learned early how style could shape identity. Whisenant knew fashion was more than clothing, it was expression, confidence, and power. From the moment she was a little girl browsing racks at Macy’s every Saturday, Kennedy
“My mom always let me choose what I wanted to wear,” Kennedy recalls. “She gave me full creative control, and that carried over into pageants. I still style myself today because it’s something I really love.” That love for fashion would eventually lead her to the national stage as Miss Alabama USA, but her journey has been anything but conventional. It is a story shaped by faith, family, HBCU pride, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to finding a way, or making one. FROM PASSION TO PURPOSE Kennedy’s passion for fashion led her to Clark Atlanta University (CAU), where she initially pursued apparel construction. But after designing her first piece, reality set in. “It sucked,” she laughs. “That’s when I realized fashion design probably wasn’t for me. Sewing wasn’t my thing. That’s why I have a boutique and not my own clothing brand.”
She soon transferred to fashion merchandising, focusing on the business side of the industry. At the same time, she was deepening her involvement in pageantry, a path she had been on since age 15. Clark’s motto, “Find a Way or Make a Way,” became more than a slogan. It became a philosophy guiding every step of her life. AN HBCU THAT MADE A WAY Kennedy credits Clark Atlanta University with shaping her confidence and resilience. “I remember visiting campus and just feeling like I belonged,” she says. “It felt like community. Once I stepped on an HBCU campus, I knew that’s where I wanted to be.” Even after being accepted to more than 36 colleges, Kennedy hesitated, briefly telling her mother she didn’t think she wanted to go to college at all. Instead, she wanted to open a boutique. Her
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preparation, physical training, finances, wardrobe.
“We all adopted the same mentality, find a way or make one,” Kennedy says. “We didn’t have a choice.” That urgency mirrored Clark’s motto and the lessons she’d learned as an HBCU student. And she rose to the moment, carrying Alabama’s crown with grace, strength, and authenticity.
A MOTHER’S SACRIFICE, A DAUGHTER’S DREAM
Kennedy’s story is inseparable from her mother’s. Adopted as an infant after being left outside social services with a note and a bottle, Kennedy became Cindy’s answered prayer. “She couldn’t have children,” Kennedy says. “She had been waiting and praying. Then she got the call that there was a baby girl.” Cindy took motherhood seriously, pouring into Kennedy’s dreams even when resources were scarce. “We didn’t always have a lot,” Kennedy says. “There were times when family had to lift us up. But she always made it happen.” So much so that Cindy emptied her retirement savings to support Kennedy’s Miss USA journey. “She wanted me to have the best experience,” Kennedy says. “Pageantry is expensive, but she never hesitated.” Watching her mother battle cancer also reshaped Kennedy’s purpose. She noticed how wearing flattering clothing boosted Cindy’s confidence during treatment. “That’s when I realized I wanted to give that feeling to other women and girls,” she says. “Fashion can change how you see yourself.” ENTREPRENEURSHIP WITH HEART That realization became reality through MI’Chan Michelle Boutique, a faith-inspired fashion brand Kennedy launched as a young entrepreneur. As
y Whisenant . Kennedy Whisenant . Kennedy Whisenant
mother’s response was firm: absolutely not.
Clark administrators also rallied around her. Then-President Dr. George T. French Jr. personally called Kennedy, offering his support and checking in often. “The university really grounded me,” she says. “They made sure I knew I wasn’t alone.” PAGEANTRY UNDER PRESSURE Kennedy’s pageant journey included early wins in Georgia, Miss Georgia Collegiate, and ultimately Miss Collegiate America during her senior year. But it was being crowned Miss Alabama USA that thrust her into the national spotlight. She had just three weeks to prepare for Miss USA. “Most contestants had months,” she explains. “We ordered my evening gown the day after I was crowned.”
“I was upset at the time,” Kennedy admits. “But choosing Clark was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” That decision became even more meaningful when Cindy was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer shortly after Kennedy enrolled. “It’s just us two. We’re all we have,” Kennedy says. “When she was diagnosed, there was nothing she could have asked of me that I wouldn’t do. She wanted me to go to college and fully experience it, and I gave it everything I had.”
Despite chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, Cindy never missed a beat.
“She would drive up to campus and surprise me,” Kennedy remembers. “She’d have chemo on Thursday and still be at my game on Saturday.”
Everything had to be rushed: mental
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