Gateway to the Black Hills

In all my years of competing in Mrs. pageants, I don't think I've ever been so pleasantly surprised.  In perusing the newest delegate postings for the upcoming Mrs. America pageant I noticed that not only is the reigning Mrs. South Dakota seemingly African-American her married name is a truly Native surname.   This beauty who will compete against 50 other women at the Greenbriar resort next month is Mrs. Shapeera Afraid of Ligthning - HOW AWESOME!!!

Shapeera and her husband, Quincy, are the Pastors of the Miracle Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The 29 year old is an assistant teacher at Central High School in addition to being a member of D'Vine Favor, a gospel singing group made up of herself and her four sisters.

While a junior at Minnesota State University - Moorhead Campus, the former Shapeera Davis, competed in the state's inaugural pageant and was crowned Miss South Dakota United States 2002.  During this time, she was also a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority!!!  Clearly this lady is no stranger to stage, community service or hard work.

Congratulations Shapeera and best of luck next month!!!!