And in other news.....

Happy New Year folks!

I hope my silence on the M.A.O pageant speaks volumes about how I feel about THAT production!  After the wonderful event, in which Caressa Cameron joined the likes of my favorite Miss America - Vanessa Williams (1984) as well as the equally shocking, yet fun, event which brought us the youngest Miss America ever crowned - Teresa Scanlon, the powers that be sought fit to bring us THAT.

Have we not seen a resurgence in this country over the past twelve months about the DANGERS and traumatizing effects of bullying!?  What does the Miss America Organization go and do but BULLY some of the most talented, intelligent and charismatic young women in the country.  To say I was disappointed in their tactics would be an understatement.  On top of the fact that the WORLD knows Miss Florida should have been in the top 5, the sheer cruelty with which they treated those young women will not soon be forgotten.

What's done is done but I sure hope that all of my true pageant purists and fans write everyone they can so we don't have to witness this horror and injustice next year!

And in other news, before heading out to my MAO watch party with my fellow directors and "former" pageant girls, I had the pleasure to accompany some beautiful young women from the International, Black America and Black USA system to "Black Oppulence" - A VIP gifting suite which preceded the glamorous BET Honors taping in Washington.  The event was hosted by BET's 106 & Park Host Rosci Diaz and Minnesota Viking Visanthe Shiancoe  Enjoy the pics!

 Miss International 2011 Ciji Dodds, and BET's 106 & Park Host Rosci Diaz. 

 Miss International hits the red carpet

 Miss Black Washington USA 2012,  BET's 106 & Park Host Rosci Diaz and 

Miss Black America Baltimore 2012, Alexandra Morton

 

 Miss Black America Baltimore 2012 hits the red carpet

 

RED HAUTE!!

This was my ABSOLUTE favorite look at the 63rd Prime time EMMY's.  Kerry Washington was the epitome of glamor on the red carpet.  I would LOVE to see a new Mrs. rock this!!!! The peek-a-boo bottom is a fabulous touch to spice up a classic look!

What a "difference" a Crown Makes

I was doing my weekly review of pageant news and came across this wonderful highlight, in Turn for the Judges, about an organization that is making a positive difference in the lives of children through pageantry

The Miss Next Level Youth Pageant was created to allow the opportunity to participate in pageantry for some young ladies who might otherwise not be able to do to finances.  This wonderful pageant will take place at Grace Norton Rogers School in East Windsor, New Jersey on Saturday, June 4, 2011. 


Contestants between the ages of 8 and 18 will have the opportunity to compete for the title in areas of creative wear, interview and evening gown. Many gowns are being donated by Caitlin's Closet as well as queens from the State of New Jersey.  Entry fee is only $100.00 and the first 10 contestants to sign up will receive sponsorship.

Evelyn McCleod of East Windsor, and the reigning America's Mrs. 2010 and former Mrs. New Jersey United States 2008, is the director of the pageant.  She believes "Pageantry is an important aspect of preparing our children to achieve full potential as they learn valuble interview skills, how to carry themselves and good grooming habits."

So far the pageant prize package includes: Free entry into the New Jersey American Coed Pageant, a  Gift Certificate to Red Carpet Prom, a subscription to "Pageantry Magazine", a participation trophy, Hemingway Jewelry.

From it's website - "Next Level Youth, a New Jersey non-profit corporation, was founded in 2006 upon the principles of youth education and development. We are a dedicated and concerned group of parents and professionals, who have collectively taken responsibility to guarantee that our childrens' futures are full of promise and opportunity. In addition to working with the children, we reach out to include family, friends and concerned community members in this growth process as it is within the scope of our objectives to develop a nurturing environment for all to learn and grow."

To make a donation to the Miss Next Level Youth Pageant or to donate wardrobe items, please contact Eugene Lambert, NYL Founder, for further information.