Ciji after winning the title and her Executive Director, DeShawn Shepard
Ciji and her sister queen, Sandra Bryan-Grier, Mrs. Maryland International meet Nicole Ari Parker at the 2011 Heart and Soul Red Carpet Gala.
Ciji promotes reading and fighting youth illiteracy.
As Miss Maryland International, Ciji was named an official ambassador for First Book, a national non-profit organization providing books and grants to schools and organizations. As Miss International 2011, she will broaden these partnerships to bring books and reading rooms to children across the country. To date, in connection with First Book, she has organized a virtual book fair that has provided more than 500 preschool and elementary school children with their very own books. She also partnered with Reach Out and Read to establish reading areas in local hospitals providing families with a fun diversion from the real purpose of the visit.
When asked about her passion for reading, youth literacy and book ownership she explained, "At 13 years old, I lost a very close friend of mine. She did not die, she did not move. Her mother unknowingly signed away her parental rights because she could not read. Until that moment, I thought everyone was like me and read every night before going to bed. I never knew there were people without access to books or a parent who could read them bedtime stories. This tragedy taught me that literacy is an essential skill that can mean the difference between a life of poverty and dependence, prosperity and empowerment. I'm so glad I received my First Book and developed a love of reading. Now I plan to pass the importance of reading and my love for books on to others."
I would be remiss if I didn't note that Ciji is the first African-American woman to win this title in the pageant's history!!!! Let's hear it for Beauty & Brains!!!!
