Director's Corner: Why Our 5-Year Anniversary Season Means Everything
Five years ago, I had a vision—to create a pageant that did more than crown beauty. I wanted to build a platform that would shift the trajectory of young Black girls’ lives by connecting them to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), offering scholarship opportunities, resources, and lifelong mentorship. And now, five years later, here we are. Still standing. Still growing. And for the first time in our history, finally receiving the recognition—and support—that reflects the power of our mission.
This 5-year anniversary season is more than a celebration. It’s a milestone of resilience, community, and undeniable impact.
Why This Year Matters So Much:
🌟 Our Mission Has Never Wavered
From day one, our goal has been clear: to provide scholarships, resources, and support to high school girls of color as they prepare to attend HBCUs. We’ve worked to ensure they feel empowered, excel during their college years, and move confidently into their careers. Our mission isn’t just a statement—it’s a movement.
👑 Our Queens Are Leading the Way
In just five short years, our student queens have gone on to enroll at over 21 HBCUs nationwide. They didn’t just attend—they led. From student government to campus royalty, community service to mentorship, they immediately stepped into roles that uplift not just themselves, but others around them. Many have already begun mentoring the next generation of girls—paying it forward in ways that make us incredibly proud.
💰 We Did It Without a Grant… Until Now
Let me be honest—every step of this journey has been funded by love, belief, and sacrifice. Until this year, not a single grant supported our work. Every dollar has come from people who believed in us: Black-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, friends, family, and community partners who saw the vision and said, “We’ve got you.” And they did. That support kept us alive. Now, with our first-ever grant in hand, from the Lupus Foundation of America, we’re entering a new chapter—one where we not only survive but thrive.
🎉 This Year Is a Thank You Tour
This season, we are turning up the gratitude. Every parent, donor, volunteer, partner, judge, mentor, vendor, alumna, and friend who gave of their time, talents, or treasure—we see you. We thank you. You are the reason we made it to five years. This is our collective win.
This anniversary season isn’t just a celebration of the past—it’s a declaration for the future. We’re here to stay, and we’re here to serve. If five years brought us this far, imagine what the next five will do.
Let’s continue to pour into these young women. Let’s continue to push the culture forward. And let’s never forget the power of what we’ve built—together.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Darrell Larome
Director, Miss HBCU Teen Scholarship Pageant