Valeria Williams, Miss Black Louisiana U.S.
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SU student crowned Miss Black Louisiana U.S.
Alexis J. Alexander
Posted: 11/14/06
Miss Christmas on the Bayou Pageant is not the only thing Valeria Williams has on her repertoire. The crown of Miss Black Louisiana is one that now will be on the list with all others.
"This is an honor and a privilege," said Williams, a senior political science major from Cottonport.
Williams, who has been competing in pageants since the second grade, said her mother encouraged her to participate in her first pageant while in elementary school. She admits that although she began competing at the age of seven, it was not until the eighth grade that she won her first crown.
Just two days prior to the Miss Black Louisiana U.S. Pageant, Williams was crowned Miss Black and Gold by the Beta Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
"This was my first pageant on campus," Williams said. "It was different, but it was really fun."
That "difference," according to Williams, is the distinctions between competing with primarily African-American and Caucasian competitors.
"They're two totally different types of pageants," she said. "The style and technique are different."
Despite the glitz and glamour pageants most times bring, Williams said her focus is on her platform-attaining character among children in the state of Louisiana.
"Character Counts" is the theme of Williams' platform, which includes the six pillars of character: Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Fairness, Citizenship and Caring attributes in elementary school children.
"My win is not just for the crown. I am an advocate for my platform," Williams said. "'Character Counts' is not a huge thing in Louisiana. I want to increase literacy rates in the younger generation."
The ideal is to have a positive influence on children by bringing in representatives and members of extracurricular activities to teach students examples of good role models.
The Miss Black Louisiana U.S. Pageant is designed to give young women a completion opportunity for scholarships to further their educational pursuits.
The Personal Interview, including a platform or community service project, Swimwear, Casual Wear, Talent, Eveningwear and an On-Stage Question are the components of the pageant.
The Miss Black Louisiana U.S. and Miss Black Teen Louisiana U.S. Pageants were established in 2000, the first being held in December of 2001.
As a requirement, contestants competing in the Miss Black Louisiana U.S. are required to be 18 to 27 years old in addition to being a full-time student. Those who are 18 years of age and are still in high school, may compete with the Teen division. All contestants must have a primary Louisiana residence or attend school in the state of Louisiana.
One may enter the Miss Black Louisiana U.S. or Miss Black Teen Louisiana U.S. Pageants by either being At-Large Contestant or be a Local Preliminary titleholder.
The 2005-2006 Miss Black Louisiana winner was Leslie Randle, former Miss Grambling State University and native of Lake Charles.
"I use each pageant experience as a growing one," Williams said. "Not everyone is the same; the judges, contestants, themes and interviews are different."
"I try to progress for the next one," Williams said.
In regards to winning and losing Williams said, "Keep trying and learn from your mistakes. When all else fails, get up and try again."
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