UAB student Archie Stewart takes title of Miss Black Alabama U.S. Ambassador. (Photo from Archie Stewart).
Myah Clinton – Staff Writer
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UAB senior Ruby “Archie” Stewart has been crowned Miss Black Alabama U.S. Ambassador 2016. Stewart has competed in two other pageants before, but this will be her first time being crowned.
The Miss Black U.S. Ambassador organization aims to “educate, empower, and enlighten community, states and nations,” Jessica Alexander, the organization’s State Director, said.
“We target a lot of issues really persistent in the African-American community and we use our queens who are called ambassadors of change to pretty much champion those causes and raise funds, raise awareness, throughout their state and city throughout their reign.”
The pageant is separated into two age divisions: teens and misses. The teen division includes ages 14 to 18, and the misses is 19 to 28. According to the Miss Black Alabama U.S. Ambassador Pageant rules, participants must exhibit good moral character, at least a 2.5 GPA, and a willingness “to make a big change in your community.”
The Miss Black Alabama U.S. Ambassador Committee and Pinky Promise UAB will be holding a crowning ceremony in place of the pageant at the Hulsey Recital Hall on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. In addition to being crowned, Stewart will also receive a $2,000 scholarship.
Alexander said “[Pageants] give people an opportunity to develop a lot of … life skills, [such as] marketing and public speaking.” Stewart agreed and said that this pageant has made her a more well-rounded person.
“I wanted to be a part of something dynamic and I also wanted to make a positive impact in my community on a larger platform,” Stewart said.
“I want African-American girls and not even just that, but women of color in any way to know that you don’t have to fit a certain form to be in a pageant… you mold it to you, you don’t let it mold you.”
As the winner of the title of Miss Black Alabama U.S. Ambassador, Stewart will advance to the national competition and will have a chance to receive a $5,000 scholarship. According to Alexander, the national competition includes a community service component as well as interview presentation, fitness, on-stage question and an evening wear competition.
The Miss Black U.S. Ambassador Pageant will be held in Oklahoma City July 3-9 with the competition days taking place on July 8 and July 9.
