( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Meet the Black USA Queens
Representation matters. Especially when it comes to powerful, intelligent women of color shattering stereotypes and using their voices to advocate for positive change, look no further than the 2024 Miss Black USA pageant queens winners: Kennedy Lucas, Dedra Tufon, and Eternity Hickman. These remarkable women are not just about beauty and poise but about leadership, social impact, and empowering the next generation.
Kennedy Lucas, the reigning Miss Black USA 2024, is a force to be reckoned with. This 26-year-old powerhouse is an MBA graduate and consultant at Deloitte and a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in government and public service. Her pageant platform tackles the crucial issue of breast cancer awareness in the Black community, a cause she champions with fierce dedication. But her impact extends far beyond the stage. Kennedy has walked the runways of New York Fashion Week and mentors young women, proving that beauty comes in many forms and leadership has no age limit.
Dedra Tufon, the 2024 Ms. Black USA, hails from California and conveys body positivity and mental health awareness. As the author of “Beauty in Body Diversity,” Dedra challenges unrealistic beauty standards and empowers women of color to embrace their unique beauty. Her platform focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding eating disorders and mental health challenges within communities of color. Dedra utilizes her national title to provide resources and support for those struggling with these issues. Beyond advocacy, she inspires young women through leadership workshops, fostering confidence and self-acceptance.
Eternity Hickman, the 2024 Miss Black USA Talented Teen, is a young leader from Arizona with a powerful voice. This talented teen isn’t just about her artistry; she’s passionate about mental health advocacy. Through her platform, Éclatant Tollé (meaning “Dazzling Outcry”), a community organization she founded, Eternity raises awareness about mental health within the African American community. Her message – “What you’re going through is real, and it matters” – resonates deeply. Eternity embodies the spirit of service and leadership, using her platform to inspire change and uplift others.
These exceptional women are shining examples of leveraging a platform for good. They use their crowns to advocate for important causes, challenge societal norms, and inspire young women to embrace their voices and become leaders in their own right. Kennedy, Dedra, and Eternity are not pageant winners; they are changemakers who pave the way for a brighter future.
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