A scholarship at Claflin University drew Leighann Black to South Carolina. Southern hospitality and the great weather are what convinced her to stay.
Black recently graduated from the Orangeburg institution with a degree in biochemistry and the title of Miss Claflin 2011-2012. Now, she is the running to compete for another crown – Miss South Carolina.
“Winning this pageant would prove that with hard work and determination dreams really do come true,” said the hopeful Black.
But Black simply doesn’t want the crown. She wants to make a difference.
The Frederick, Maryland import wants to draw more awareness to s*xual health education. She points out the federal Center for Disease Control has marked South Carolina as a hot spot for s*xual transmitted diseases and the state has among the top 10 highest rates for HIV/AIDS.
“I consider this state home now,” said Black. “A lot of things happen to us because we lack knowledge. Being Miss South Carolina would give me a bigger microphone to speak on my platform.”
The cause was the centerpiece of her reign as Miss Claflin this past year. She hosted several events on campus and spoke at local elementary schools to heighten awareness. Last fall, she was invited to the National Advocates for Youth Conference, which aims to improve s*xual health education and curb teenage pregnancy. Black is also a member of the Students With A Responsible Message (SWARM), an organization that focuses on youth s*xual education.
With SWARM, Black joined other students in lobbying state lawmakers to support free contraception at public health centers and funding comprehensive s*xual education in schools.
That’s not the only cause Black advocates for either. She spoke before the Orangeburg City Council, along with other members of the Claflin Student Government Association, to encourage further collaboration between the city and local higher education institutions.
Although she’s only been in the state for four years, Black’s love for South Carolina is palpable. She was offered a full academic scholarship to attend the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College at Claflin after finishing high school. The parents of Jamaican immigrants, Lenworth and Ethline, Black became excited to see her first Palmetto trees once she arrived.
“I love the southern hospitality in South Carolina. Everybody is so nice.,” said Black. “The weather is wonderful too.”
Black plans to attend medical school to study anesthesiology. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, attending church, spending time with family and friends and playing the piano, which she will do in the talent portion of the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Pageant.
Black is also vying for the 2012 Miss South Carolina People’s Choice Award. Anyone can vote for Black in the contest – which is exclusively online – for the cost of $1 per vote. The winner of the 2012 Miss South Carolina People’s Choice Award will be automatically be a semifinalist in the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Pageant, held on Saturday, July 14. The online voting will end on July 12.
You can vote for Black by visiting this link:
https://fourpointsmagazine.com/miss-south-... The winner of the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Pageant will advance to compete for the title of Miss America.
Source:
http://www.claflin.edu/
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Monday, July 2nd 2012 at 12:32PM
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