Howard University students, senior Toryn Wilson, sophomore Kisa Dupe and juniors Faith Kaba, Leah Peterson and Savannah Jasper are representing Howard in the Miss Black D.C. USA Pageant — a pageant aimed to empower Black women.
These five students are in the Miss division, which includes women aged 19 to 27.
“The Miss Black District of Columbia USA Pageant is dedicated to empowering black women in DC, offering a platform for exposure, and amplifying their beauty and talents through pageantry!” according to the Miss Black DC USA Pageant.
Faith Kaba, a junior psychology major, criminology minor from California, by way of Cameroon, is running for Miss Black D.C. Northwest. In this pageant, Kaba said she celebrates the diversity, strength and spirit that spark in Northwest D.C.
“Paegents like Miss Black D.C. USA give young Black women the chance to lead with confidence, intelligence, and grace, all while celebrating who we are,” Kaba said.
The pageant will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 at Bowie State University. Kaba has prepared for the pageant by practicing for the interview and talent portion, she said. She’s been studying past pageants to refine her platform and put an emphasis on self-love and awareness.
Empowered by the women in her family, Kaba said she hopes to uplift others through her voice and promote self-care among young Black women.
“I want to remind them that it’s okay to pour back into themselves too,” Kaba said.
She aims to create spaces where people feel seen, heard and supported. If she wins, Kaba said she desires to host various community events that cater to the women’s well-being.
Savannah Jasper, a junior psychology major, international affairs minor from Oakland, California, is running for Miss Black D.C. Georgetown.
“Walking in the steps of Miss Georgetown means being the face of academic excellence and civic leadership,” Jasper said.
Her involvement in the pageant also allowed her to speak with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton about the Mental Health Services Act and transgender visibility — topics that tie directly to her campaign. They spoke about the Mental Health Services Act and the awareness of transgender visibility, Jasper said, which speaks to her campaign, Legends of Tomorrow, to provide mental health resources for the Black LGBTQ+ community.
Jasper said the experience has opened many doors, connecting her with Black women of all ages who provide mentorship and guidance.
“It’s very refreshing to be around people with similar mindsets as me,” Jasper said.
Each contestant continues to prepare for the upcoming competition, balancing their studies with rehearsals, interviews and community engagement as they represent Howard University on the pageant stage.
Copy edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore
Editor’s Note: Kisa Dupe is a contestant and a writer for The Hilltop’s campus section. She was not involved in the reporting, writing or editing of this article.
