Maryland Teen Wins Miss Black USA Talented Teen Crown and Full Ride Scholarship to Delaware State University

Baltimore, Maryland - 08/18/2023 - Iyana Nicole Zion Brumfield, a remarkable 17-year-old dancer from Baltimore, has emerged victorious in the prestigious Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2023 competition. Her awe-inspiring talent, unwavering determination, and exceptional dance skills have earned her the crown and a full-ride scholarship to Delaware State University.

As a graduate of the esteemed George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson, Maryland, Iyana has honed her skills and embraced transformative experiences that have shaped her into the exceptional dancer she is today.

Under the guidance of the visionary Ms. LaKeisha Johnson at Fearless Dance Empire in Baltimore, Iyana's talent blossomed. Her remarkable achievements include gracing billboards, starring in films, and even having her own captivating mural in Florida. Iyana's dance journey has taken her to extraordinary places, including California, where she has embarked on various projects, and renowned programs such as Alonzo King's LINES Ballet Summer Intensive and Alvin Ailey's Professional Division.

Beyond her individual success, Iyana has demonstrated true leadership by sharing her passion and knowledge as a dance teacher at her home studio since 2018. Her commitment to community empowerment has led to valuable partnerships with organizations like Shoe City, where she actively participates in events promoting Breast Cancer Awareness and women's empowerment.

In recognition of her dedication and talent, Iyana was awarded a prestigious full scholarship to Alvin Ailey's 6-week summer dance intensive in 2022. This transformative experience opened doors to new artistic exploration and personal growth.

Guided by the esteemed Ms. Adrienne Watson Carver of Studio A, Iyana embarked on an extraordinary journey that led her to be crowned Miss Black Maryland Talented Teen 2023. And now, Iyana has achieved an awe-inspiring accomplishment as she captures the title of Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2023, garnering a full-ride scholarship to Delaware State University.

As Iyana Brumfield continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of dance and beyond, we invite you to witness her meteoric rise and follow her extraordinary journey.

About Miss Talented Teen USA 2023:

Iyana Nicole Zion Brumfield is a 17-year-old dancer from Baltimore, Maryland. Her remarkable talent, dedication, and unwavering determination have propelled her to achieve extraordinary milestones in the world of dance. Recently crowned Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2023, Iyana is a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for aspiring dancers and dreamers.

Contact Information:

Lauryn Hayes
PR Intern
Lauryn@missblackusa.org

Meet Delaware's new Miss Black USA Talented Teen, Angelina Aubain

Angelina Aubain is on a mission to improve mental health awareness among people of color in her community, but she’s still a 16-year-old girl at heart.

Angelina Aubain, a 16-year-old student from Wilmington and winner of Miss Black USA’s Talented Teen Competition, is not your average teen. The junior at The Sanford School in Hockessin and winner of a 4-year, full-time scholarship at Delaware State University, is on a mission to improve the nation’s mental health. Her vision is to educate young people on mental health awareness issues, particularly those of color.

Angelina won Miss Black USA on August 7 2022 at a pageant held in Washington D.C. The victory forms part of her plan to forge her career in the mental health space and assist people in underserved communities. Fundamentally, Angelina sees herself as a “change agent,” someone who is looking to improve the condition of the ordinary person. By studying for a medical degree and becoming a licensed psychiatrist, she hopes that she will be a beacon of hope in minority communities across the state.

Even now, Angelina is progressing towards her goals. She recently set up the Beyond the Stress initiative that will see her visit community centers across Delaware to discuss mental health issues.

“My initiative,” she says, “is a mission to educate young children and teens about mental health awareness in fun ways using positive affirmations, games, activities, and workshops to seed conversations.”

Angelina wants to take a positive approach to some of the most challenging problems that communities face, including bullying, eating disorders, body image issues for girls, and dealing with COVID-19. She is currently working with prestigious organizations, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and hopes to work with more in the future.

But, of course, as a 16-year-old, Angelina has interests besides her work in mental health awareness. For instance, because she used to live in Singapore, she loves speaking Chinese. She also enjoys watching mystery shows with her family, playing hockey with friends, and “having dance parties in her room to Disney music.”

Angelina is pleased and grateful for her Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2022 victory. She believes it is a platform that will help her fulfill her mission to tackle some of the challenging mental health issues active in her area.

According to statistics collected by Angelina, one in five teens currently living in the U.S. has a severe mental health disorder. Furthermore, 50 percent of all mental illnesses begin by age 14 with 75 percent developing by the mid-twenties. Because of this, she believes that “children’s development of social, emotional, and behavioral well-being is central to their overall healthy development.” Her goal is to intervene early to prevent problems from developing more significantly in the future.

Jacqueline is Featured on Access Hollywood with Mario Lopez

Jacqueline was featured on Access Hollywood with @MarioLopez for a THIRD time! This time, she got to surprise some amazing, national award-nominated teachers with a super special science demo for their classes! Stay tuned for the follow up and click on the image to watch the Jacqueline in action.

Black History Month: Jacqueline Means Leads Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative To Empower Young Girls

“When I was about 12 years old, I decided that it was going to be my job to encourage girls in my community to love STEM– science technology, engineering and math,” Jacqueline Means told CBS3’s Janelle Burrell.

Miss Black USA Talented Teen Shares Her Experience with Disney Dreamers Academy with Essence Magazine

Jacqueline Means, a future pediatric neurosurgeon, felt seen at Disney Dreamers Academy because students were encouraged to use their “unique and special talents to make the world a better place.” Being a Dreamer and STEM studies advocate led to Means to make appearances on Dr. Oz, the Today Show and The View.

Miss Black USA Talented Teen Named An AT&T Black Future Maker

In Wilmington, Delaware, Jacqueline Means stands before a classroom of young people with a beaker in one hand and a pipette in the other. The young stem scientist known professionally as “The STEM Queen” is conducting a session for young students on the wonderful world of science, technology, engineering and math. For the newly crowned Miss Black USA Talented Teen, STEM isn’t simply a passion, but also an opportunity to help young women from her community of Southbridge see beyond their surroundings. Through the Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative, which she founded, Means has shared her love of science with thousands of youth, spreading light in a community often cited for its crime.

Virginia's Alexandria Hunter Crowned Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2020

Washington, D.C., March 21, 2021. -- The Miss Black USA Organization crowned Alexandria Hunter as Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2020 .  The 2020 event, which was postponed due to COVID-19, took place took place virtually over a 3 days period, with the culmination and announcement of the winner on Sunday, March 21st.

Hunter is a freshman at James Madison University pursuing a a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance. She has performed in JMU’s renowned Opera Theatre, serves as a College of Visual and Performing Arts Student Ambassador, and is a member in training for the professional music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. She aspires to become an influential opera singer and use her platform as an international performer to uplift spirits through music. She plans to earn a Masters of Music degree after graduating from college. With her crown and sash in tow, she will use her platform to venture into communities often overlooked and in desperate need of encouragement and inspiration. She will continue to promote music education and its value to society on a broader scale.

Alex wowed the Judges with a vocal performance of “L’ho Perduta” from Mozart’s opera Le Nozze di Figaro for the talent portion of the competition.

This year’s judges were Award-winning journalist, host, and actress Jamila Mustafa, Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2011 and Director of Alumni Affairs at Fayetteville State University, Jasmin Sessoms, and award-winning actor and voiceover talent James Lewis. Host was former Miss Black Indiana USA and Founder of the Love Tour, Demitrea Kelley.

Contestants competed in Talent, Athletic Wear, and Question & Answer.  Angela Pierre-Louis crowned Akira her successor at the conclusion of the annual event.  

Final Results:   

First Runner-Up:  Miss Black Louisiana Talented Teen USA, Diamond Muse
Second Runner-Up:  Miss Black Georgia Talented Teen USA, Taylor MacKenzie
Third Runner-Up:  Miss Black North Carolina Talented Teen USA, Serenity Preston

For the first time ever, MISS BLACK USA TALENTED TEEN USA® took place as a virtual competition due to the ongoing global pandemic. 

A part of her prize package, the new Miss Black USA Talented Teen receives a $2,500 scholarship for continued education; travel opportunities representing The Miss Black USA Organization, sponsors, and charitable partners; and a personal appearance wardrobe allowance.

For media interview request, email: pr@missblackusa.org.

Find MISS BLACK TALENTED TEEN USA® on Facebook and follow on Instagram.

US Virgin Islands' Akira Pickering Crowned Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2018

Washington, D.C., July 1, 2018. -- The Miss Black USA Organization crowned Akira Pickering as Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2018 at TheARC Theater in Washington, D.C.  The event, which took place on Sunday, July 1, featured young women across the U.S. and the Virgin Islands.

Pickering is a 16-year-old high school junior temporarily relocated to Fayetteville, North Carolina after experiencing the devastation and destruction of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.  Despite being born with temporary stridor, a medical condition where the inside of the throat is not fully formed and the ability to speak and eat is impaired, Akira wowed the Judges with a winning talent performance of "Stand Up for Love" by Destiny's Child. 

Contestants competed in Talent, Athletic Wear, Evening Gown, and On Stage Interview.  Angela Pierre-Louis crowned Akira her successor at the conclusion of the annual event.  

Final Results:   

First Runner-Up:  Miss Black North Carolina Talented Teen USA Jaala McCall
Second Runner-Up:  Miss Black New York Talented Teen USA Damitri'ana Douglas
Third Runner-Up:  Miss Illinois Teen USA Sydni-Dion Bennett

For the first time ever, MISS BLACK USA TALENTED TEEN USA® took place in conjunction with MS. BLACK USA, the first national Mis. Black USA pageant for women of color ages 28 to 35 years. 

A part of her prize package, the new Miss Black USA Talented Teen receives a $2,500 scholarship for continued education; travel opportunities representing The Miss Black USA Organization, sponsors, and charitable partners; and a personal appearance wardrobe allowance.

For crowning moment video of Akira, please visit HERE.

Find MISS BLACK TALENTED TEEN USA® on Facebook and follow on Instagram.