As Black History Month kicks off, I believe it is crucial to highlight all African-Americans that have paved the way. Therefore, each day of this month, I will highlight one of the many giants of which I stand on the shoulders of.
Being that I currently reign as Clark Atlanta University's Miss Sophomore 2017-2018, I feel obligated to recognize those melanin queens who have been crowned before me.
Miss Carole Gist was the first African-American woman to be crowned Miss USA on March 2, 1990. Carole Gist not only reigned as Miss USA, but as Miss Michigan USA in 1989.
Miss Carole's rough upbringing while living in inner city Detroit amongst her many siblings and single parents caught the attention of many. She managed to turn dreams into reality. Her dedication to helpin women that have experienced trauma has set the pathway for many African-American woman to feel comfortable in their skin, to go for what their biggest dreams are and to shut down negative stereotypes.