Defender Student Spotlight: Jayla Williams talks pageantry, affirmative action and her journey to college

A 2024 graduate of the prominent magnet school, Lincoln Preparatory Academy of Kansas City, Jayla Williams has fought relentlessly for her right to be seen, heard, and educated. Bright-eyed, with golden highlights and a tenacious spirit, she recently traveled to Bowie, Maryland, to compete in the Miss HBCU Teen Pageant, bringing home the title of Miss Congeniality.& “Miss HBCU Teen Pageant is for young women who are aspiring to go to an HBCU.” Williams says. “It’s supposed to equip you with all the things you need when it comes to being in college” The 17 year-old spent the 2023-2024 school year dually enrolled at Lincoln Prep and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. With a life full of demands from school and extracurriculars, she was able to find beauty in being immersed in the spaces that people like her are often denied access to.& Williams participated in her high school’s forensics team, theater, and was a member of a dance troupe–all while holding down a part-time job at a local daycare center. “Forensics and debate–that’s my jam, that’s my space to really put on a suit, some heels, do my makeup, make sure my hair looks nice, all my jewelry.” Williams...