54 Years of Excellence: Miss Black Sacramento Pageant Has Been A Force For Black Women

For over five decades, the Miss Black Sacramento Scholarship Pageant has highlighted the intelligence, talent, and fortitude of Black girls and women, reinforcing that true beauty transcends external appearances. Echoing Michelle Obama's words, the event underscores the necessity for self-belief among participants.The recent 54th edition, held on November 16 at Sheldon High School Performing Arts Center, marked a significant milestone in a tradition that began in 1970. With the theme "Cozy in my skin," the pageant crowned Maddison Morian Brodeur as Miss Black Sacramento and Grace Charity Longmire as Miss Black Teen Sacramento. Longmire, a 17-year-old senior at Valley High School, excels academically while serving as class president and engaging in various community endeavors. Brodeur, a 22-year-old UC Santa Cruz graduate, holds dual degrees with a focus on women's health advocacy.Executive Director Angel Stewart emphasized that the pageant prioritizes empowerment and education over conventional beauty standards, reflecting its evolution alongside the community. Contestants benefit from mentorship, skill-building, and enhanced self-expression, ensuring the pageant's mission endures.