Miss ECSU wins Miss Black North Carolina USA
Kesha Williams
March 29, 2006 Carleta Ricks, Miss Elizabeth City State University 2005-2006, was recently named Miss Black North Carolina USA, at a statewide pageant held in Raleigh, NC. She competed against 11 contestants to win the competition and a $1,500 scholarship from Noire Productions, Inc. "I entered the contest because I wanted to broaden my experiences by competing in a pageant that could lead to a state or national title. Plus, I saw it as a way to help me finance my education in graduate school," Ricks said. "I would encourage other young ladies to compete in the scholarship pageants to help them further their education." Ricks earned the highest number of points from judges during the preliminary round of competition on March 24 and became one of six finalists. She returned to competition on March 26 for the pageant where she won the interview segment of the contest and earned the largest overall score to win the crown for Miss Black North Carolina USA. She will appear in a UNC-TV interview on May 7 to discuss her victory. Ricks will compete on October 14 in Washington DC in the national competition for Miss Black USA. Contestants must have a platform. Ricks’ platform was "My VIBE-My Vision to Inspire Blacks through Education." During her reign as Miss Black North Carolina USA, she will complete a speaking tour at middle and high schools to share her inspirational message. Ms. Ricks, a senior political science major, a former cheerleader, and an accomplished singer, will be able to enlighten students about making choices that involve a college education, student life, student government, and future career options. Having attended Oscar Frommel Smith High School in Chesapeake, VA, Ricks will be able to relate her firsthand experiences about the transition from high school to college. According to Noire Productions, the sponsor of the event, The Miss Black North Carolina Scholarship Pageant USA was developed to promote cultural, social, and leadership status, on a state and national level, within the African American Community. It provides a forum for today’s African American woman to express their viewpoints, talents and accomplishments to audiences. The Miss Black North Carolina USA panel of judges included professionals from a variety of businesses and industries. The pageant’s judging system is designed to promote diversity, individuality, and overall achievement among all contestants.