ABOVE PHOTO: Miss Black America 2017-18, Brittany Lewis. (Photo: Solomon Williams)
Brittany Lewis is the 49th National Miss Black America. She joined the ranks of Oprah Winfrey, Toni Braxton, Bernadette Stanis, Nicole Hibbert and other past contestants at Venice Island Theatre, Sat, August 26th, 2017.
Lewis is a 27-year-old native of Atlantic City, New Jersey. She is currently a Ph.D. student in the History Department at George Washington University on a fully-funded five-year scholarship. She represented Washington, D.C. and was crowned Miss Black America 2017-18. She completed her undergraduate studies at Temple University with degrees in Broadcast, Telecommunications, and Mass Media and African-American Studies.
While at Temple University she was the Vice-President of Golden Key International Honor Society, Vice- President and Program Chair of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a general member of the National Council of Negro Women and Co-Captain for Temple University’s Competitive Dance Team. Lewis was also a member of Temple University’s Honors Program. She left the judges and the pageant audience in amazement with the uniqueness of her talent, she performed a jazz dance to a self-produced electronic track laced with vocals of Nina Simone. She also won the Miss Black America Best In Projection Award.
The 2017 Miss Black America Royal Court from left to right: Winner: Miss Black America 2017, Brittany Lewis-District of Columbia., 2nd Runner Up: Miss Black America Pennsylvania-Somer Jordan, 1st Runner Up: Miss Black America New York-Patience Carter. (Photo: Solomon Williams)
Lewis lost her sister to domestic violence. Today the PhD student wants to devote her time as Miss Black America to increase communication, education and legislation and help reduce domestic violence. Lewis visits high schools and colleges to promote healthy relationships and awareness of the signs of domestic abuse. She is also committed to increasing African American education. Her initiative, “Returning to our Roots: Liberation Through Education” strives to reclaim and celebrate the Black narrative.
Other awards include:
- Miss Positivity: (tied) Somer Jordan, Pennsylvania
- Projection Winner: Brittany Lewis, District of Columbia
- Talent Winner: Somer Jordan, Pennsylvania
- Swimsuit Winner: Patience Carter, New York
The Judges Panel was led by Philly’s own three time Emmy winner, “The Piano Man” Bill Jolly and also included 1972 Miss Black America 1st Runner Up, Sylvia Traymore-Morrison-Comedian; Miss Black America 2015, Jelisa Barringer; Miss Black America Pennsylvania 2011, Donielle Turner; singer/songwriter Bria Marie, Hip Hop legend Parry P, and Norman Connors.
Miss Black America Contestants were glamorously styled by Make-up by Davonda and Hair by Rotasha Kellem!
Prizes include: All flower arrangements are provided by Carl Alan Floral Design, $2,000. Cash Career Award
- Exotic Vacation Accommodations by Wolfe Travel, Designer Wardrobe by Atef Wear Mutu, Spa Package by Carliminta Jackson
- Product Package by Mercury Cosmetics
- Weekend Getaway by Sheraton University City Hotel
- Five Star Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Buick of Warner Robins, GA, Artist Development & a Role in Your Sister/My Mistress
By Gordon Gates & Craig McLaren.
Miss Black America Programs support the #WarAgainstTeenViolence Enrichment Programs www.WarAgainstTeenViolence.org
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