Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway proclaimed Aug. 21, 2019, to be “TeKema Balentine Day” in honor of Madison’s TeKema Balentine who recently was named Miss Black USA in Washington D.C.
“TeKema Balentine represents the perseverance, beauty and dreams of our black youth whom she continues to inspire,” the proclamation read.
On Aug. 11 at the Performing Arts Theater in Washington D.C., Balentine was victorious as she competed against 32 other contestants in multiple categories, including personal interview, personal fitness, talent, evening gown and answering an on-stage question. The Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant is an annual competition and a national stage for participants from across the United States to showcase their unique talents and beauty and to compete for scholarships.
“This is a cool opportunity for me,” Balentine told Madison365 before she headed out to the national competition. “I’m really excited about this opportunity and I’m going to give it my best shot.”
The 25-year-old Madison East graduate, who is pursuing a nursing degree at Madison College, earned a scholarship for her big win.
Miss Black USA is the largest and oldest scholarship pageant for Black women in America. They have awarded over $500,000 in scholarships over the years since its inception in 1986 and are the largest single source of scholarship funding for women of color.
