UPPER MARLBORO, MD— Miss Black USA (MBUSA) is pleased to announce Calgon, a leading bath and beauty brand best known for its iconic "Take Me Away" tagline, as a sponsor for the 2011 Miss Black USA pageant that takes place 7p.m. Aug. 8 at the historical Lincoln Theatre.
In the spirit of the first lady, Michelle Obama, this year's contestants embody her legacy as a black woman who is intelligent, beautiful and believes in service, according to a statement released by the pageant.
"Calgon is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2011 Miss Black USA Pageant. We admire the organization for their devotion to empowering women through education and their commitment to giving back to the community, values we at Calgon are committed to as a company," said Bernie Kropfelder, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Calgon.
Our contestants truly are the "next generation of leading ladies advocating for change in their communities!', said Karen Arrington, Founder/CEO of Miss Black USA.
MBUSA has been the preeminent pageant for women of color ages 18-27 since 1986. The legacy continues as this year's contestants represent "Who's Who" of young black women across the nation -- from Alabama to Iowa and Washington state, to the District of Columbia.
Celebrities and political leaders will participate in the pageant's weeklong activities. The honorary host Committee includes members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) such as Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9), Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL), Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-7), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), and Congressman Donald Payne (NJ-10).
Judges include Roger Bobb, producer (Tyler Perry Studios); Demetria McKinney (actress, House of Payne), Crystal Langhorne, Washington Mystics (WNBA); Edwin Avent, publisher (Heart & Soul magazine); b michael America (celebrity fashion designer) and Kalilah Allen-Harris, M.D., former Miss Black USA 2007.
The week will commence with a Red Dress VIP Reception at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel on Wednesday, Aug. 3 (6:30 p.m.-8:30p.m.) in Arlington, Va., to raise awareness of heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women and a national cause of Miss Black USA.
The Talented Teen Pageant is set for 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 7 at the ARC Theatre in D.C.
A new Miss Black America USA will be crowned on Aug. 8./Courtesy Photo