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Armaní Washington crowned Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame
Armaní Washington rests in her crown as the 38th Miss NBCA Hall of Fame. (Photo Courtesy of HU Royal Court) By Re’Jon Jones, Special to the AFRO On a night filled with glamor, talent and celebration of African American culture and scholarship, Aramní Washington was crowned the 38th Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of […]
The post Armaní Washington crowned Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
By Re’Jon Jones,
Special to the AFRO
On a night filled with glamor, talent and celebration of African American culture and scholarship, Aramní Washington was crowned the 38th Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame (NBCAHOF). Washington is a senior honors Broadcast Journalism major, English minor from Chicago, Ill. serving as the 85th Miss Howard University.
“The week was filled with events tailored to HBCU empowerment, community service, political awareness and honoring the legacy of the foundation. I am honored to say that after three days of preliminaries and the official pageant on Saturday , I was crowned as the 38th Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame for 2023-2024,” Washington said in a LinkedIn post. “I send my highest thanks to my advisor team, my Bison peers, the NBCAHOF committee, my fellow HBCU queens and kings, and my university for the astronomical support. I am overjoyed with having the chance to bring the crown back to the hilltop where it has not been since 2010.”
Last year, Joy Watson of Virginia State University won the competition with Cecily Davis, the 84th Miss Howard University as the runner up. This is the first time in 13 years that Howard University has been represented in this capacity.
“I am truly in awe of Amraní’s accomplishments. As soon as we arrived in Atlanta, I knew she was destined for greatness,” said Kendal Ballentine, the Howard University Royal Court Advisor. “She’s a woman of great perseverance who truly embodies what it means to be a queen and it is an honor to serve as her advisor during her reign.”
The Miss NBCA Hall of Fame competition is one that dates back 38 years with a long history of showcasing the talents, brilliance and charm of many historically Black college and university (HBCU) queens across the nation. Armaní Washington, representing Howard University, proved herself a worthy ambassador for her institution and the legacy of HBCUs as she competed for the crown.
The five days of the competition consisted of interview and oratory preliminaries, luncheons, a talent display and the final pageant. The week was about the pageant itself and an opportunity for fellow HBCU Queens, Kings and advisors to fellowship with one another. It was an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and culture of HBCUs.
The pageant itself took place on Sept. 30. Queens competed with one another showcasing their best introductions, talents, and oratories. Through poise, intelligence, and a heart full of ambition, Armaní captivated the hearts of the judges and the audience alike, solidifying her place in history as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Throughout her journey to the crown, Armaní showcased her stunning physical attributes and her intelligence and commitment to philanthropy. Armaní eloquently shared her vision for upholding the legacy of the title. She wholeheartedly believes in the advancement of the African American community and continuously proves her dedication to supporting her peers.
As Armaní embarks on her journey as the 38th Miss NBCA Hall of Fame, the future holds boundless opportunities for her to create a lasting impact. With her intelligence, beauty, and commitment to serving her community, she is well-equipped to make significant strides in her platform.
“I’ve seen Armaní’s dedication to service first hand. She puts her all into everything she does,” said Makaylah Mnyofu, a senior Fashion Design major at Howard. “I’ve watched her practice day in and day out, miss out on a lot of social activities, and still show up no matter what for the people she loves. I knew in my heart that she was going to win. To say I’m proud would be an understatement.”
Armaní’s victory serves as a reminder that beauty is not only skin deep, but it can also encompass intelligence, ambition and a heart that beats for the betterment of society. She represents the epitome of what it means to be a queen with a purpose.
Armaní Washington’s coronation as the 38th Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame is a momentous occasion that will be celebrated for generations to come. Many believe she will use the position to serve young women everywhere, reminding them that with dedication, passion and intelligence, they, too, can achieve greatness and make a positive impact on the world. As Armaní takes her first steps into this new chapter of her life, she has a host of family, friends and an entire Bison herd that eagerly anticipates the incredible journey that lies ahead.
“I want Armaní to know how much she is truly loved,” said Eric Scandrett, the current Mister College of Engineering and Architecture at Howard University. “Whenever she is around, we can be our most genuine selves. We are all able to see not only the things she does but the things she will accomplish in the future. It is an honor to have built a friendship and see you grow as a queen. I love you, Armaní and I am so proud of you!”
The post Armaní Washington crowned Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers .
This article originally appeared in The Afro.
The post Armaní Washington crowned Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me
NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.
Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.
A Familiar Disappointment
I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.
In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.
The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough
On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.
I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?
Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.
One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.
A Call for Action Beyond Words
White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.
If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health
The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]
The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for connection, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive parenting community.
The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.
“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”
To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.
Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.
“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”
For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org
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Election Night on The Yard at Howard University
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