Black Girls ARE Beautiful!

Last night while doing what else but packing, I was watching SCETV and was able to view the second part of a two part series on the show "Connections". The two part series was discussing the beauty of black girls and women. I don't want to tell you everything about it because I really think you should watch it, but I do want to share my thoughts. It was great timing that I was able to catch this last night! It is so closely related to Miss Black USA and why I wanted to be part of this organization. For those that might question the relevance of Miss Black USA or who are "nervous" to say "Miss Black South Carolina USA 2011" - this is solid proof why this organization is in existence. Young black girls, and even black women,have issues with defining and accepting our beauty. It is so easy to say that all women have the same standards of beauty to live up to. If this was true, then people would not say "You're so pretty for a black girl". Think about it ladies and gentlemen!

Here's the link to the video for part 1: http://t.co/9h5JDrq
Part 2: http://t.co/ii63k6m

Hopefully this will be a small step to help the understanding of the plight of standards of beauty for black women - within our own race and among others.

It is important to show young black girls that they are beautiful inside and out! They have talents, achievements, personalities, and morals that make them beautiful. We need to teach that this is where our beauty as black women begins. Once our young girls understand this and feel confident in their abilities, they will undoubtedly have more confidence to find the beauty in being a young woman of color.

xoxoJordan Addison, Miss Black South Carolina USA 2011

Be the Change, Make History!

I love to see women doing powerful things for themselves that help shape history - especially minority women. The organizations we join, life decisions, and career choices that we have today will open doors for those coming after us. We really are making history. I was watching CNN yesterday and heard a story about four women in Afghanistan making some history of their own.

Read their story.

These women have created a path for other women in their country that many thought would never be possible. This could not have been done by anyone - they had to be strong, level-headed, and I'm sure grounded in their faith. This is not going to be an easy process for them during or after training.

What history are you making? What will you be remembered by?

Who Run the World? Girls!

Even though Beyonce is one of my favorite artists, I don't particularly like this song - it is super catchy though! I am so excited about an upcoming opportunity presented to me that will help me reach more girls who can run the world!

Does anyone remember having one of these? I still have mine in my room at home.

On Friday, October 28th, I'll be a guest panelist at the 2011 Empowering Girls Symposium. Even though this isn't until October I get excited just thinking about it! I'm very passionate about female empowerment and mentoring young women. Beginning this fall, through the Leadership Scholars Program at USC I'll be starting a leadership program for young girls called FABULOUS - the name was inspired by my mom Laverne who is never anything less than FABULOUS. FABULOUS will cover many of the topics that the Empowering Girls Symposium as well as leadership, community service, education, and health. Hopefully if I become Miss Black USA 2011 this is something that I will be able to carry across the country!

 xoxoJordan Addison, Miss Black South Carolina USA 2011