DIRECTOR’S LETTER Greetings, Thank you so much for attending the 2010 Miss Black Arizona and Miss Black Teen Arizona USA Scholarship Pageant! Many people sometimes think that the Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation starts and ends with the annual pageants, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The Pageants are so much more than crowns, sashes and the honor of serving as Miss Black Arizona USA, Miss Black Teen Arizona USA or as a Little Miss Black Arizona. Throughout the year the reigning Miss and Teen queens use their civic platform to promote goodwill within the Arizona communities, and throughout the Nation. What began a year ago today with the crowning of our 2009 queens Rozan and Brittaneé has been nothing sort of a phenomenal year. Throughout their year of reign, collectively Rozan Jasmine Crowe Arizona State Director and Brittaneé have attended more than 150 events and spoke on their platforms to more than Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation 75 organizations. Traveling twice to Washington, DC, Rozan had the honor of attending the inauguration of President Barack Obama, while both ladies took home special honors and awards at the 2009 National pageant. Their reigns have been stellar. Arizona has embraced them fully, and we thank you so much for your support. Our theme this year – “Dreams Do Come True” – is the truest statement of what tonight means to this organization and the young women we serve. As a director, it’s astonishing to see how far we have come in only a year – with national sponsors including Tiffany & Co., Dr. Miracles, Cox, Lamik Beauty, Design Essentials, State Farm and more. Our dreams for this organization have truly Kim Anderson Board Chairman came true. Whoever wins tonight, all of the contestants are winners in my eyes! These young women have been practicing and preparing for this pageant for months, and we have an exciting program in store for you this evening. Tonight, undoubtedly we will change the lives of two young women and we thank you so much for joining us in this celebration of dreams at the legendary Herberger Theater! Our organization is always seeking additional Jan Brown opportunities to be involved with civic and Community Relations charitable events, so please keep us in mind for Director any endeavors you may be currently pursuing. I encourage you to participate in and join us at all MBAZ charity events, donate to a cause and help us be the change, as we continue to foster opportunities and seek insight on creating not only a better Arizona, but a better America especially for African-American women and girls! Warm Regards, Jasmine Crowe
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The Miss Black Arizona and Miss Black Teen Arizona Scholarship Pageants® were developed to promote cultural, social and leadership status on both state and national levels within the African-American community. The Pageants celebrate scholastic achievement and believe that education is the key to life-long success and empowerment. The Miss Black Arizona Pageant promotes education and leadership by providing scholarship opportunities to its winners. It is our mission to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young women of color and to develop the “whole woman mind, body, and spirit !” The Miss Black Arizon a Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit corporation recognized under the 501(c)3 code of the Internal Revenue Service. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009 • HERBERGER THEATER CENTER 3
4 2010 MISS BLACK ARIZONA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT | DREAMS DO COME TRUE
dreaming OUT LOUD
The Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation thanks our reigning queens for their passion, commitment and dedication to pursuing their dreams. rittaneé Perkins is a 21-year-old college junior. She recently graduated with a 4.0 GPA at South Mountain Community College, and currently is a student at Arizona State University where she will complete her degree at the Top 10ranked W.P. Carey School of Business. She is gearing up to obtain her doctorate in business finance. The Phoenix native began her education and her love for music at
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BRITTANEÉ PERKINS Platform: “Operation Preparation: Economic Nourishment” Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary and Percy L. Julian Middle School in south Phoenix, where she was classically trained in violin and piano. Now she plays more than 15 instruments. She has recently obtained her Series 6, Series 63 and life insurance licenses, and works as a registered representative,
insurance agent and personal banker for J. P. Morgan Chase Bank. She is preparing to test for her Series 7, which will make her one of the nation’s youngest and few African-American women to become a registered financial advisement principle. Working in the financial industry has inspired her to actively bring awareness about the importance of making intelligent financial decisions work to the AfricanAmerican community. Her platform, O.P.E.N., is designed to help people take control of their finances and appropriately prepare for their retirement by promoting financial literacy. She hopes to help numerous people gain economic stability and empowerment, with a greater emphasis placed within the African-American community. Brittaneé has quickly learned the importance of giving back to her community as an alumnus of the National Black MBA
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Association Leaders of Tomorrow program and part of the NAACP Youth Chapter. Her favorite community service organization is “Chasing Cancer for Brit,” which was created in honor of a co-worker named Brittany Murray whom was recently diagnosed with leukemia. She plans to help raise money to eventually find a cure, and to help improve the quality of life for young people dealing with the illness. The six-time All City/All State Band Percussionist was Homecoming Queen, All-American cheerleading nominee, winner of the Black History College Quiz Bowl, and a three-year President of Cesar Chavez High School Black Student Union. Her scholarship awards include: the Christopher Lamonte Lewis Scholarship; the J.W. Robinson Society Scholarship; the PUHSD Districtwide Scholarship; the Phoenix Union Black Youth Scholarship; the Laveen Lions Academic Scholarship; and the Laveen Lions Athletic Scholarship. Brittaneé’s motto is: “It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice!” ozan Latham is a 16-year-old senior at Deer Valley High School. She was born in Texas, lived on the island of St. Thomas and presently resides in Glendale, Arizona. Rozan has always marched to the beat of her own drum. She loves golf, fencing, riding horses, backpacking, JROTC and listening to country music. She has enjoyed attending camps for horseback riding, backpacking, marine biology, math and science. A member of her high school’s Superintendent’s Supervisory Council since 2006, Rozan’s academic awards and sports recognition at Deer Valley High School include: The Naitonal Sociey of High School Scholar; Honor Roll cord (for wear at graduation 2010); Varsity golf team (earned Varsity letter); and Junior Varsity tennis team. Her honors affiliated with JRTOC have included: Cadet lst Lieutenant; command staff member (2008-09); Flight Commander of Delta Flight; She earned the Tuskegee Airmen Award, Navy Sea Cadet Corps Award for first year of service, Superior Performance Award ROZAN ALICIA-LEE LATHAM Platform: HIV/AIDS Awareness (Daughters of Founders of the American Revolution), and received Top Student Solo Flight Scholarship from the Organization for
R
6 2010 MISS BLACK ARIZONA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT | DREAMS DO COME TRUE
Black Airline Pilots. The Cadet Girl Scout for 10 years (presently Independent status) enjoys volunteering her time at John C. Lincoln Hospital, Arrowhead Hospital, Anthony Bates Foundation, St. Mary’s Westside Food Bank, Life Care Center of North Glendale and ASPCA. She was featured in Arrowhead Ranch Independent Newspaper for volunteer service. While maintaining her advanced 4.2 GPA, she holds two part-time jobs at Papa Johns Pizza and AMC 14 Theater. At the national pageant in Washington, DC., Rozan was awarded the first Presidential Award for community service, academic excellence and leadership. She also received an award for academic excellence for holding the highest GPA of any pageant participant. Rozan – a member of Calvary Community Church in Glendale – loves her twin brother, Robert, and older sister Renee.
I’M A BLACK PRINCESS
The Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation hosted the 2009-10 Little Miss Black AZ Scholarship Pageant for girls ages 4-12 on Aug. 29, at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel in Phoenix. The theme for the pageant was "The Black Princess,” with colors black, silver and pink dominating the night. The pageant was divided into three divisions: Tiny Miss ages 4-6 was won by 5-year-old Angel Murray, whose favorite color is pink; the Little Miss Division ages 7-9 was won by 9-year-old Zaire Chest, whose favorite movie is Shrek 3; and the Junior Miss division for girls ages 10-12, was won by 12year-old Jekisha Rhymes who hopes to one day be a pediatrician. For more information on signing your daughter up for next year’s pageant, visit the MBAZ Booth or MissBlackArizona.com.
FROM LEFT:
Angel Murray, Zaire Chest and Jekisha Rhymes
Many people sometimes think that the Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation starts and ends with the annual pageants, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Miss Black AZ Cares is the charitable sector of the Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation.
Dreams
Closer
to our
The Pageants are so much more than crowns, sashes and the honor of serving as Miss Black Arizona, Miss Black Teen Arizona or as a Little Miss Black Arizona. Throughout the year the reigning queens use their civic platform to promote goodwill within the Arizona community as well as on a national level. As a commitment to Arizona, the Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation supports several local, state and national organizations with causes that effect not only African-American women but women, men and children worldwide. Each year the Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation is committed to holding at least three drives to foster greater good in the community. This year, the MBAZ Foundation held a drive for ChildHelp and Keys Community Center, a food drive for the St. Mary’s Food Bank and is
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creating not only a better Arizona but a better America. Our organization is always seeking ad-ditional opportunities to be involved with civic and charitable events so please keep us in mind for any endeavors you may be currently BrittaneĂŠ Perkins and Rozan Latham at a pursuing. For more detailed holiday community event. information on all currently holding a drive to upcoming MBAZ charity events, benefit women and children of visit MissBlackArizona.com. domestic violence with the Sojourner Center. Tonight, we support: Banner Heart Hospital, as heart disease is the No. 1 killer of AfricanAmerican women; BrittiCares International, an organization fighting against cancer in children; and Sojourner Center. Please join us and support one of our causes. Help us be the change as we continue to foster opportunities and seek insight on
8 2009 MISS BLACK ARIZONA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT | DREAMS DO COME TRUE
PRESENTATION PRESENTATION OF OF COLORS COLORS
Air Force Honor Honor Guard Guard Air Force NATIONAL ANTHEM NATIONAL ANTHEM
Noelani Noelani Grayeyes Grayeyes WELCOME WELCOME
Kim Kim Anderson Ms. Ms. Black Black Arizona Arizona 1989-90 1989-90 OPENING OPENING NUMBER NUMBER
PROGRAM Dreams do come true
Introduction of Mistress & Master of Ceremonies R&B R&B Artist Artist CeCe CeCe Peniston Peniston SugaBear, SugaBear, CBS CBS Radio Radio 101.5 101.5 Jamz Jamz
S U N D AY N O V E M B E R 2 2 2 0 0 9
PERSONAL PERSONAL INTRODUCTIONS INTRODUCTIONS
Introduction of Pageant Judges PERSONAL PERSONAL FITNESS COMPETITION PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE
Wyclef Wyclef Jean’s New Artist DeJuan Sony Sony BMG BMG TALENT TALENT COMPETITION COMPETITION Intermission Intermission EVENING EVENING GOWN GOWN COMPETITION COMPETITION
Introduction of 2010 Little Miss Black Arizona Queens QUESTION QUESTION & & ANSWER ANSWER COMPETITION COMPETITION
Recognition of Guest Queens POETIC POETIC TRIBUTE TRIBUTE
Billy Billy Ramsey Ramsey BlackPoet Ventures QUEENS QUEENS FAREWELL FAREWELL
Rozan Arizona USA USA Teen Arizona 2009 Miss Miss Black Black Teen Rozan Latham, Latham, 2009 Brittanee’ Brittanee’ Perkins, Perkins, 2009 2009 Miss Miss Black Black Arizona Arizona USA USA ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Jasmine Jasmine Crowe Crowe MBAZ MBAZ Scholarship Scholarship Foundation Foundation Director Director AWARDS AWARDS CEREMONY CEREMONY Please join us for a Winners Reception in the Herberger Art Gallery immediately following the Pageant. Teen Contestants appear first then Miss Contestants in the individual competitions All contestants participant in Opening Number and Awards Ceremony — Special slideshow tributes of 2010 Contestants, 2009 Queens and Major Davis — SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009 • HERBERGER THEATER CENTER 9
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR MAYOR PHIL GORDON A PROCLAMATION
2010 Miss and Teen Black Arizona Scholarship Pageant
Whereas, the city of Phoenix welcomes friends and families from the state of Arizona and beyond to the 2010 Miss Black Teen Arizona USA and Miss Black Arizona USA Scholarship Pageant; and
Whereas, throughout 2009, reigning queens Rozan Latham, 2009 Miss Black Teen Arizona USA and Brittanee’ Perkins, 2009 Miss Black Arizona USA, performed diligent acts of service throughout the Phoenix community, continuing to foster the community service mission of the Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation; and Whereas, each year winners of the Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Pageant use their civic platform to promote goodwill throughout the state of Arizona and beyond. The Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation will continue to be inspired by creating a platform of a “Window of Opportunities” for young African-American women of color in the community and; Whereas, link supporters, sponsors and businesses together creating awareness by promoting social responsibilities and commitment in helping to fulfill tangible dreams for young African-American women promoting within spirit the “I Can” attitude creating success.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHIL GORDON, MAYOR of the City of Phoenix, Arizona, do hereby proclaim Sunday, November 22, 2009 as Miss Black Teen Arizona and Miss Black Arizona day in Phoenix
Phil Gordon Mayor 200 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, 11TH FLOOR, PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85003-1611 PHONE 602-262-7111 FAX 602-495-5583 TTY 602-534-5500 WWW.PHOENIX.GOV 10 2010 MISS BLACK ARIZONA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT | DREAMS DO COME TRUE
BEAUTY DREAMS
Design Essentials offers a strong commitment to improving the look and feel of your hair by providing healthy hair styling products that address and satisfy your specific hair needs. We are your partner in style, and like a partner our products are designed to work with you to achieve styling success. We understand that there are a myriad of hair types by nature and that hair care is a very personal and emotional experience. Our brands provide you with effective, professional-quality products that you can depend on to cleanse, condition, nourish, revitalize and restore your hair to its natural beauty.
Visit the Design Essentials booth or email your local distributors at ebe.distribution@hotmail.com. LAMIK Beauty is the first eco-chic makeup brand, including facial care and eyelashes. LAMIK gives makeup a new purpose, women a new zeal for applying it, and a healthy platform for its existence. Looking at beauty under a different microscope LAMIK Beauty is revealed – not applied. Each product has been constructed through research, quality ingredients, experimentation and proven excellence. Shop LAMIK at lamik-beauty.com. Ahhh!!! Did somebody call The Doctor? Dr. Miracle’s is helping women all over the world have better, manageable hair and skin. With hair care products and acne products alike, Dr. Miracle’s Feel It Formula is a mission accomplished with combating hair and skin challenges women face.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009 • HERBERGER THEATER CENTER 11
The Feel It Formula helps stimulate growth and promotes healthy hair and scalp. Enjoy using Dr. Miracle’s products with our personal 100% Money Back Guarantee. online at Shop drmiracles.com or pick up Dr. Miracle’s products in most beauty supply stores, Sally Beauty and many of the major chain stores. The friendly and D R . M I R AC L E professionally trained staff at HairADize is Miss Black Arizona Scholarship looking forward to Foundation thanks our Beauty pampering you with Sponsors for keeping our the most advanced hair, skin and nail care contestants beautiful in 2010! available At HairADize, we work with you to promote hair educated staff. HairADize is at the growth and to aid in healthy Spectrum Falls Business Park in nails and skin combined with the Gilbert, Arizona. To make your most professional natural appointment call 480-722-7545 products and a continuously or visit their booth in the lobby!
12 2009 MISS BLACK ARIZONA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT | DREAMS DO COME TRUE
Dreamweavers MISTRESS & MASTER OF CEREMONIES
esmerizing, sultry, captivating, soulful, powerful, diva, icon. Just a few words to describe the multitalented entertainer and International recording artist CeCe Peniston. Immediately thrust into the music industry with the release of Finally in 1991 on A&M Records, CeCe has continued with success. The debut single, “Finally,” achieved Billboard No. 1 chart status and has sold multiplatinum worldwide, in addition to being featured on more than 30 compilation albums and the Summer Olympics 200 Closing Ceremony. But she didn’t become a one-hit wonder; she achieved an additional 13 Billboard Top 10 chart status singles having released Thought Ya Knew (1994) and I'm Movin’ On (1996). Her Greatest Hits album arrived in 2001. She contributed to numerous soundtracks for motion picture box-office hits including The Associate and Pret a Porte. And, she graciously allowed The Oprah Winfrey Show to utilize two of her hits on request. Her performances include: Aretha Franklin’s Private Birthday Party (by personal request from the queen of soul); for Hillary Clinton; and appearances as The Vatican, both of Bill Clinton’s Presidential Inauguration Ceremonies and in South Africa as the first female entertainer to visit post-apartheid. CeCe even has stepped into the acting arena, successfully touring the United States with Grace Jones, Peabo Bryson, Tasha Scott and Tony Terry in The WIZ. In 2005, CeCe starred as Pamela Matthews in the Maverick Entertainment independent film Don't Touch If You Ain't Prayed as well as taking a small role in another independent film, Pastor Jones. She continues acting lessons to perfect the craft, and has
M
been taking dance classes as well. One of CeCe's true passions is charity and giving back to the community so she founded the CeCe Peniston Foundation in 1997 and helped to raise funds for other organizations. For her example as a role model and noteworthy achievements, she received the Governor’s Key to the State of Arizona. She also is among the Phoenix College Hall of Fame. On Nov. 3, 2008, CEO Byron Garrett announced that CeCe would become the National PTA’s newest ambassador along with Dara Torres. In her new role as a national ambassador, CeCe recorded the National PTA anthem “Above Horizons” and will join millions of parents and educators to work toward improving the lives of children. CeCe is finishing up her latest project which promises to be one of the hottest and most anticipated albums of 2009. CeCe collaborated with hot producers such as Track Kingz West, Vudu, Status, David Givens, Montell Jordan, Mateo, Isalene Elliot and Aaron-Carl. CeCe is sounding strong and looking stunning. This project will deliver everything that her generations of fans want and have come to expect – “timeless music.” Nine music videos. Numerous professional sports halftime shows and national anthems. Thousands of publication features and tv guest appearances. CeCe has established herself as one of the paramount artists of the 90s and the new century, CeCe has remained humble and true to herself. She fuels the deep passion for artistry by continuing to make her mark on the world.
CeCe’s Awards
• Billboard: Best New Artist; Best New Song of The Year • ASCAP: Song of The Year; Pop Songwriter of The Year; Most Performed Song of The Year • Annual Winter Music Conference: Best New Dance Artist; Best Dance Artist Solo; Best 12" Dance Record • BMI Urban Award of Achievement
AN EXTREME LOVER OF MUSIC AND ALL IT ENCOMPASSES, JASON “SUGABEAR” HARRIS has been a fixture in the Phoenix community for more than 20 years. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, it’s fitting that his passion for music would parlay into a blossoming career in radio. He was first introduced to radio in 1990 at Oregon State University where he had great success as a local personality for the campus station. Little did he know that it would lead him to his first major radio exposure for Emmis Communication (Power 92.3) in 2003, when he was hired part-time. It was there that he met Steve Tingle, which later became his mentor for his four-year stint at Emmis. Fulfilling his other passion for singing, Jason began writing and recording jingles and parodies with Steve for the station. It gained Sugabear local notoriety, and eventually would brand his name in the Valley. In 2007, when word spread quickly of a new station – 101.5 Jamz – being launched Sugabear was determined to take full advantage of the possibility of finally having his own show and moving to full-time status. His persistence paid off and his dream came true when he was hired that October as the late night jock (10pm-1am). After a mere 9 months, he received a promotion to night jock from 7pm-12am, which he currently holds on 101.5 Jamz. He also has various duties in helping the music director as well as being mix-show coordinator. Sugabear is a funloving, laid back guy, with a love for life and music. In addition to singing, songwriting and djing, his interests watching include: comedy; hanging out with friends; and being an entrepreneur. His motto is: “Everything happens for a reason.” And, it just so happens that his boundless energy and infectious spirit have made him one of Phoenix’s most recognized and beloved personalities.
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2 0 1 0 M I S S B L A C K A R I Z O N A C O N T E S TA N T S
Shante Berry I want to thank all my beautiful family, friends, and sp for supporting me throughout this journey. Daddy thank you for for being Thank you Uncle Donnie & Aunt Coleen for your continued support, Uncle Clarence, & Miss Latishia, HomeBase Poetry, Encore Fashions, Williams & family (New Orleans), Arizona Sports and Spine/Physical Training & Therap & Devonna), Wells Fargo CheckPoint AZ, Nancy G. McCray & family. I love all and thank you!
Charmaine Carribon Thanks to all my friends and family for their and support. Love, Charmaine
Chelsey Anderson Thank you to my sponsors: Premier Employee
Solutions; St. John Institutional Baptist Church; Desert Subway/Robin & L Me’a of Artistry (Photography); Deacon & Janice Jackson; GTP Dance St Tate; Anderson Family; Ortega Family; Ruby & Chloe Graves; Shirley Haw Dorothy Finnie-USAA
LaSandra Brevard Thanks Chicago's Looking Good Hair Salon,ow Raven Green Thank you to my sponsors Kim Young, The Eastman
Ruiz, Chris Magio, Natasha Alston, Chad Johnson, James Hunter, Sedwic Chappelle, Anthony Spadefore, Rafael Morales, Applebee’s 518 staff and friends and family for their support! Love, Raven
Denise Franklin Thanks to all my friends and family for their love a support. Love, Denise
Courtney Livingston Thanks to all my friends and family for their and support. Love, Courtney
Angelique Jones Thanks to all my friends and family for their lov support. Love, Angelique
Anessa Lytle Thank you to my sponsors Hughes Appraisal and Dr. and all my friends and family for your support. Love, Aneesa.
Rebekah Oliver Thanks to all my friends and family for their love an support. Love, Rebekah
Najat Omer Thank you to my sponsors Dillard's, Divaz Boutique, Pau Shamsid-Deen, Anastasia Smith of Blest Hands and big thank you to all fri and family, here and distant, for their support! Love, Najat!
Shakayla Moss Thank you to my sponsors Rachael Moss and Sisso
African-Tribal Arts and all of my friends and family for your support. Lov Shakayla.
Brianna Sanders Thanks to all my friends and family for their lov support. Love, Brianna
Jemila Whitner Thanks to all my friends and family for their love a support. Love, Jemila
14 2009 MISS BLACK ARIZONA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT | DREAMS DO COME TRUE
2 0 1 0 M I S S B L A C K T E E N A R I Z O N A C O N T E S TA N T S
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009 • HERBERGER THEATER CENTER 15
dejuan turrentine
Ready to shine
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here are some artists we are naturally drawn to. No matter the topic of the song, we find ourselves bobbing our heads and singing the lyrics as if we wrote them ourselves. DeJuan Turrentine is one of those artists and one who is soon to have the hearts of young and older fans alike. A California native and the nephew of the great jazz saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, the 24-year-old has been around music his entire life. From the earliest memories of Jazz and R&B to later bumping sounds of Hip Hop with his brother's group Quo (once signed to Michael Jackson’s label MJJ), he has grown up learning the trade, watching and waiting for his turn to show the world what he can do. Relishing in the music industry since day one DeJuan is ready for stardom and groomed for success. As a young teen DeJuan attended various acting, schools, landing him national leads for top companies including Sprite and Reebok. With his leading man looks, he also had dominant roles in the Milos Forman/Norman Lear feature film Way Past Cool, the Leslie Small A Good Man is Hard to Find and the Paramount Pictures film Down To the Last Minute. Acting, modeling, song writing and recording are all loves of DeJuan, but his true passion is recording and performing live in concert. Since age 4, he has been entertaining at churches, high schools, beauty pageants and Black expos gaining praise everywhere he went. Reflecting on his past experiences in the music industry DeJuan knows that he is blessed to have made it this far. “I’ve been through the blood, sweat and tears of this industry and still I stand,” Dejuan reflects. Having two record deals fall through, he has been inches away from the success that is without a doubt calling his name. DeJuan has been influenced by artists spanning R&B, Pop and country music including: Patti Labelle, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Garth Brooks and Whitney Houston. While he has yet to be seen on the music scene, he has certainly been behind the scenes writing for top icons Usher and Whitney Houston, to name a few. Songs written by DeJuan show he is multitalented and possesses a smooth vocal style matched with dynamic range. With his stunning good looks, hypnotic voice, electrifying dance style and his off-the-hook charisma, this star is ready to shine. Writing is not the only talent he possesses. The classically trained pianist is a true musician. Along with his brother, Dejuan has also mastered the art of production. Blaque Roze, the duo’s production company, is currently working on: the first single for new artist J Blue (signed to Universal), which will feature Snoop Dogg and Lil Jon’s new album, among others. Aside from the music, the lyrics, and the eagerness of Dejuanm ut is his winning attitude that makes all the difference in how fans will grow to love him. In today's society it is safe to say that many people enter the game for the wrong reasons. DeJuan's reasons are simple: "I love music; it’s a part of who I am." Such a heart, such a writer, such a talent is the man, the artist soon-to-be music sensation DeJuan. So get ready world here he comes, he is sure to be added to the influence list of artists to come and the hot list of fans everywhere. myspace.com/phoru • twitter.com/dejuan
16 2010 MISS BLACK ARIZONA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT | DREAMS DO COME TRUE
WALKING POETIC
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rofessional entertainer and writer Billy Ramsey, also known as Issim Dark, has studied and performed as a poet, actor, director, step master, musician, emcee and motivational speaker. He began stage training at 8 when he was introduced to church choir; by 10 he began playing the drums for a professional gospel-recording group. Two years later he met the stage where he played roles in Mandela and Zooman and the Sign. Soon he landed roles in commercials, educational films and an after-school special. Locally, he appeared in Black Theatre Troupe’s East Texas Hot Links and 21st Century Community Youth Theater’s Freedom Summer stage productions and the Athol Fugard play Sizwe Bansi Is Dead. He has had roles in the Iris Huey filims Scratches and Second Chance. Billy has featured at many festivals and conferences (such as MLK events and fatherhood initiatives), along with performing with and for several international recording artists. In 2005, he released a spoken word cd Soul Samples. A University of Michigan graduate with a bachelor’s in public relations, Billy has worked with youth for more than 15 years developing and implementing at-risk youth and adult programs, as well as providing speaking and entertainment to businesses, churches, non-profit/human services organizations and many Valley schools. He is artistic director for BlackPoet Ventures, a multimedia performance arts company. Last year, he portrayed Miles Davis in BPV’s Cool Like That. Most recently, he was Mr. Soul in the company’s tribute to Donny Hathaway. Other BPV productions he has appeared in or directed include: Between The Sheets, EchoVerses; Conversations in the Key of Life; and If I Could Change The World. His poem “In Her Walk” is about the inner beauty that lies in women. “Her walk is a reflection of that beauty,” he says. myspace.com/issimdark booking@blackpoetventures.com • 602-914-7301
ENNIS
ETIENNE
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HARPER
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WESTENBERG
WILLIAMS
PA G E A N T J U D G E S Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Monica Ennis is one of nine children. She completed her bachelor’s in biology from Chicago State University before moving to Arizona. She taught high school biology then returned to school to earn a nursing degree, a master’s in health care administration from Saint Francis University (Joilet, Ill.) and a doctorate in education from Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff). She worked as a registered nurse for many years in various health care areas specializing in medical surgical nursing. Dr. Ennis is currently an assistant principal in the Phoenix Union High School District and president of the Greater Phoenix Area Black Nurses Association. She was integral in starting nursing programs at two PUSHD high schools to provide students an opportunity to learn basic medical skills during supervised time at hospitals. Dr. Ennis writes a monthly health column for The Write Up, conducts presentations, in-services, and is a guest speaker at many community and professional programs. The member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter has served as an executive board member for the NAACP and a member of Laveen’s Lion Club. She is a member of First Institutional Baptist Church and part of the usher board and Charles Drew Medical Ministry. A former Mrs. Black Arizona, Dr. Ennis resides in Goodyear with her husband, Phoenix firefighter Clifton Ennis; she has two sons and two granddaughters. For leisure, she enjoys softball, rollerskating, reading, tending her many houseplants and two dogs. Rockel Etienne has nearly 10 years of pageant experience as a certified judge for the Miss America Pageant System, board member for the Miss Oklahoma Pageant System, and with her reign as Miss Black Tulsa. The owner of RE Training & Consulting – which provides training for public and private sector businesses and government agencies – is author of Diamond Cut: Your Journey to Living a Life of Purpose, Beauty and Love. Her knowledge has touched the lives of those in the United States as well as Japan, Africa and more. Her undergraduate degrees are in business, sociology and liberal arts, while her graduate studies include a master’s in human relations and a doctorate in education. A professor at University of Phoenix, Rockel was honored as the 2009 Arizona Distinguished Faculty of the Year. She also has been honored by the NAACP as a Lifetime Member for her community and youth involvement and has hosted events, such as Ebony Fashion Fair. Rockel’s community involvement in Arizona chapters of national organizations include president of National Association of Negro Women and board member of National Association of Women Business Owners. VMarie Fashion was created in 2006 by Rickie Gonzales as a tribute to his beloved twin sister Valerie Marie who passed away in 2004. The company has become an outlet for his passion for design using Valerie Marie's fascination with the butterfly to reflect the company vision of transforming inner beauty to exterior visibility. The essence of the VMarie design aesthetic encompasses function, shape and form, the wonder of mystery, efficiency adorned. The VMarie “One of a Kind” collection embraces every facet of a woman as Rickie designs to enhance all figures. Born into a family of writers, storytellers and musicians, New York native Fatimah Halim has garnered much success in numerous arenas. Still, it is her commitment to youth that has driven her passion for the past 15 years. She implements the Rites of Passage programs for Phoenix youth, recently released Blueprint for Womanhood: A Rites of Passage Handbook for Growing Girls and was a guest
of the Shanghai Women’s Federation, where she presented a workshop on her Rites of Passage program at Sias International University (Zhenzhou, China). Moreover, she launched the Blueprint for Womanhood symposium during Mother’s Day 2009. She also founded the Journey Home Program, an arts experience for incarcerated women, and “Get Reel,” a film production youth program. For more than 13 years, she has created and produced major cultural festivals and events for City of Phoenix, including the Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast and the Human Relations Commission’s Human Relations Awards Ceremony. Featuring notables such as Stevie Wonder, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King and Gladys Knight, her events proved critical to favorably repositioning the city in the nation’s eyes during the 1993 MLK controversy. Other productions include: the highlyacclaimed one-woman show She’s So G.H.E.T.T.O. Chronicles of a a Ghetto Girl Gone Goddess; The Gift, a celebration of America’s racial, gender, ethnic and religious diversity, which toured nationally for Chase Bank’s diversity initiative; The Seventh Song; and The Art of Healing, a cross-traditions healing ceremony. The one-time backup singer for Laura Nyro and member of Ghettofighters, which recorded with Jimi Hendrix, has traveled the globe studying her art and performing her stories – even touring as a storyteller with civil rights matriarch Rosa Parks. Fatimah recently performed with Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, was named one of the 50 most influential Black people in Arizona and listed in New Times 2009 Best of Phoenix as “Best Goddess of the Sisterhood” for her work with women and girls. The 2009 recipient of the Hon Kachina Volunteer Award also has awards from YWCA, Phoenix College, Arizona Governor’s Mentoring, Phoenix Human Relations Commission, ASU and BlackPoet Ventures. Tanisha Harper’s passion for fashion began as early as age 7. She spent summers reading fashion magazines, to recreate similar outfits for school in the fall. At 15, she was discovered by a Phoenix modeling agency and began working in print, commercials and runway for clients like Nordstroms, L'Oreal and Ralph Lauren as well as shooting editorials for Vanity Fair, Elle and In Style. It was after a shoot with famed photographer Patrick Demarchelier for the Cosmopolitan Magazine Cover Model Search that Tanisha’s career took off. She was heavily profiled throughout the country, all while completing a media arts degree from University of Arizona. She soon made a move to Los Angeles to merge her love for fashion, business, television and film. She has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tyra Banks Show and in a range of music videos (Usher, 50 Cent, Jesse McCartney and Velvet Revolver), tv shows (“The Bold and The Beautiful,” “Ugly Betty”) and films (Something New, Forgetting Sarah Marshall). She wrote and co-produced “Electric Catwalk,” a fashion and style show broadcast online and via Verizon mobile. Currently, Tanisha is co-founder and president of WardrobeWire.com while staying busy with work through the prestigious FORD Model Agency. She can be seen on the current season “Project Runway” and “Models of the Runway” on the Lifetime Network. Phoenix native Tremaine Jasper is owner of the popular Web site PhxSoul.com, which focuses on the African-American community of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The site – having earned the 2009 Black Web Award from BlackTVOnline.com – features information about businesses, organizations, entertainment, educational opportunities, health issues and more. It is a contributing source of content to other community Web sites including DowntownPhoenix.com as well as BlackAtlas.com, a
travel site run by renowned author, director and TV show host Nelson George. Jasper is involved with several local organizations including University of Arizona Black Alumni and Arizona Association of Black Journalists. Jasper earned a master’s in global management in 2004 and a bachelor’s in journalism from University of Arizona in 1995. He has been happily married since August 2008 and looks forward to having children in the near future. Originally from Arkansas, Dr. Camilla Westenberg earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and English from University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff. Her master’s degree (Arizona State University) is in ccommunication, focusing on code switching from the Black dialect to Standard English, and her doctorate (Nova University) is in higher education, focusing on curriculum development. She also has certification as a developmental education specialist (Kellogg Institute Center at Appalachian State University). Having taught in Arkansas, California and Illinois, and for the Murphy School District and Phoenix Union High School District in Arizona, Dr. Westenberg currently is a tenured professor of more than 20 years at Phoenix College where she she serves advisor roles for the student NAACP/BSU, African-American Alumni Association and athletic department In addition, she developed and teaches “Rap Literature: The Oral Tradition” and has presented on the genre numerous times in the United States and also in Ghana, Africa. Dr. Westenberg has received several education grants, three National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Awards, the “Forum on Exemplary Teaching” Award (American Association for Higher Education), Maricopa County NAACP Image Award and MLK Basketball Classic Award (both for Education), the Maricopa Community College Woman of Distinction Award, and has been inducted into the Phoenix College Alumni Association Faculty Hall of Fame. She was chosen 2009 Soror of the Year as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delta Beta Omega Chapter. She also is a member of the Phoenix chapters of the National PanHellenic Council and The Links, Inc., Maricopa Council of Black American Affairs, the NAACP and Southwest Association for Developmental Education. Her late husband of 26 years was Dr. Irwin S. Westenberg, and she is extremely proud of their daughter Erica, a Harvard graduate and attorney in New York City. Markchele Williams is originally from southern California where she earned a bachelor’s in educational psychology from University of California - Riverside. Her master’s in curriculum and instruction with emphasis in English language acquisition is from Arizona State University. Inducted in 2007 into the Kappa Delta Phi Honor Society in education, Markchele is presently a Structure English Immersion Instructor for Phoenix Union High School District and pursing her doctorate in educational reform and leadership at ASU. For the past seven years she has taught in California and Arizona. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Markchele has served as an assistant department chair, professional development facilitator, girl’s Varsity basketball coach and BSU advisor. Recognized for her ambition, academic achievement and community service efforts, Markchele – who has previous pageant experience – was crowned the 63rd Kappa Court Queen of the prestigious Black and White Ball sponsored by the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. She also was crowned Queen of the 2000 Kingdom Day Parade and received 1st runner up in the 2001 Ms. African Times Pageant. Markchele is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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FOOD FUNCTIONS The 2009 Zagat Fast-Food Survey has rated the SUBWAY® brand as the No. 1 overall provider of “Healthy Options,” “Best Service” as well as “Most Popular.” The Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation thanks Subway for providing our contestants healthy food during pageant weekend 2010! Twenty years of mouth-watering Tennessee style barbecue, three restaurants nine delivery trucks and 70 plus employees later, Honey Bear’s has become one of the most talked about BBQ restaurants in Arizona. The Miss Black Arizona Scholarship Foundation says
thanks to Honey Bearsfor feeding us mouthwatering BBQ! In every dish we serve at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – from the bold flavors of our fresh-from-the-boat seafood to our outstanding service– we're carrying on the Pappadeaux tradition of being the best there is. Visit us at 11051 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85029. Make your reservation today 602-331-3434! The contestants enjoyed a wonderful meal at the tasty Pappadeaux, complete with appetizers and desserrts! Thanks for feeding us Pappadeaux!
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2010 MBAZ SPONSORS
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Special thanks to all our Special Friends Debra & Sewlyn Crowe, Ruby & Chole Graves, Robert Latham, Rozan Latham - 2009 Miss Black Teen Arizona USA, Brittaneé Perkins - 2009 Miss Black Arizona USA, DeJuan Turrentine, Wyclef Jean, CeCe Peniston, SugaBear of 101.5 Jamz, Seth Joyner, Rachel Wilhite, 2010 Miss & Teen Black Arizona Contestants, 2009-2010 Little Miss Black Arizona Queens, United States Air Force Honor Guard, South Mountain High School Jaguar Step Team To our Distinguished Judges Dr. Monica Ennis, Rockel Etienne, Rickie Gonzales, Fatimah Halim, Tremaine Jasper, Tanisha Mariko Harper, Dr. Camilla Westenberg, Markchele Williams To all our Partners, Vendors and Service Providers Allegra Print & Imaging (allegraphoenix.com); Andy Rodriguez Photography; Awards By C&L; Boy Scout Troop 842; Dolphin Travel (10830 N 71st Street Ste 103, Scottsdale 85254 - Jazzdolphintravel@att.net) for sponsoring the flowers; Harkins Movie Theatres; Herberger Theater Center; Imemory Films; James Allen Photography; Kim’s Nails professional nail care for women and men (5118 N. 67th Avenue, Glendale AZ 85301 - 623-848-1939); Leah Marché’s Bazaar Productions; Leslie’s Recording Studio; Major Tees; Millennium Martial Arts; OfficeMax 48th Street & Ray Rd - George Parker, store manager; Pageantry Magazine; Sheraton Crescent Hotel; Sleep Deprived Films; Whitten Printers (whittenprinters.com) To the MBAZ Staff Kim Anderson - Board Chair, Jan Brown - Director of Community Relations, Shauntevia Hendrix, Brenda James Much appreciation to Friends, Family & Supporters of all our contestants, Volunteers and Advertisers. To anyone we may have forgotten, we thank you for all your support, prayers and encouragement. 24 2010 MISS BLACK ARIZONA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT | DREAMS DO COME TRUE
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T H A N K Y O U & FA R E W E L L
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