2024 RLH Pageants Unlimited Program Book

RLH Pageants Unlimited & Cincinnati Black Theatre Company

Founder & Executive Producer Message

Robert L Humphries Founder Executive Producer Emeritus

Donald Sherman

Executive Producer & Director

The 'RLH Pageants Unlimited' was created for young African -American teens and young adult women in the community to have a safe space to showcase their intellect, talent, poise, and diction in front of a live audience. Styled as most competitions of this nature, but with less emphasis on the physical beauty of the participants and more on grace, poise, and confidence. A very special thank you to my wife Jackie, our children, family and friends, staff, and supporters of the pageant. Each of you have worked to make the Miss Black Cincinnati and Miss Black Teen Pageants a big success! You all know who you are, and I sincerely appreciate your help. I could not have made it happen without you!

Thank you, and God Bless you.

Robert L Humphries Founder and Executive

Producer

Emeritus

To God Be The Glory!

First, I would like to thank the Lord for waking me up this morning and for the opportunity to contribute to RLH Pageants Unlimited. I have had the honor and pleasure of working under my mentor Mr. Robert L Humphries, for over 30 years—a Man of God with integrity, Honesty, truth, passion, tenacity, and resilience.

I am honored and grateful to Mr. H for choosing the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company and me to carry the Baton and the legacy set forth by the Humphries. A big Thank you to ALL OF THE Past and Present Staff, RLH Alumni, Sponsors, and everyone who has supported this stellar organization.

I thank my lovely wife Paula, our children, extended family, and friends for all they do.

Humbly,

Donald Sherman

RLH Pageants Cincinnati Black Theatre Company

Executive Producer & Director

*Pam Evans

*Valerie Williams

Judges Host

*Kathye Lewis Norman

*Ronald Buchannan

* Henry Brown

Judges Security

*Major Jackie Reed

(Hamilton County Sherriff Department)

Contestant & Stage Security

*Deputy Robin Pearl

(Hamilton County Sherriff Department)

*Aaron Bees

*Caleb Griffin

* Jeremiah Dudley

* Eddie Perry Jr

Stage Assistant

* Kevin Hammonds

* Steven Hunter

RLH Pageants Unlimited & CBTC Pageant Staff Hostess

ESQUIRES by ALPHA FRATERNITY

A

Beason

Official Make Up Artist Angel

Pastor Judge Tracie Hunter RLH Alumni Angela Grayson Alexander RLH Alumni & Contestant Trainer Pete Coleman Official Photographer Perfect Exposure Studio Sharen Sierra King RLH Alumni

Oury Niangame RLH Alumni & Official

Melanie Green Contestant Coordinator Tara Hammonds Show & MBTC Choreographer Avery Hammonds Talent Producer Deborah Stewart MBC Choreographer

Edwards Official Hair Consultant XTRA Sharp Hair Salon

Jacquie

A. Jordan CPA, MSA Official Accountant Darlene

Official Pageant Florist * J Robinson Florist

Lakezia Ealy RLH Alumni & Assoc Producer

42nd and 32ndAnniversary Miss Black Cincinnati and Miss

Black Teen CincinnatiHost

Courtis Fuller has been selected as one of Cincinnati’s Men of Honor. It is easy to understand why. He is an award winning broadcast journalist who has shown his leadership and commitment to the tristate on and off camera. His career has span 34 years most of this time has been spent as a news anchor for the NBC affiliate WLWT-TV.

He has received hundreds of awards for excellence in journalism and his tireless community service. He was selected "Cincinnati's Favorite TV Personality" by the Broadcast Hall of Fame as well as being the recipient of the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream keeper Award. Recognized by the National Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists, the Cincinnati Society of Professional Journalists, the Associated Press, United Press International, the Orlando Press Club and the Cleveland Press Club. Courtis is also one of the first journalists inducted into the Central Florida Association of Black Journalists and Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Dr. Shelley Jefferson Hamler is a retired educator. She was the High School Principal of Clark Academy which was a school for students who were not able to make it in traditional high school setting!. It was during this time when she was voted as the Principal of the Year for the State of Ohio. She then became an Assistant Superintendent of Princeton City Schools.

She continued her journey as an Adjunct Professor of the University of Cincinnati where she supervised teachers with students who had Special Needs. Finally she was the consultant for 7 school districts in leading them in the development of their Strategic Plan.

She now partners with an International Health and Wellness Company that shares how you can live a healthier life even in these horrific times with the pandemic. She’s the immediate Past President of The Cincinnati (Oh) Chapter of The Links. Incorporated.

She has enjoyed working with Mr. Humphries and this Pageant for over 30 years!

Rev. P. Ann Everson-Price is an Ordained Minister, Radio Personality, Entertainer, Motivational Speaker, Personal Vocal Coach and Funeral Celebrant for J.C. Battle & Sons She is CEO and founder of DeSaints Entertainment and P. Ann Entertainment producing Christian, Corporate and Social Events. She is the band-leader for the All-Star Band a 14-piece Show Band. She was the recipient of Applause! Magazine’s Imagemaker Award for Entertainment and a recipient of the Cincinnati Enquirer’s, Cammy Award for Vocalist of the Year. She was recognized by Cincinnati’s YMCA as a Black Achiever, and is listed in the prestigious 4th Edition of Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati.

She has performed in musicals produced by mega producer, Donald Lawrence. Nationally and off Broadway. She has also toured and lived in JAPAN. She is the Founder and Retired Director of the Cincinnati Super Choir. For 20 years this community choir worked with the Cincinnati Ballet, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, opened for Gospel Artist Kirk Franklin and With over 35 years in Broadcasting, you can hear her as co-host on the Empowerment Hour LIVE - Friday’s at 4:30 pm twice sang for (then) Senator Barack Obama. With over 35 years in Broadcasting, you can hear her as co-host on the Empowerment Hour LIVE - Friday’s at 4:30 pm on 1050AM and 103.1FM - WGRI Radio. She’s a wife and mother to 3 grown children Nanna, to 8 beautiful grands and 7 great-grandchildren. She is the primary caregiver for her mom who just turned 99 years young. Her testimony is that, I am living my dream and “God continues to bless my life!”

Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney Vice Mayor of Cincinnati. was born in Cincinnati and is a proud graduate of Cincinnati Public Schools: Rockdale Elementary School and Walnut Hills High School. She graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. While at Dartmouth, she attended an exchange program at an HBCU, her father’s alma mater, Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama. She earned a masters degree in counseling and consulting psychology from Harvard University Graduate School of Education and a juris doctorate from Harvard Law School. She was in the class with her friend, President Barack Obama. She was elected first class marshal of her law school class and gave the commencement speech at graduation.

Jan-Michele practiced law with the firm of Taft, Stettinius and Hollister LLP, then branched out into a solo law career when she helped to start the multimedia publishing company, KGL Media Group, Inc. dba Sesh Communications. Sesh owns the award-winning Cincinnati Herald, The Northern Kentucky Herald, The Dayton Defender, seshPRIME Magazine, and PIX (News in Pictures), and hosts the popular annual Daddy-Daughter Dinner Dance, the BRIGHT Awards for 18-30 year olds, and the Nefertiti Awards for outstanding women. Jan-Michele initiated free community workshops in Cincinnati and Dayton, in collaboration with other institutions, to promote homeownership (“Owning It!”) and small business growth (“Growing It!”). Botanical Gardens. She is married to former Ohio State Senator Eric H. Kearney, Esq. and they are blessed with two children.

44th and 34thAnniversary -

MBC and MBTC Pageant Program

Overture Music

Parade of Judges

Introduction of Judges

Invocation

Welcome

Introduction of Hosts

Entrance

Sharen King, Associate Producer, Pageant Alumni President

Honorable Judge & Pastor Tracie M Hunter ‘MBCP 1986’

Donald L Sherman, Executive Producer & Director

Executive Director of the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company

Angela Grayson Alexander MBC 1995

Courtis Fuller, Dr. Shelly Jefferson Hamler, P Ann Everson-Price, Vice-Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney

Opening Dance ‘Love’ by Kirk Franklin

Miss Black Teen Contestants

Opening Dance ‘Love Theory’ Kirk Franklin

Feature Entertainment

*Miss Black Teen Cincinnati Contestants

Feature Entertainment

* Miss Black Cincinnati Contestants

* Miss Black Teen Cincinnati Contestants

* Miss Black Cincinnati Contestants

* Miss Black Teen Cincinnati Contestants

* Miss Black Cincinnati Contestants

Sponsorship Awards Presentation

Special Award Presentations

Gardenia Roper ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ Essay

Cheryl and Antonio Lackey ‘Champions’ Essay

Sharon Hemphill ‘Award of ‘Excellence’ Essay

Nikki Armstrong ‘ Courage Award’ Essay

C Smith ’Photogenic Award’

Dr. Cleaster Mims ‘Projection Award’

Jackie Humphries ‘Participation Award’

Brandi Dionne Harvey ‘Commitment and Self Care’

Judge Tracie Hunter Essay ‘Social Justice’

Individual Awards

Miss Black Teen Contestants

Samya Rogers ‘Miss Black Cincinnati 2023’

Violinist ‘Trinity Thrasher’

*Talent Competition*

Miss Samya Rogers 2023

Talent Competition*

Evening Gown Competition*

Projection ‘Impromptu’ Question*

Donald Sherman Executive Producer & Director #

Angela Grayson Alexander ’Miss Black Cincinnati 1995’ and All -Time Winner

Angela Grayson Alexander Legacy Award ‘Personal Interview’

Lakesia Ealy Legacy Award ‘Talent Winner’

ContestantsParticipationAwards

*Miss Congeniality Award

* Highest Ticket Sales Award

* Highest Sponsorship Award

* Producer and Directors Award

*Highest Score Personal Interview

FinalAwardsandPresentation

*Highest Score Talent

Miss Black Teen Cincinnati 2024

5th Runner Up

4th Runner Up

3rd Runner Up

2nd Runner Up

*Highest Score Evening Gown *Highest Score Projection Question

Miss Black Cincinnati 2024

4th Runner Up

3rd Runner Up

2nd Runner Up

1st Runner Up

1st Runner Up WINNER WINNER

Miss Black Teen Cincinnati 2023 Nya Williams Farewell Message

Being Miss Black Teen Cincinnati has been a transformative journey, one that has empowered me to grow and prosper in countless ways. I embarked on this path with the intention of making a difference bigger than myself, to contribute positively as a young Black woman in today's society. With the unwavering support of my community and the incredible people in my corner, I've been able to achieve just that, and more.

Throughout my reign, I encountered numerous obstacles and embraced new experiences, each of which has contributed to a year of profound growth and success. From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, I've emerged from this journey stronger and more resilient than ever before. Holding the title of Miss Black Teen Cincinnati has been an immense honor, one that I would readily undertake again without hesitation.

Having my name associated with this title has been among the greatest blessings in my life. From having a day named after me to engaging with mayors and political ﬁgures, as well as inspiring other young girls like myself, the impact of this platform has been truly remarkable. Most importantly, it has afforded me the opportunity to advocate for meaningful causes, such as combating gun violence and fostering unity within our communities.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has played a part in this journey, from the unsung heroes working tirelessly behind closed doors to my beloved mother and family who have been my pillars of strength. Each of you has contributed to my growth as a person and as a woman, and I carry your support with me as I embark on the next chapter of my life.

As I close this chapter, I do so with a heart ﬁlled with gratitude and a determination to continue dreaming, striving, and reaching for the stars. To anyone with a dream, I encourage you to keep dreaming, for the possibilities are limitless when we dare to reach for them.

Miss Black Teen Cincinnati Pageant Contestants 2024

Age: 13

School: School for Creative and Performing Arts

Talent: Dancing

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Hobbies: Designing fashion, running track, dance, making jewelry , acting, modeling, and singing

Future Goals: To become a successful professional model

Parents: Najah X

Hairstylist: Najah X

Platform: Helping young girls and teens to build their self confidence

Age: 16

School: De Paul Cristo Rey High School

Talent: Martial Arts

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Hobbies: Photography, art, choir, martial arts, and makeup and cosmetology

Future Goals: Graduate and pursue

College degree in film and photography

Parents: Ashley Bell and Michael Flanigan

Miss Asada Austin Miss Trinity Bell

Miss Black Teen Cincinnati Pageant Contestants 2024

Age: 16

School: Hamilton High School

Talent: Dancing

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Hobbies: Modeling

Future Goals: To become a Cosmetic Dermatologist and professional model

Parents: Lindsey Frierson

Hairstylist: Lindsey Frierson

Platform: Black Women Empowerment

Age: 16

School: Lloyd Memorial High School

Talent: Dance

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Hobbies: Singing, dancing, playing digital games on the phone

Future Goals: To become a Dentist

Hairstylist: Zay

Parents: Nicole and Dee Roetting

Platform: Youth and Teen Anti-Bullying

Miss Gabriellah Gonzalez Miss Jayden Roetting

Miss Black Teen Cincinnati Pageant Contestants 2024

Age: 14

School: Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy

Talent: Singing

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Hobbies: Designing and Making Bracelets

Future Goals: Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Hairstylist : Karen Watkins Smith

Parents: Danielle Clark and Lamont Sims

Platform: Helping young girls to become the best version of themselves

Age: 13

School: Mason Middle School

Talent: Spoken Word

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Hobbies: Track

Hairstylist: Candice

Future Goals: Attend college study law and become a Judge

Parents: Ashley and Justin Stowell

Platform: Homelessness

Miss Aubrey N Sims Miss Madison Stowall

Miss Black Teen Cincinnati Pageant Contestants 2024

Age: 14 years old

School: School for Creative and Performing Arts

Talent: Dancing and Gymnastics

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Hobbies: Dancing, singing and gymnastics

Hairstylist: Kimberly Durham

Future Goals: To continue to grow my Brand

Iah-Iamher and to pursue my craft and grow as an actress

Parent: Kimberly Durham and Santino Turnbow

Platform: Anti-Bullying

Age: 15

School: Ohio Connections Academy

Talent: Poetry

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Hobbies: Reading and Writing

Hair Stylist: Cindy Walker - Tate

Future Goals: Complete high school, become a published author. To be accepted at the college of my choice and obtain my Bachelors Degree

Parents: Cindy Walker-Tate and Daryl Tate

Platform: Literacy

Miss San’ Iah Turnbow Miss Jai Walker-Tate

Miss Black Cincinnati Pageant Contestants 2024

Age: 13

School: Cincinnati Digital Academy

Talent: Piano

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Hobbies: Playing the piano and skating+

Future Goals: Graduate and purse a degree in music and to become a Veterinarian and join the United States Air Force

Platform: Creating a space for people to display their art.

Parents: Beth and Mimwah Watkins

Miss Savanna Watkins

Miss Black Cincinnati 2023 Samya Rogers Farewell Message

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen it has been a honor to be the 2023 Miss Black Cincinnati. The experience I received from every event has been nothing but amazing. I truly enjoyed every bit of my reign and how much support I had through it all. I truly will say this experience has changed my life in such a positive way.

"I never expected to become a pageant winner. As a tomboy girl, it was never something I thought about. But now, people look up to me and my story. Despite the hardships I've faced, I pushed through and persevered. My story is relatable to many who have lost someone special, and I hope to inspire them to ﬁnd happiness in their memories.

"The opportunities that came with my reign had a signiﬁcant impact on me. I am proud of how far I've come. Participating in pageants helped me overcome my stage fright, improved my public speaking and dancing skills, but most importantly, it helped me become a better leader. Seeing children's faces light up with happiness and being able to connect with them means the world to me. I wouldn't change anything about this chapter in my life."

The best part of the pageant is that we get to speak on our platform that means the most to me. My platform is mental health for youth and young adults. This subject is important to me because of how much it means.

Yes, I am a girl that was diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety at the age of twelve. The fact that I am able share this and be an advocate to show that my mental illnesses does not define me. I’ve said this so many times but it’s so true Our mental illnesses do not define us but we define our mental illnesses!! I love I am able to speak about my diagnosis and bring awareness to my platform. This is just the beginning and I will not stop here.

I want to thank everybody who has supported me on my journey and those who are still helping. Especially all of the staff that help mold us into the women we are today. This one pageant change my life forever and now I have a sisterhood that I never knew was possible.

To my mom and my family I want to thank you so much for supporting me and believing in me when I didn’t believe and being there when nobody else was.