'All smiles and tons of energy': Columbus' own Michaela James wins Miss Black Ohio pageant
Columbus native Michaela James' vibrant smile and vivacious energy helped her earn the title of Miss Black Ohio during the 39th annual pageant last Saturday.
In front of nearly 60 attendees at the Lincoln Theatre, James, 21, was chosen from four contestants who competed for this year's title, an honor she said nearly brought her to tears once she heard her name called.
It really was rewarding," she said. "It felt like all of my hard work paid off and I’m glad (Page) pushed me to compete this year and let us do what made us comfortable because it helped out a lot."
The annual event, established in 1982 by Verna Wood Adams who saw a need for a beauty pageant that represented the African American community, has continued to champion young, Black women pursuing a college education by enhancing their self-esteem, promoting community involvement and academic achievement.
The pageant is open to any Black woman pursuing a college degree in Ohio and is 28 years or younger. Each contestant is judged on their confidence, personality, performance and audience connection through an opening dance routine, activewear and eveningwear presentation and onstage questions.
While the efforts of contestants Bre Matthews, Tai Johnson and Mykal Jones were more than commendable, Page said James' vibrant smile and booming energy carried her through the competition.
"While the other girls had energy, (James') energy was amazing," said Page, who was crowned Miss Black Ohio from 1996-1997. "She came to win it. Her smile was consistent, even during her resting face she had a smile on. She was really excited about being on stage and the judges caught those moments. What I saw was all smiles and tons of energy."
With plans to compete for the 2022 Miss Black America crown in Kansas City, Kansas, James said she's more than prepared given the challenges she and others faced to prepare for last week's event.
The process, which largely took place via Zoom and FaceTime calls, was at times difficult, but the Near East Side resident said she's confident she can contend on the national level. But beyond setting foot on the pageant stage, James said she wants to revive her community and help those affected by the pandemic through local outreach and programming efforts.
"We’ve had an interesting year so far with so many deaths and COVID-19 happening and I feel like a lot of people in Columbus have lost hope and don’t think of Columbus as a safe place anymore," James said. "If I have a year to even shed a little light on to Columbus, I’ll do whatever it takes."
Going forward, Page is confident James will carry on the Miss Black Ohio crown with as much distinction as previous queens given her lively personality and passion to aid her community.
"She's done us wonders with her energy, direction and talent and she will open up some whole new doors," she said. "I'm excited for her."