2nd National Ad Deadline

Greetings!

My second national ad deadline is February 1st and as you can see from the ticker, I have a long way to go! Please consider making a small donation to help me meet this deadline in time!

 Click here to DONATE!

Graduation!

In three days, I graduate from LSU with a Masters of Public Administration! I can honestly say without an education, I would not be where I currently am in life or in my career. It is my task to convey the importance of such an education as Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012.

The greatest graduation gift you can offer me is to make a small donation to my journey to become Miss Black USA. It is my dream to show little girls throughout the country that they are more than what they see on TV and with an education they can reach the stars!

Donate here: Give the Queen a Graduation Gift!

Yours in Service,

Ashley Elizabeth Hebert

Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012

National Ads Sales are Underway! Don't Miss Out!

If you or your business would like to advertise with Miss Black Louisiana in the national Miss Black USA 2012 digital souvenir booklet, contact me!

 missblacklouisianausa2012@gmail.com

Please Consider Making a Donation TODAY!

My first financial obligation deadline with nationals is fast approaching (Dec. 1) and I'm ALMOST there! Only $50 left to raise!

Please consider making a donation to help me compete in the Miss Black USA pageant next year. It is my intent to bring the crown back to Louisiana for the first time in history!

You can contribute via Paypal here: DONATE!

Or shoot me an email to receive an electronic invoice! missblacklouisianausa2012@gmail.com

Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012 in the news...

The following is a Monroe News Star article written about me prior to my official crowning. Big thanks to Rob Landry for this awesome article! The link at the bottom will bring you to the Monroe News Star website. The comment section had me down in the dumps, but a good friend told me to keep pushing and do what I know is right, and I will!

"Changing a social cycle is always difficult to initiate, especially when that cycle deals with education.

But LSU graduate student and Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012 contestant Ashley Hebert hopes her pageant platform evokes the kind of change that she believes Louisiana's higher education system needs.

"My platform focuses on improving the state of higher education in Louisiana. Our students are failing, and our government and leaders are failing the students."

Hebert, a Lafayette native, has taken a three-pronged approach to changing the state of higher education for African-Americans in the state.

» Inform people about the advantages children that have a pre-kindergarten education get. The LA 4 Pre-kindergarten Evaluation shows children enrolled in pre-K classes test one year ahead in literacy, language and math skills from children not enrolled.

» Making sure mentoring and tutoring sessions are readily available to African-American children in grades K-12.

» Getting the African-American community informed and involved in the political process and the effects it has on education through voter registration sessions.

"I know I'm only one person, and I cannot 'change the world,'" she says. "... but I can most definitely try."

Hebert hosted her first community service project on Oct. 16 in Baton Rouge. Named, "Get Jazzed About Reading," it was a literacy rally and included celebrity readers, word bingo, a jazz band and information and sessions for parents.

"Education is the key, and I hope to affect the life of at least one child."

The Monroe News Star: Miss Black Louisiana Sets Sights on Education Reform

Almost there!

My first financial obligation deadline with nationals is fast approaching (Dec. 1) and I'm ALMOST there! Only $175 left to raise!

Please consider making a donation to help me compete in the Miss Black USA pageant next year. It is my intent to bring the crown back to Louisiana for the first time in history!

You can contribute via Paypal here: Support me!

Or shoot me an email to receive an electronic invoice! missblacklouisianausa2012@gmail.com 

Yours in service,

Ashley E. Hebert

Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012

Please Share This Moment With Me!

Words cannot express how excited I am about this Saturday! On November 12, 2011 I will officially be crowned as Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012. This is my moment and I would love for you to be there to share it with me! You'll also get to see the "divas in training" compete in the Pretty Girls Rock Princess Pageant!

Purchase your tickets here: Official Crowning/Pretty Girls Rock Princess Pageant

Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012 Crowning & Pretty Girls Rock Princess Pageant

Louisiana State Police Training Academy

7900 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 

3 PM

See you there!

Please Support Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012

If you have not already heard, I will be crowned Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012 on November 12, 2011 at 3pm. I am very honored and blessed to hold this title and I'm ready to get to work!

With that being said, the Miss Black USA organization requires all queens to sell ads totaling $1000 to compete in the national competition. I am reaching out to you for donations, ads, or sponsorships in any way to meet this goal.  

Here's the ad information:

Each queen is required to sell 2 full-page (totaling $1000) ads. The first deadline of $500 is November 1, 2011. I am allowed to turn in one full-page ad OR two-half page ads.

Full Page $500
Half-Page $250

*The ads do not have to be from one single entity, groups can pool funds to reach the total amount.*

Take a look at last year's digital souvenir booklet:Miss Black USA 2011 Digital Souvenir Booklet. The Miss Black USA website receives 70,000 hits/month and even more as the pageant approaches.
  

Yours in service,

Ashley E. Hebert
Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012

missblacklouisianausa2012@gmail.com

Third Annual Cosmos For a Cure

Hope you join the Miss Black Louisiana USA Organization tomorrow night for Cosmos For a Cure - Fundraiser Fashion Show. All proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen. three local New Orleans Women Business Owners will come together to host an evening of flirty pink cocktails, pampering massages and makeovers, fashion, light, glitz and glamour. The 3rd Annual "Cosmos for a Cure" is a night for ladies of New Orleans to come out and have a great time to network, unwind and raise money for a worthy cause!

With over 50 sponsors this year, the hosts say this will be the best year yet. TWIST Cocktails will be the venue of the big event this year with CIROC being the main sponsor for the signature Cosmo cocktail. Dozens of sponsors have donated silent auction prizes ranging from Pink Limo Rides to Pampering Spa Packages.

There will be no shortage of fun and fashion at this event. Johnny Wah Exclusive Shoe Boutique will have a raffle for a $600 pair of shoes out of their boutique and the fashion show will be styled by Hemline.

Every guest who is a breast cancer survivors will enjoy the most premier pampering experience out of all the guests. Each will have a special photo session with the professional photographer on site. Survivors will also have an opportunity to model some of the fashions and will have the floor to give personal testimonies of their experience and recovery.

The hosts have committed to raising $5,000 and hope to achieve that goal. Help them in achieving a notable goal by attending the 3rd Annual Cosmos for a Cure on Friday, October 21, 2011 from 5:30 - 9pm at TWIST Cocktails (628 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130) Tickets can be bought at the door or online athttp://www.cosmosforacure.eventbrite.com/

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Continue reading on Examiner.com Cosmos for a Cure: Fashion show and Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness - New Orleans Beauty | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/beauty-in-new-orleans/cosmos-for-a-cure-fashionshow-and-fundraiser-for-breast-cancer-awareness#ixzz1bMxyRLKR

SGBC member holds event to improve literacy levels in community

The following is a Daily Reveille article about myself, Roben West, and De'Andre Beadle's work with the Student Government Black Caucus. The title refers to my community service project, the "Get Jazzed About Reading" Literacy Rally, although it is not mentioned in the article at all. The writer and I spoke at length about it, but I'm fine as long as the SGBC gets some positive press.

By Kate Mabry

The Student Government Black Caucus continues to work on initiatives after a recent change in leadership and hopes to boost membership in semesters to come. The resolution to create the caucus, which was passed in an SG Senate meeting March 2, received a 32-11-2 roll call vote after a heated debate, which lasted more than two hours.This semester, Roben West, SG senator for the College of Humanitites and Social Sciences and caucus chair, said the SGBC is continuing to focus on the issue of the Greek stole for commencement exercises.

"From my understanding, Greek stoles may no longer be worn at commencement exercises, and we feel that the issue can and will directly affect black Greeks at LSU," she said.

West said another initiative of the caucus is improving their relationship with other black organizations on campus. As far as accomplishments, West credits the honoring of A. P. Tureaud's efforts in African American attendance at the University as the caucus's most notable achievement. On April 12, the official SGBC Facebook page stated before the event, "The LSU Student Government Black Caucus will be there to commend A.P. Tureaud Jr. for his journey of justice as living history of the integration and black experience of LSU."

While the SGBC continues to focus on issues at the University, the caucus also aims to provide a sense of support for the African-American community. Ashley Hebert, SG senator for the Graduate School and SGBC member, said soon after she received her undergraduate degree she began noticing African American students were not as prepared to receive a college education as she believes they should be, and she hoped to help students focus more on career initiatives. "The networking just isn't there," she said. Hebert said the caucus's purpose is to gather a group of African American students together to illustrate that there is a place for them at the University outside of Greek Life and tailgating.

"The black experience is not the same as the white experience at LSU. What LSU is to you may not be what it is to me," Hebert said. "So many administrators, faculty and students are missing the point. We need to find a common ground." West said the caucus also exists to ensure that the needs of the University's African American population are met. "We felt the creation of the black caucus was important because we felt that the black student population at LSU was not getting adequate representation," West said.

Hebert said the creation of the caucus was something she was passionate about, and she wants to ensure the caucus continues to grow after she graduates in December. At the start of the semester, Hebert, the caucus chair during the spring semester, wanted to be sure the transition into new leadership goes smoothly after she leaves the University. "This way the new leaders, being De'Andre [Beadle, SG senator for the University Center for Freshman Year] and myself, could get comfortable with the positions while she was still here so that we may still look to her for guidance and assistance," West said.

At this time, the University's SGBC is the first black caucus of any SEC school.

According to Hebert, anyone can attend caucus meetings and share input with the group.

This semester, Hebert said there are eight to ten SG members involved in the caucus as well as an additional 10 to 12 students from outside SG.

Direct link to the article: SGBC member holds event to improve literacy levels in the community

"Get Jazzed About Reading" Literacy Rally is almost here!

If you'd like to donate a book to be used at this event, contact me at ahebe79@lsu.edu

OR

Drop them off at the LSU Student Union. Drop off box is in the Student Government Exec office!

SG Works For STUDENTS

Last night my resolution against a "no laptop policy" in classrooms passed favorably in the Student Senate. As a Graduate School Senator I am here to put STUDENT needs first, not faculty.

 This is not about respect for faculty or lack thereof; this is about maintaining student productivity throughout the semester. Although we understand that some students will  indeed abuse the use of laptops in the classroom to Facebook, watch movies, etc., we must remember that this is Louisiana State University, NOT high school. Each of us PAID to be here. Our class attendance and when/if we pay attention in class is solely elective. A student’s failure to use technology at hand to remain productive and attentive in class will be reflected in their grades. As adults, you make the decision to productively continue your academic career.

Although we recognize and respect that faculty each has their own individual approach to teaching, students also have their own approach to learning. For me, I always read in advance, type my own notes, and add to them during the class. With my own notes in front of me, I can see notations that I made to ask the teacher to clarify something, I am more organized, and even more dynamic in my note taking – if this particular lecture requires a chart/graph/table, I can make one, right then and there. But I also understand what works for me, may not work for a fellow classmate, so prohibiting laptop use in the classroom is operating under the misconception that everyone learns the same way.

Many feel this policy protects "academic freedom" of faculty, but I feel it infringes on my right as a student to learn as effectively as possible.

Check out The Daily Reveille article on SGR No. 8 here: http://www.lsureveille.com/news/senate-urges-inquiry-of-no-technology-policy-1.2641188?fb_ref=.ToRsr-XXYB4.like&fb_source=profile_oneline

And a major shout out to my co-author Ms. Roben West. She's moving and shaking and I'm very proud!

"Get Jazzed About Reading" Literacy Rally

As a contestant in the Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012 pageant, I have been charged with directing a community service project that correlates to my platform. I have already partnered with several organizations to create the “Get Jazzed About Reading” Literacy Rally.

“Get Jazzed About Reading” Literacy Rally

Schedule of Events

1.      Local Celeb reading corner: local affluent individuals will read to children in small groups throughout the day. Guest readers: BESE Board Candidate Carolyn Hill, MAX 94.1 personality LaTangela Fay, Miss Orleans USA 2012 Brittney Rixner,  Mr. Ralph Johnson, Executive Director of Melrose East Community Association, & Mr. David Jones, COO of HowIsIt, LLC.

2.      Word Bingo

3.      The smooth sounds of "The S Factor" Band

4.      Picture corner: families will be able to pose with the characters from their favorite stories.

5.      Parent breakout: Info session/table for parents to learn the importance of reading at home to and with their children. Suggestions for making reading fun at home.

6.      Greater Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition Info Table

7.      Miss Black Louisiana USA Info Table

8.      Cake Walk

We will also be providing free food and drinks to patrons. The media will cover this event as well.  The jazz theme will be prevalent throughout the event.

Sponsors: LSU-NAACP, Greater Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition, HowIsIt, LLC, Baton Rouge Area Chamber, St. Paul Adult Learning Center

The Power of Political Participation

In his Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln called democracy “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” It means that we are not here to serve our government, but that our government is here to serve us — and we have the right to decide who will represent us and how we want to be represented. It means that we have one of the greatest rights any free people can have: the right to vote. 

Voting is a right that, throughout history, many have fought for and sacrificed everything to achieve. It’s a right that people continue to fight for and that millions of people throughout the world still do not enjoy. As Americans, we have the great privilege to live in a free society and voting is the right that makes us free. 

You must USE THIS POWER! Too many constituents are unaware of the laws made at the state Capitol and how they can impact their lives. As part of my platform, I would like to convey the need of voter participation in the African American community. By not voting, you give away your right to influence the government overall.

Here's some info on registering online to vote in case you missed it:

You MUST be registered 30 days before the election so the deadline for Oct 22nd election is SEPTEMBER 22nd, so DO IT NOW!

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

You may also apply in person to register to vote at any Registrar of Voters office or any of the following sites:
- Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicle offices
- Louisiana Department of Social Services offices and WIC offices, Food Stamp offices, and Medicaid offices
- Offices serving persons with disabilities, such as the Deaf Action Centers and Independent Living offices
- Armed Forces Recruitment offices

Online Voting Registration

You may recall my platform has a three-step approach:

• Access to Pre-K: As part of my platform, I will strive to inform citizens of the importance of early childhood development and how it affects their child and Louisiana’s future.
• Improving Academic Success in K-12: I will continue to convey the importance of improving literacy levels in Louisiana poor communities to ensure our students are prepared for higher education. My platform will focus on finding ways to ensure our African-American students are prepared for college through mentoring programs or college-prep courses; I will strive to improve educational outcomes for students.
• Political Participation: Finally, too many constituents are unaware of the laws made at the state Capitol and how they can affect educational programs. As part of my platform, I would like to convey the need of voter participation in the African American community and initiate a voter registration drive.

Thanks to my friends in Young Democrats of Louisiana, I have some online voting registration information for you guys! Click the link to be directed to the Louisiana Secretary of State website

ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION

You MUST be registered 30 days before the election, so the deadline for October 22nd election is SEPTEMBER 22nd, so DO IT NOW!

You may also apply in person to register to vote at any Registrar of Voters office or any of the following sites:
- Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicle offices
- Louisiana Department of Social Services offices and WIC offices, Food Stamp offices, and Medicaid offices
- Offices serving persons with disabilities, such as the Deaf Action Centers and Independent Living offices
- Armed Forces Recruitment offices

More Sashing Ceremony Pics...

Getting officially sashed by State Coordinator Tiffany D. Magee

Tiffany and I

Conestant Tambria Baker, 2011 Queen Nakina Eugene, and I

My baby brother Evan and I

Greeting Nakina

Talented Teen contestant Tori Turner and I. This girl is going places!

ME! #TakingTheReign

5 Things to Know About Miss Universe Leila Lopes

She's got the whole world in her hands. Newly crowned Miss Universe Leila Lopes of Angola touts herself as a activist whose reign will be devoted to battling AIDS and poverty.

"I've worked with various social causes. I work with poor kids, I work in the fight against HIV. I work to protect the elderly and I have to do everything that my country needs," she said at the event. "I think now as Miss Universe I will be able to do much more."

Standing 5',10", the 25-year-old also cited her smile as being her biggest asset in Monday night's competition.

But what else is there to the new woman in the spotlight, whose good looks and charm were evident during the ceremony? Here are five facts about the pageant winner:

1. She's an Ex-Pat.
Though born in Angola's Benguela Province, Lopes is studying business management in Great Britain. She also nabbed a crown in her adopted home, being named Miss Angola U.K. on Oct. 8, 2010.

2. She Keeps Things Simple.
Her three beauty tips are sleep, sunblock and water. Lopes told the judges she has never had cosmetic surgery of any kind to enhance her appearance. She recommends getting a lot of sleep, using sunscreen even when it's not sunny outside, and drinking lots of water to maintain beauty.

3. She's a Pacesetter.
She is the first woman from Angola and only the fourth black woman to be crowned Miss Universe, after Trinidad & Tobago's Janelle Commissiong, Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana and Wendy Fitzwilliam of Trinidad & Tobago. Addressing the issue of tolerance during the competition, she said: "Any racist needs to seek help. It's not normal in the 21st century to think in that way."

4. She's a Linguist.
She spoke to the pageant judges in Portuguese, the official language of Angola, a former Portuguese colony. The event was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where Portuguese is also the official language.

5. She's Beautiful Inside, Too.
One of her dresses in competition was a colorful ensemble of seashells, fish and coral made of plastic and felt. But it's not only the exterior that Lopes wants the world to see. "I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty," she said. "I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life."

People Magazine - Miss Universe 2011

Official Sashing Ceremony

Last night was the official sashing ceremony for all contestants in the Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012 Pageant. The event was held at Drusilla's Seafood Restaurant. More pics to come! 61 Days until the pageant!! Let's get it!!!

2011 Miss Black Louisiana USA, Nakina Marie Eugene and I

Me and fellow contestant Tambria Baker

The Community Defender LIVE Interview

TONIGHT!! Miss Black Louisiana USA State Coordinator, Tiffany D. Magee, will be interviewed LIVE by Brother Adrian as they discuss the major issues that affect Black America.


Come and be a part of the live studio audience!! 


Dejon's
5255 Florida Blvd

7:00pm-9:00pm

Purchase Your Tickets NOW!

Tickets are now on sale for the 2011 Miss Black Louisiana USA Pageant. Check out the Miss Black Louisiana USA homepage to see all the Miss and Teen Contestants and get more info about this wonderful organization: Miss Black Louisiana USA


Purchase your tickets to see the show live on November 12, 2011 at 7pm, at the Louisiana State Police Training Academy on Independence Blvd here in Baton Rouge:

PURCHASE PAGEANT TICKETS HERE

Hope to see you there!! 

People's Choice Award

So today is the day....

The voting for Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012, People's Choice Award has begun! You can vote for me here:

JOIN TEAM ASHLEY!

I'll also be adding a link here on the blog as well. 2011 Queen Nakina Marie Eugene won this award at the NATIONAL pageant last month. That was a tremendous honor and hope I can win at the state and national level as well!

Please support me in my goal by voting me for the People's Choice Award! Voting ends November 11, 2011 at 11:59PM

Great event last night!!

Last night's 225 Magazine Hot Off The Press event was a huge success!! The models and fashion were dead on. And who knew Baton Rouge had sooooo many fashionistas?! Food and drinks were fantastic annnnnnnd I got to were my sash for the first time!!

Patrons seemed genuinely excited for me and identified with my platform! Here's some pics!

225 Magazine Fashion Release Party

TONIGHT!! I'll be attending an exclusive preview of the 225 Magazine fashion issue. The Fashion Issue showcases the newest and latest fall styles that Baton Rouge has to offer. Come and join the Miss Black Louisiana USA Organization  for this dazzling L.A./New York style magazine preview party!



Whether you’ve recently moved here, are looking to meet new people or you're simply a fan of the 225 Magazine (who wants to make sure you get a copy before they're all gone), you won’t want to miss this exceptional VIP party.

The magazine has partnered with La Carreta, Tin Roof Brewery and Patron Tequila/Ultimat Vodka, to create a VIP happy hour you won't soon forget.

Join us!! You MUST RSVP to get on the list for the VIP perks: 225 Magazine Fashion Issue Release Party

5:30 - 8 p.m.
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
4065 Government Street, Baton Rouge

Tasty treats prepared by La Carreta
• Samples of Patron's ultra-premium tequilas/Ultimat Vodka
• Freshly brewed local beer from Tin Roof Brewery
• Live DJ
• Plus, have your picture taken on the red carpet and hobnob with the city's hottest young professionals, party sponsors and staff of 225 magazine.

Plussss, samples of fashion forward yogurt flavors provided by Yogurtland, live models and complimentary hand massages provided by Paris Parker!

So click the link for the VIP accommodations or simply drop in to be a part of the festivities! I'll be there speaking about my platform and taking in the latest fashion trends!!

Thank you!!

I am so blessed beyond measure to have such a wonderful support base! This past Friday, I reached my goal of $1000 in ads sold! A big thank you to everyone who purchased an ad or even spread the word about me and the pageant. I truly, truly appreciate your love and support of my goal of becoming Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012!


So what's next?? My community service project is still in the works and the voting for People's Choice Award opens September 1! More information to come! Muah! 

"All The Women I've Loved" DVD Release

The long-awaited release of play and now movie "All The Women I've Loved" is finallyyyyyy here! 

Starring former Miss Black Louisiana USA, Ms. Tiffany Lloyd, this hip sophisticated romantic “dramedy” about a confident and handsome TV executive, LeBaron Brown, who has it all. Great career and beautiful girlfriend... Life is perfect…

Until he gets dumped! Phoenix Morgan, his long time girlfriend was certain LeBaron would propose on their four-year anniversary. She was wrong. He had no idea that failing to “pop the question” was the last straw. She had no idea her choice would hurt so much…

She had no idea her choice would hurt so much…

Distraught, LeBaron seeks the wise council of Dr. Carter, a charismatic therapist. During a series of hilarious sessions he relives the relationships that have shaped his philosophy on Heartbroken, Phoenix, a buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue, heads to Paris for Fashion Week. There, her life takes an unexpected turn.   

Al Green asked, “How do you mend a broken heart?” Well, a charming music producer will help her answer that question... Will LeBaron come to his senses before it’s too late? 

Or will Phoenix find true romance in the city of Love? DVD goes on sale September 1 on Bryon Harmon Productions. Annnnnnd you can see me at 1:08!

Don't forget to "Like" the movie facebook page: "All The Women I've Loved"

WHY chase the crown??

An email message from Steven Roddy of The Pageant Planet. Definitely made me think about a lot. This being the night before my last semester of grad school, he helped but some things in perspective:

Why are you chasing the crown? Why are you willing to sacrifice boyfriend time, food, energy and even a year of college in order to win the title? Until you can honestly, and openly identify your personal "why" you will not win. 
That's a pretty bold statement isn't it? 

Sure you might win some local pageants but in order to win on a national level you need to know why you are competing. I have been taught and I firmly believe that when the "why" is BIG enough the facts don't count. 

The fact that you might not be the "beauty queen type" or that you may not have the perfect body or the best interview will not hold back the girl with a strong enough "why".

"Why?" ...I am glad that you asked :)

What you do on stage is not nearly as important as what you do off stage when you are not competing...that is where pageants are won and lost. So many girls make the mistake of believing the lie that their performance on the night of the pageant determined the outcome.

I don't agree. How you prepare mentally and physically the nights prior to the pageant will determine if you win. This is where your personal "why" is so important. 

If you can identify that the reason "why" you are competing in pageantry is to earn money for college, to become a famous model or to simply have the status of wearing the crown then you can fall back on that desire when you don't feel like training for your pageant. This will push you to train harder and longer when other girls slack off. 

Furthermore, if you know "why" you are competing in a pageant you are no longer a contestant. You are a woman with a cause. You are someone with a goal. 

Martin Luther King possessed that type of goal. 
Mother Teresa was that woman with a cause. 
Adolf Hitler was a man with that kind of drive. 

Regardless of their reason, these people knew what they wanted and "why"...and for better or worse they shook the pages of history. 

You can also....if you know "why". 

Take out a piece of paper right now and write down the reason why you want to win your pageant. If you can write it out then I challenge you try to dig deeper to see if that is the REAL reason or the superficial one that you think people will accept. 

If you can't then I challenge you to keep asking yourself "why" you want to win until you discover the real reason you want the crown so badly. 

Remember, "A wish becomes a want, becomes a need, becomes a got."

With your crown in mind, 

 

Steven Roddy

Thanks Steven!! Just took out a piece of paper to do some "WHY" soul-searching. 

My Platform

Improving Higher Education in Louisiana

Improving the state of higher education in Louisiana does not have a simple, textbook answer. But one thing is certain, a child’s progression towards a college degree starts long before they ever set foot on a college campus.

Importance Statewide

Many fail to realize the economic power holding a college degree may have. Someone with a Bachelor’s Degree earns up to $25,000 more per year on average than someone with just a high school diploma (State Legislatures. June 2011. Bautsch. Page 24). A degree translates into more revenue flowing statewide in numerous ways:

• Average career is 40 years, so that extra $25,000 per year translates into $1 million more in career earnings
• Higher income translates into higher tax revenue for the state.
• College graduates generally pay more in income and sales taxes, while depending less on social service programs like Medicaid or federal assistance.
• College graduates are more likely to be employed.

The big issue facing the state of Louisiana is that at least two out of every five college students do not graduate – making risky investments for state programs such as TOPS. Weak academic preparation in K-12 is the fourth leading cause to college dropout (Bautsch).

The number of nationwide, jobs requiring some form of training or education beyond high school will continue to increase. By 2018, it is estimated that close to 33 percent of jobs will require at least a Bachelor’s Degree and 29 percent will require at least a certificate or associate degree (State Legislatures. June 2011. Colvin & Hinton. Page 12). With that being said, strengthening higher education will have a direct and positive correlation to a state’s economic, social, and cultural health.

People of Color being left behind

Tight budgets have handcuffed lawmakers into considering options that could change the face of public universities forever. How does higher education adjust so it can still flourish while facing massive budget constraints? – Tuition. Fundamental changes in the way the state operates and finance public universities must change if it will continue to offer high quality education to all students regardless of the socioeconomic backgrounds or ethnicity. The move to fund universities based on academic performance is starting to take hold with the passing of legislation such as the LA Grad Act and LA Grad Act 2.0. These pieces of legislation help the state set goals for colleges. They are performance contracts between the state and schools to detail what the state will provide, and what performance level they expect out of the university to continue to fund at that level. This trend is slowly draining the ‘public’ out of public education. State universities are beginning to run like private enterprises, and charging high tuition makes attaining a quality education available to only a certain sector of the population. This leads to market driven policies which increase economic and social stratification among students, a blow to the policy objective of equal educational opportunity for all (State Legislatures. June 2011. Bell. Page 21).

My platform for Miss Black Louisiana USA 2012 has a three prong approach:

1. Pre-K: High quality pre-school programs have long lasting effects by improving student outcomes well into adulthood. Research shows much improved educational skills and higher test scores. Evaluation of LA 4 shows student advancement within ONE year in language, literacy, and math skills when compared to peers not enrolled in a Pre-K program (Center for Child Development. “LA4 Longitudinal Report” La Department of Education. 2007). With weak academic preparation being the No. 3 reason college students fail to return for their sophomore year, the need of a strong foundation of early childhood development is one way to improve higher education success. As part of my platform, I will strive to inform citizens of the importance of early childhood development and how it affects their child and Louisiana’s future.

2. Improving Academic Success in K-12: The need for sustained support throughout a child’s K-12 years is imperative to their future higher educational institutional success. Failure to attain a Bachelor’s Degree could lead in the increase of jobless claims throughout the state as the percentage of jobs requiring at least a BA will continue to increase. With education levels and poverty rates running hand-in-hand.  I will continue to convey the importance of improving literacy levels in Louisiana poor communities to ensure our students are prepared for higher education. My platform will focus on finding ways to ensure our African-American students are prepared for college through mentoring programs or college-prep courses; I will strive to improve educational outcomes for students.

3. Political Participation: Finally, too many constituents are unaware of the laws made at the state Capitol and how they can affect educational programs. As part of my platform, I would like to convey the need of voter participation in the African American community and initiate a voter registration drive.