There's a new beauty pageant in town that's sending the message that black is beautiful. The Miss Black United States pageant will join the list of beauty contests geared specifically for the black community like Miss Black America and Miss Black USA.

Developed by Sonja McCord shortly after President Barack Obama won his entry into the White House, she developed a social and enrichment program that would attempt to overturn the issues plaguing the black community. The Miss Black United States program will offer social leadership tools, development, and charity as well as give its participants the opportunity to pursue their educational, artistic, and professional goals.

“We are creating a new generation of leaders who are problem solvers, accomplished, and polished, while servicing those who are in need. The concept is simple, empowering others while empowering ourselves," McCord says.

Each year, 51 young females ages 20-35 who are at least 25 percent African and identify as Black American will be accepted into the program. They will complete studies in advocacy, leadership, beauty, elegance, self-development, entrepreneurship and fitness before they showcase what they've learned at the pageant. Afterwards, they will have the resources to put these new skills to use for a year as Miss Black United States or their state's queen.

To learn more and apply, visit missblackunitedstates.com.

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