SAN ANTONIO – (Feb. 25, 2024) – The African American Community Awareness Project (AACAP) hosted the 51st Annual Miss Black San Antonio Scholarship Pageant at the Jo Long Theatre within the Carver Community Cultural Center.

The theme of the pageant was “Five Diamonds in the Sky,” to recognize local legendary African American women leaders: Artemisia Bowden, Ella Austin, Hattie Briscoe, Jessie Mae Hicks and Hazel Miller.

Established in 1973, the pageant is an official Black History celebration event which enables youth to become involved in cultural activities and knowledgeable about the achievements of African Americans and present-day community leaders.

“The five local legends are selected for their rays of brilliance, determination and gifts of love which have contributed for the betterment of our community,” said AACAP Director Glenetta Bierria, who is a member of Fred Brock Auxiliary Unit 828. “The focus of the pageant is to motivate the young contestants to strengthen their tenacity in reaching their career goals.”

It is Bierria’s hope that the young ladies will remember the sparking value of the “Five Diamonds in the Sky” who served their community through excellence.

Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 was presented an honorable appreciation award during the pageant and Post Commander Burrell Parmer served as one of the judges.

“This event was superb!” said Parmer, who also served as an auditor for the Queen of Soul Pageant held at the Carver Community Cultural Center on January 13. “Observing these beautiful and talented young ladies was [an] honor. It was very difficult for the judges.”

The judges scored the contestants in the following categories: Pre-interview, Runway/Modeling, Talent, Formal Wear, and Projection.

As there can only be one winner, the title of Miss Black San Antonio was bestowed upon Dara Mack.

In reference to the Queen of Soul Pageant, congratulations to this year’s Queen, London Nikol Keiler, a sophomore attending the University of Texas-San Antonio.