My Interview with 2007-2008 Miss Black Ohio Ashlee Ponder

I was originally looking to write a piece on Black History Month when I ran across an old friend on myspace, Vanessa King (www.myspace.com/pageantdirector), who is the state director for the Miss Black Ohio USA pageant (www.missblackohiousa.org). Then it hit me, to write about someone making history. So I decided to do an interview with the current Miss Black Ohio, Ashlee Ponder.

Ashlee took 1^st runner-up at the 2006-07 Miss Black Ohio USA pageant. She was recently crowned the 2007-08 Miss Black Ohio USA. She will go on to compete at the National Miss Black USA pageant in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada, in June 2008.

I asked Ashlee what inspired her to compete in the pageant. She replied, "When a little girl thinks of a strong, intelligent, poised, graceful, and beautiful woman they think of a queen and to become a queen in the USA you must be a in pageant. Pageants produced these charismatic strong women that go on to become powerful role models in their communities, states and countries. I've always wanted to be someone who makes a positive difference in the world and I believe pageants, especially scholarship pageants, prepare women to become just that, some one who stands for what she believes and strives hard to make a positive change and difference in the world."

When asked why she choose to compete in the Miss Black USA system versus other well known pageant systems she said, "Well, I feel this pageant represents women with honor and pride just as any other well-known pageant, but they go the extra mile to give African-American women specifically more chances and opportunities to receive scholarships to further their education and careers."

HIV and AIDS awareness is the platform Ashlee became interested in when one of her high school peers contracted an STD. In health class, the students learned a little bit about the different STD's you can get, but not enough information was given as to how and why you get these diseases. For this reason, Ashlee plans to start her own AIDS foundation that she will call "Triple A" (Education on Aids Awareness Association). The ultimate goal for her organization is to have speakers visit middle and high schools to educate students on HIV/AIDS prevention and sex education.

When Ashlee was asked why she wanted to start her own organization for AIDS awareness she said, "I feel like students are starting puberty and being introduced to sex at earlier ages every year and its up to the parents and older siblings to speak to them about what's happening with their bodies and how to protect themselves from harm and letting them know how to keep their bodies sacred. As a young woman with many younger siblings I take that responsibility seriously, so my organization will not only be limited to speaking to our loved ones in our communities but teens across the U.S."

Ashlee will certainly have the education to help with her cause as she is currently enrolled at Kentucky State University where she is studying to psychology. After she receives her bachelor's degree she plans on obtaining her Masters in Psychology and becoming an Adolescent Psychologist. Ashlee is involved in many community service organizations and is an active member of her church.

In a few months, Ashley will be in Las Vegas competing for the 2008 National Miss Black USA title. I asked Ashlee what part of the upcoming national pageant makes her the most nervous and what is she doing to prepare for it. She said, "Honestly...I'm very nervous meeting the delegates than the pageant itself because I'm one of the youngest ladies and I just wonder how the age difference will workout among all of the contestants. Although, a lot of the delegates and I have contacted one another through e-mail and phone so that calms my nerves with everyone that I've spoken to because I've come to realize that all the ladies are absolute sweethearts."

"Getting ready for nationals has been pretty hectic but a lot of fun. As of right now, I have been making appearances at local schools in Dayton and Columbus speaking about my platform and recruiting for the next Pageant. I have been trying to get more sponsors, meeting a few delegates, practicing my talent, and shopping for my wardrobe."

Holding the state title, Miss Black Ohio USA, must be a great experience. I asked Ashlee what she has taken away from the experience so far. She said, "So far as Miss Black Ohio USA, I've learned to always set your standards and goals high and no matter what, never ever give up on any of your goals or dreams. Be prepared for obstacles because they will come whether it will be with sponsor or maybe trouble with your platforms, be prepared for the good things that come your way and even the bad. But above all, with being a state titleholder, be ready to go out and speak with your community and give back to those that you're representing."

I asked her why she wanted to be crowned Miss Black USA and what advice would she give to other young ladies that might be considering becoming a delegate in the pageant. "I want to be crowned Miss Black USA because I know that I will embody all that the pageant teaches and represents. I will not only be living out my dream but representing the United States of America as a young African-American woman promoting HIV and AIDS awareness through educating and speaking to youths, encouraging them to keep their bodies sacred and educate themselves on safe sex. To not only protect them from harm but any potential partner they may choose to have as well."

"To any young woman that might be considering becoming a delegate in the Miss Black USA pageant, I would tell them to realize that this is an honor to compete and be considered to represent your state and hopefully this country. Be prepared for a once-in-a-life-time experience, a magnificent journey to becoming an intelligent, well-rounded young woman who is open to all the great opportunities being Miss Black USA represents."

I have no doubt that Ashlee has what it takes to be the next Miss Black USA. She is a strong, intelligent, young African American woman that has a lot of goals and ambitions. She is making a difference in her community and state. She is making history. She has joined the elite club of being a state titleholder for the Miss Black USA organization. And she has a pretty good chance of come home with the national crown in June.