Raleigh NC’S Own Chanda Branch Crowned Ms. Black USA

Washington, DC – Raleigh, North Carolina resident, Chanda Branch, took the national title and crown in a competition held at The University of the District of Columbia on the evening of August 10th. Pageant categories included personal fitness, talent, evening gown, and on-stage question as well as an opening dance number. For the coming year, Branch will serve as Ms. Black USA 2019.

Branch has more than 10 years as a career educator, more than 20 years as a performer on stage and screen, and is an advocate for equity and inclusion for people of color and those with disabilities in the arts.

“I want the world to know that Black Girl Magic is real, but there is also Black Woman Magic. Mature women are finding remarkable ways of uplifting their communities in this nation. Not to mention they are doing it with while maintaining spouses, careers, children, and responsibilities that stretch far beyond themselves,” Branch said. “Black women have always shouldered the demands society has placed on them, and I want to be an example of how we do it with grace and style.”

Follow Chanda’s reign on Instagram at @msblackusa.

The Miss Black USA Organization is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for women of color and has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships over the years, making it the single largest source of scholarship funding for women of color.

You can learn more about the pageant at MissBlackUSA.org and Chanda Branch can be reached for interviews at Iammrsbranch@gmail.com/ 919.675.1895.