Payton Baggett Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The title of Miss Black Clarksville will be awarded for the ninth time the night of Saturday, February 22 at 5:00 p.m. in the Emmanuel Life Center located at 303 Fairview Lane.

Young ladies and girls can compete in the contest within the age groups of 1-4 years (Mini), Kindergarten-5th grade (Little), 6th grade-11th grade (Junior), or High School Seniors-24 years (Miss).

Contestants will first participate in an opening dance followed by the judged categories of talent, evening wear, sportswear, and an on-stage interview. Scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500 will be awarded to the First, Second, and Third Runners-Up, as well as the winner of Miss Black Clarksville. Individual amounts will vary depending on the amount of donations given to the pageant. This year, a live band will be performing throughout the event.

Miss Black Clarksville was established by Carol Berry in 2005. Over the years, over 150 contestants have participated. The event is operated solely by volunteers like Berry, who is a full time teacher. The money for the scholarships that are awarded comes from ticket sales and donations collected by the contestants.

This year some of the girls who raised money were honored at the Princess Ball on February 8. Fathers escort their daughters to the event, where they are formally presented and receive a certificate for participation. Berry said that the Princess Ball is meant to “show girls that they are special” while promoting good behavior through the support of their fathers.

Berry said that starting the pageant has been a “blessing” that has allowed her to give back to the Clarksville community. She is especially proud of the fact that this year the pageant will include its first Latina contestant. In the past Berry has received negative comments about the pageant from those who believe that girls of other races cannot enter, though she insists that this is not the case. She believes that the event is a positive one because it is a form of giving back that “really does work.”

Applications and information for Miss Black Clarksville can be found on the official website.