Hy-Lo News has launched the series “The Road to the 2025 Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant.” We’ll be Profiling Contestants Competing in the Miss; Ms/Mrs and Teen Divisions of the MBFLUSA Pageant.
Nailah Williams, the reigning Miss Black North Miami, brings a passion for community building and cultural celebration to her journey in the Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant. Originally from Minnesota and Georgia, Nailah’s diverse upbringing fueled her love for travel, cultural exchange, and serving her community. Now, as a resident of Miami, she aspires to empower others by promoting academic and professional success, especially for young women and adults who may lack mentors with shared backgrounds. Hy-Lo News Publisher, Janey Tate, speaks with Nailah Williams about her inspirations, ambitions, and the personal mission driving her in the statewide competition.
All interview question responses were edited for clarity and grammar.
Janey Tate: Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant?
Nailah Williams: I participated in pageants while attending an HBCU and now that I have graduated, I wanted be in a pageant that celebrates Black women and Black culture.
JT: Where are you originally from and how has your upbringing impacted who you are today?
NW: I moved around a little during my childhood. I grew up in Minnesota and moved to Georgia in high school. Being able to experience two different states that house a myriad of cultures gave me a love for community building and cultural exchange. I also developed a love for traveling and learning new languages. Now, as I live in Miami, I continue to learn more about the cultures represented around me and I hope I can host my own community building programs as Miss Black Florida USA.
JT: What is your pageant platform and why?
NW: My platform is to empower others to achieve their professional and academic goals. Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of mentors who looked like me or that could show me all the possibilities I had in my future. I want to give my community the inspiration and the resources to achieve their academic and professional goals. Most importantly, I want to tell women and young adults specifically that no idea is too big and it’s never too late to go after your goals.
JT: Who is someone or people in your life who have helped you most on your journey to win the state pageant and what does that mean to you?
NW: I feel most supported by my mom who is one of my biggest role models and my 2022-2023 HBCU Sister Queens. Their support especially shows how strong the sisterhood of pageantry is and it means the world to me to have their support, advice, and encouragement.
JT: What will you be performing for the talent portion of the state competition and why?
NW: I will be singing for my talent. I’ve always loved to sing and music has always been a tool for me to express myself. I can’t wait to be on stage and share my talent with others!
JT: What are you most looking forward to about the Miss Black Florida USA pageant statewide competition?
NW: I’m mostly looking forward to connecting with the other Florida queens! This is an opportunity that not many people have and I can’t wait to enjoy the pageant weekend with all the queens!
JT: What have you learned about yourself on your journey to win the state title?
NW: In my journey, I learned that I can be very resourceful. As someone who is new to Miami, it’s difficult to find the resources and connections to prepare for a pageant but I’ve found ways to go over that hurdle and I am excited to be participating in the state competition.
JT: The Miss Black USA and Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant organizations champion the celebration of Black Women and their service, education and commitment to improving themselves and their community. Explain why you think this is an important mission of the organization and why you think it’s needed in today’s social climate.
NW: The mission of this pageant is so important because we live in a time where there are so many opportunities and possibilities but Black women often face barriers that others don’t experience. Having an organization that is dedicated to celebrating and supporting Black women, will give our community the confidence and support to achieve their goals while being their true authentic selves.
Check out these photos of Nailah Williams, Miss Black North Miami USA 2024, and contestant in the 2025 Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant.
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Note: The Miss Division of the Miss Black Florida Scholarship pageant organization is open to women ages 19-27. The Miss Black Florida USA pageant is a franchise of the Miss Black USA pageant system. The winner of the state title will go on to compete for the national title at the Miss Black USA pageant.
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