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.
Tiasha Jackson, the reigning Miss Black Daytona Beach USA, is using her platform to spotlight the pressing issue of poverty in Florida. Originally from New Smyrna Beach, Tiasha has been shaped by her community and the values of kindness, determination, and compassion that guide her daily interactions. Now, she’s stepping out of her comfort zone and competing in the Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant to amplify her advocacy work. Hy-Lo News Publisher Janey Tate speaks with Tiasha about her journey, the people who supported her, and her aspirations to create a nonprofit that uplifts those in need, providing programs and resources to help them thrive.
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?
Tiasha Jackson: I decided to compete in the Miss Black Florida USA scholarship Pageant to get out of my comfort zone , regain confidence, and also be able to use my platform as a voice for those that are in poverty in the city of Daytona Beach, and also the state of Florida.
JT: Where are you originally from and how has your upbringing impacted who you are today?
TJ: I am originally from New Smyrna Beach Florida! My upbringing has impacted me in various ways. It has taught me to be determined, kind, and compassionate. This impacts me daily with how I treat others and also myself!
JT: What is your pageant platform and why?
TJ: I am advocating for the critical issues on poverty and its toll on society. I plan to promote the issue through my platform by volunteering for food banks, homeless shelters, feeding the homeless , and providing donations to organizations that help those in need. I believe everyone should be treated equally no matter the circumstances and provided with the proper guidance to keep excelling in life. I hope one day I am able to have my own nonprofit organization, helping those in poverty and providing them with programs that help them succeed.
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?
TJ: My Auntie Kerry was a tremendous help during my pageant journey. She gave me advice, helped with my talent, and made sure almost everyone voted! I would also like to recognize Pastor Levarne “Pete” Carter of Bethel Baptist Church in New Smyrna Beach Florida For being a sponsor and my church family for donating funds so that I was able to compete. Having the support makes my heart smile!
JT: What will you be performing for the talent portion of the state competition and why?
TJ: For the Pageant, I am doing a spoken monologue, called Ode to Black love. The purpose of my talent is to recognize the importance of black love.
JT: What are you most looking forward to about the Miss Black Florida USA pageant statewide competition?
TJ: I am most looking forward to spending time and meeting my sister queens and evening gown where I am really excited to see everyone dolled up.
JT: What have you learned about yourself on your journey to win the state title?
TJ: What I learned about myself a lot during this journey is that I can do it!! I just have to hop out of my shell. This is my first time ever competing in a pageant and I’m nervous but the journey has helped with my public speaking and has kicked me out of my comfort zone.
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.
TJ: The Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant is important because it gives black women a platform to voice things that they have strong opinions on, and they want to improve. It’s needed in today’s social media climate because it helps show black women of all ages that there are role models and they can be one too.
Check out these photos of Tiasha Jackson, Miss Black Daytona Beach 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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