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.
Moriah Billips, the current Miss Black Tampa USA 2024, is preparing to compete for the coveted title of Miss Black Florida USA—a dream she’s nurtured for years. With roots in New York City and a home in Tampa, Moriah embodies resilience, passion, and purpose. Her journey to the pageant stage is marked by deep community connections, a commitment to sisterhood, and an inspiring dedication to advocating for women and youth. Hy-Lo News Publisher Janey Tate speaks with Moriah about her motivations, the meaning behind her platform, and the powerful influence of the Miss Black USA organization on her life and community.
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?
Moriah Billips: Competing in Miss Black Florida USA and Miss Black USA has always been a dream of mine. To be able to represent where I have called home for the past four years and where I have laid solid roots will be a dream come true. There is no better time than now for me to compete in this system. I have put it off for years out of fear or time conflicts but everything has aligned divinely. All roads have led to the Miss Black Florida USA stage and I know soon enough I will grace the Miss Black USA stage. I truly believe in myself Through the support of my sister queens , sister queens in other pageant systems, mentors, community and family members the love has pushed me on this journey. The Miss Black USA system and organization highlights the diversity and beauty of Black Women. I am not scared to take up space and be boldly myself in environments where I may be the other. Through my life I have and will continue to be the epitome of redefining beauty , shattering glass ceilings and being a trailblazer.
JT: Where are you originally from and how has your upbringing impacted who you are today?
MB: I am originally from New York City. I moved here to Tampa to start my family. My upbringing was real and raw but it showed me that even though the world and people may have their mind set on who you will be, you have the power to make a change and show the world who you really are. In a world that loves to harden the light , a positive change in the world around you. My upbringing taught me that there is beauty in the world around me. I am the rose that grew from concrete. I have so much more growing and blossoming to do. I am thankful for another day above ground and when my time comes I will be proud to say that I have the world all that I had and left an impact and a legacy for others to follow and evolve further.
JT: What is your pageant platform and why?
MB: My pageant platform combines “I’m Every Woman” and “S.E.R.V.I.N.G.”
I’m Every Woman celebrates the shared experience of womanhood across generations. I represent every stage: from young girls and dreamers to confident women, supportive sisters, nurturing mothers, and trailblazers in male-dominated fields. Together, we grow, support, and empower each other through the challenges and triumphs of life.
S.E.R.V.I.N.G. emphasizes putting our best foot forward with confidence, authenticity, and a commitment to community. I aim to inspire others by being the first mother, Army officer, and prior service member to hold this title. Through advocacy, philanthropy, and human rights work, I will foster unity and encourage women and youth to pursue their dreams, speak up for justice, and achieve personal growth.
Each component—sisterhood, empowerment, representation, voice, innovation, networking, and guidance—reflects my commitment to inspiring others and creating positive change.
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?
MB: It’s so hard to identify just one person who has helped me the most on my journey. I have to give credit to everyone. My sisters in all of their different forms have been monumental in aiding in my success. From my dearest friends from high school and college, former peers in college, military servicewomen, national titleholders, former HBCU Pageant Queens they have all have helped me along my journey. Speaking life into me, validating me in my purpose and showing immense amounts of love and support. The same women who have held my hand and lifted me up in all of my life events thus far have held open the door for me to walk into my destiny. It is a thanks and love that will carry me for eternity.My love and support for my sisters knows no bounds.
JT: What will you be performing for the talent portion of the state competition and why?
MB: I will be performing One Night Only from Dreamgirls. We only have one minute and thirty seconds to show the judges and the audience what we have and I believe the song is very strong and very fitting for the moment . Everything over the past year has led to this moment. I grew up watching and listening to Broadway musicals. The arts run through my veins, I have never sung outside of school plays and choirs this is not only a challenge but another opportunity for me to grow. Dreamgirls is actually one of my favorite movies. I am so excited to show the world what I can do. It is because I enjoy it but another way for me to step out of my comfort zone.
JT: What are you most looking forward to about the Miss Black Florida USA pageant statewide competition?
MB: Presenting myself with confidence and having fun because I know the plans that god has for me because I feel it in my heart . This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so excited to show the world what I have . I look forward to winning the Miss Black Florida USA pageant and preparing for the Miss Black USA pageant.
JT: What have you learned about yourself on your journey to win the state title?
MB: I have learned that I have inside of me everything that I need to live a bountiful life and I am stronger than I can even put in words. It is through this journey that I have been able to really get back to myself and especially being that I am postpartum. I feel like I am finally coming back into myself . This is a very empowering experience. Although I will never be who I used to be, I am LOVING this new version of me and love to see how far it takes me. I have a lot to learn and I am willing, ready and able for the journey the Miss Black Florida USA organization will take me on.
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.
MB: The black voice tells a story of history , resilience and success for our future. Black Women in many cases carry the load of society on our backs fighting harder in spaces because we are misunderstood or cast aside. We are in fact passionate, intelligent, regal and resourceful. The Miss Black Florida USA and Miss Black USA scholarship pageant created a space where we are adorned, uplifted, included and celebrated. That in itself calls for a celebration that is needed in today’s society because the foundation we set today paves the way for our future. It is through organizations such as the Miss Black Florida USA and Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant that our young girls and women have role models to look up to that have shown through positivity and collective diverse backgrounds that dreams are achievable and you have within you the power to be anything that you want to be.
Check out these photos of Moriah Billips, Miss Black Tampa 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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