Contestant Spotlight: Rakayyah Peters Talks Empowerment, Legacy, and Her Journey to Miss Black Florida USA

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.

Rakayyah Peters, the reigning Miss Black Lake Worth USA, is paving the way for future generations of women with her dedication to service, empowerment, and resilience. Representing her community in the Miss Black Florida USA Scholarship Pageant, Rakayyah stands as an advocate for young women, particularly those who have faced the hardship of losing a parent, and inspires others through her unique journey of self-discovery and ambition. In this exclusive interview with Hy-Lo News Publisher Janey Tate, she shares insights into her platform, the experiences that shaped her, and her mission to represent Black women authentically.

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?

Rakayyah Peters: I didn’t see any restrictions or limitations that worked against me like other pageants have, I met all the requirements and decided to push myself outside of my shell.

JT: Where are you originally from and how has your upbringing impacted who you are today?

RP: I was originally raised in Ajax, Ontario and my upbringing has impacted me to not limit myself and to always give 110% in everything I do, no matter what I put my mind to. To treat everyone with kindness, respect and consideration as you truly never know what someone is going through and to be humble.

JT: What is your pageant platform and why?

RP: My platform is empowering women of the next generation and supporting those who have lost their father because in today’s society, there’s a lot of influencers that don’t necessarily influence the right things so I want to be able to encourage the next generation of women to be better and show them that it is possible. Losing a loved one is not an easy shift which I understand and want to be there for those in the same position.

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?

RP: My family and my sorority sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to me, it means that they believe in my potential and want to see me succeed as they know best of my capabilities. They want the rest of the world to see the best of my abilities.

JT: What will you be performing for the talent portion of the state competition and why?

RP: A self written poem because it was the best choice to showcase my abilities and to evoke emotions.

JT: What are you most looking forward to about the Miss Black Florida USA pageant statewide competition?

RP: Shining by myself, I’ve always been attached to different entities but this time I’ll be able to truly represent myself and what I stand for.

JT: What have you learned about yourself on your journey to win the state title?

RP: The things I want in life require extra effort, time and patience. Also as long as I’m willing to commit to improving myself, I can truly achieve my dreams.

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.

RP: This is important because it showcases Black women positively in a different light, giving the younger generation hope of not falling within the standards of society but doing things out of the norm and continually working towards self improvement to be a better version of themselves.

Check out these photos of Rakayyah Peters, Miss Black Lake Worth 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.