Madison (Wisconsin) native TeKema Balentine, Miss Black Wisconsin 2019, took the national crown earlier this week, reports Channel 3000.com. Balentine will now serve as Miss Black USA 2019. The 25-year-old is pursuing a nursing degree at Madison Area Technical College. She’s a Madison East High School graduate. Balentine competed against 32 other contestants in multiple categories, including personal interview, personal fitness, talent, evening gown and on-stage question.
The Miss Black USA Organization is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for women of color, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships, according to the pageant’s website. Boys and Girls Club of Dane County director Michael Johnson wrote in a Facebook post how proud he is of Balentine. “A week ago she was prepared to sleep in her car and did not have enough money to attend (the pageant). Because of her perseverance, she now holds the national title because many of you believed in her!”
