Miss Black USA Pageant Aug. 8 in D.C.

- Miss Black Pennsylvania Shayna Rudd is crowned the winner of the 2009 Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant held at the University of the District of Columbia on Monday, August 3, 2009. StaffPhoto imported to Merlin on Tue Aug 4 11:27:07 2009

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UPPER MARLBORO, MD— Miss Black USA (MBUSA) is pleased to announce Calgon, a leading bath and beauty brand best known for its iconic "Take Me Away" tagline, as a sponsor for the 2011 Miss Black USA pageant that takes place 7p.m. Aug. 8 at the historical Lincoln Theatre. In the spirit of the first lady, Michelle Obama, this year's contestants embody her legacy as a black woman who is intelligent, beautiful and believes in service, according to a statement released by the pageant. "Calgon is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2011 Miss Black USA Pageant. We admire the organization for their devotion to empowering women through education and their commitment to giving back to the community, values we at Calgon are committed to as a company," said Bernie Kropfelder, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Calgon. Our contestants truly are the "next generation of leading ladies advocating for change in their communities!', said Karen Arrington, Founder/CEO of Miss Black USA. MBUSA has been the preeminent pageant for women of color ages 18-27 since 1986. The legacy continues as this year's contestants represent "Who's Who" of young black women across the nation -- from Alabama to Iowa and Washington state, to the District of Columbia.