Beauty pageant aims to celebrate black women over 50

he search is on for Michigan’s most beautiful black women, but there’s a twist.

A new beauty pageant aims to celebrate black women between ages 50-75. The Ms. Black Senior Fit & Fine Beauty Pageant, which is believed to be the first of its kind locally, is designed to promote the long-term benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

“The goal is to encourage, inspire and educate women about the importance of taking better care of themselves,” pageant founder Veronica Hood says in a news release. “We want to encourage seniors who may not feel they are as valued in today’s society.”

The pageant will take place September 17, but organizers are holding an open contestant search at 6-8 p.m. on March 8 and 23 at the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Participants are asked to come with a headshot, full body shot and two typed paragraphs explaining why you should be Ms. Black Senior.

There’s a $20 fee to apply, and an additional registration fee, if selected as one of the 30 contestants. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Angel House, a Livonia shelter for victims of domestic abuse.

If you can’t make the open call, applications are also being accepted through the mail. For more information, visit msblackseniorbeautypageant.com.