WHY NO PAGENT TO SELECT MISS WHITE CLARKSVILLE
Monday February
24th Leaf Chronicle opinion letter was critical of the annual Miss
Black Clarksville Pageant. The writer
encouraged “beautiful Clarksville
white girls to get on the band wagon and let’s start having contests for
beautiful young white ladies.” Since I do not know the writer, I will assume
that his comments are based on ignorance of the subject under consideration,
but he is not alone in his thinking. Mrs. Carol Berry, pageant director, has in
the past also received mean and hateful telephone calls accusing pageant
directors of racism. Not one call has
been received seeking information about the basis for the pageant.
The Miss Black
Clarksville Scholarship and Enrichment Program was a Vision from God, and it
was established in February 2005 by Mrs. Carol Berry to encourage young ladies,
promote academic excellence and 100% graduation, pursue higher education,
motivate good moral standards, instill the importance of serving the community,
and develop life long friendships. In addition, the participants model at
Governor Square Mall, take photographs, attend skin care and make up classes,
learn proper behavior, and social skills. The pageant supports the scholarship
program by financially awarding scholarships to aspiring young ladies to
continue their educations by pursuing college or university educations. Miss
Black Clarksville has awarded approximately $50,000.00 to over 50 young ladies.
The program has touched the lives of over 175 girls and young ladies.
The mission is
to positively impact the lives of girls and young ladies by providing
transforming experiences that promotes and rewards scholarships, leadership,
and talent. Miss Black Clarksville Scholarship program inspires girls and young
ladies to develop to their full potential. The transforming experience
culminates in a celebratory showcase of their abilities and skills.
The word “Black”
appears to be a problem for some people but acts of discrimination or of racist
character may be practiced without the inclusion of color. I am 82 years old
and I know something about racism and discrimination because I have experienced
and lived it in Clarksville. At a time when so many negative things are
being said about our youth today, it would seem that such a program as Miss
Black Clarksville would be welcomed no matter who are the beneficiaries. If
there is a perception that the community needs a Miss White Clarksville, I will
not object as long as it is also open to all who may desire to apply.
I applaud Mrs. Berry and committee for
the years and many hours of hard work devoted to this special program each
year. The pageant, a 501 (c4) organization, does not discriminate against
participants. In fact, in the same article, page C3, the picture of the
contestant at the bottom of the page is a Latina
contestant. This is one of the outstanding events celebrating Black History
Month. The public is invited to attend one of the February events next year and
perhaps become more aware of African American history and the work initiated by
Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
Pastor
Jerry Jerkins, Retired
Clarksville, Tennessee
931-220-1522
March 2, 2014
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