November 9, 2006

The Miss Black U.S.A. System has announced the Miss Black U.S.A. 2007 Scholarship Pageant to be hosted in Gambia, West Africa May 24 through June 4, 2007. The 2006-2007 State Delegates and Directors will be guest of the President of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh.

Carlisha Williams, Miss Black University of Oklahoma 2006, was crowned Miss Black Oklahoma U.S.A. on June 4, 2006. Carlisha is a senior at the University of Oklahoma double majoring in Entrepreneurship and Venture Management, as well as African and African-American Studies.  She is the founder and president of the University’s Undergraduate Black Law Student Association, President of the INROADS Oklahoma Student Association Senate, a member of the Honors College and the Kappa Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Upon completion of her Bachelor's degrees, she aspires to obtain her Master of Public Administration and Jurist Doctorate. Her goal is to establish a non-profit organization to enhance cultural awareness and provide educational assistance for urban youth.

Carlisha’s passion lies in serving her community. She is committed to the work and support of African-Americans thriving economically, socially, politically, and spiritually in today’s universe.  In August, she hosted a Princess Tea Party designed to encourage self-esteem and social skills for young African-American girls. Carlisha  organized and hosted the University of Oklahoma’s State of OUr Community discussion panel which heightened awareness on issues affecting the University 's  African-American  population, presented solutions and implemented strategies for positive change.  This event not only encouraged students to be the change we want to see in our communities, but also led to Carlisha establishing the "Nourishing OUr Community" scholarship fund, which will provide scholarships for African-American students with financial needs. Among Carlisha’s many community involvements, she was the youngest member of the distinguished panel for the State of Black Oklahoma Union held November 4, 2006, in Oklahoma City. Most recently Carlisha partnered with Integris Health - Building a Healthier Community Through Partnerships and Collaboration with Our Youth and spoke to teens at Douglas High School in Oklahoma City, regarding self-esteem, leadership, and the importance of higher education.

Carlisha is excited and blessed to have the opportunity to represent the great State of Oklahoma in Gambia, Africa. She holds herself to the standard of excellence set forth by her ancestors and in doing so, lives by her favorite quote from Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Carlisha is the daughter of Carl and Marie Williams of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

For more information about the Miss Black Oklahoma U.S.A System please visit www.missblackokusa.org, www.carlishawilliamsonline.com or call 1-800-814-6124.