Miss Black Delaware USA Crystal Thompson works to benefit community

Crystal Thompson is not a typical beauty queen. She never had a case full of pageant trophies; she never had pageant training, and as a young girl she never dreamed that a girl with her poor economic past could be a pageant queen.

What makes Thompson an unconventional beauty queen? Her story. Thompson grew up with a poor self-image, being raised in a fatherless home with two other siblings and a loving mother who was legally blind. Her family was homeless at one point. Despite the circumstances, she is dedicated and committed to raising awareness of mental illness, since some of her family members have been affected by it. Thompson has been an active member in her community, promoting vision and using her creativity to motivate youth. Thompson’s vision is to inspire, uplift, and make a difference on a larger scale of the community. Part of her vision finally came true when she won the title of Miss Black Delaware USA 2011.

What makes the Miss Black USA pageant unique is that it celebrates the differences in African-American women. The pageant was founded in 1986 by Karen Arrington, who established its overall purpose: "The mission of the Miss Black USA Pageant [is] to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young women of color and to develop the whole woman - mind, body, and spirit."

This pageant is one of few pageants that celebrates women for who they are and tells its contestants that no matter their different social backgrounds, economic backgrounds, and regionalism, they can make a difference within their communities. The Miss Black USA Pageant is a community-driven organization and is committed to addressing health and education, two leading social issues in the African-American community. The pageant partners with the winner of its official Miss Black USA title to better promote the pageant's platform.

For Thompson, that means that if given the opportunity to compete for the Miss Black USA title, she can help implement her platform, D.E.S.T.I.N.Y (Developing Educational Strategies to Inspire Nations of Youth) and help the pageant develop a partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness organization. Thompson is currently volunteering with NAMI as Miss Black Delaware 2011 to help bring awareness of mental illness within the communities. Thompson has been a guest at the Black Expo, the 18th Annual Cultural Awareness Salute Dinner and at a mental health conference. She continues to motivate youth and raise awareness of mental Illness.

Although Thompson has worked hard for others, now she needs support. Thompson is fundraising to compete in the Miss Black USA pageant Aug. 8, with a goal of $5,000. She is looking for people to give $1 or more toward her cause. To support Miss Black Delaware USA 2011, visit indiegogo.com/Miss-Black-Delaware-USA-2011-fundraiser-campaign or visit the site and search Miss Black Delaware USA fundraiser campaign. For further information about the Miss Black USA organization or pageant, go to missblackusa.org.