MADISON, Wis (SPECTRUM NEWS) — Tuesday evening, Miss Black Wisconsin sets off to D.C. to compete for the national Miss Black USA title.  Tekema Balentine from Madison helps at risk teens and youth pursue their dreams by coaching them in athletics and mentoring them in music.  Right now her bags are packed and she is ready to win.  

“A lot of people don’t like the title Miss Black Wisconsin, but a lot of people don’t realize it has only been 50 years that women have only been allowed to participate in the mainstream pageants,” Ballentine said. 

“So I think it’s important to have representation and to be true to my self and represent where I come from,” she added.

The pageant princess could still use some fundraising support to finance the expensive trip, you can learn how to help her, here.