Kamille Smith-David, a third-grade student at Thomas Elementary School, was crowned the inaugural National Little Miss Black America.
Kamille Smith-David, a third-grade student at Thomas Elementary School, was crowned the inaugural National Little Miss Black America.
CARBONDALE — The Miss Black America Pageant made history on multiple fronts at its 58th anniversary celebration, held at the historic Gun & Rod Campground in Houston, Delaware. In a landmark evening honoring five decades of Black excellence, achievement and beauty, three extraordinary women were crowned — including a seven-year-old trailblazer from Carbondale who stepped into the pages of history as the first-ever National Little Miss Black America.
A historic first: National Little Miss Black America
Kamille Smith-David, born April 15, 2017, in Carbondale, and currently a third-grade student at Thomas Elementary School, was crowned the inaugural National Little Miss Black America — a title created to extend the pageant’s legacy to the youngest generation of future leaders.
This milestone crowning reflects the pageant’s commitment to nurturing confidence, cultural pride, and leadership in Black girls at every stage of life. Kamille’s crowning is not only a personal triumph but a symbol of possibility for young Black girls across the nation.
2026 Miss Black America: Brianna Suggs
Brianna Suggs, 29, a school administrator from Cincinnati, Ohio, was crowned the 2026 Miss Black America. A passionate educator and community advocate, Brianna embodies the pageant’s mission of celebrating intellect, service and Black womanhood at its finest.
As a school administrator, Suggs has dedicated her professional life to empowering young students and bridging gaps in educational equity — values that align directly with the Miss Black America legacy. During her reign, she plans to amplify her platform focused on educational access and youth empowerment in underserved communities.
Senior Miss Black America: Dabreena Helm
Dobreena Helm, 71, was crowned the second Senior Miss Black America, adding yet another dimension of excellence and representation to the evening’s historic slate of titleholders. Her crowning honors the wisdom, grace, and enduring contributions of elder Black women who have paved the way for generations to follow.
Founded in 1968, the Miss Black America Pageant is one of the longest-running pageants celebrating Black women in the United States. Established by visionary producer J. Morris Anderson, the pageant has long served as a platform for Black women to showcase their talent, intelligence, and cultural pride. Now in its 58th year, the pageant continues to evolve — expanding its reach to celebrate Black excellence from the youngest to the most seasoned titleholders.
Originally published on bloxpad.paxtonmedia.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
About The Author
More Stories
All of the Times US Presidents Were Openly Racist Against Black Folks – The Root
All of the Times When These US Presidents Were Openly Racist Against Black Folks – The Root
Poverty and job gaps hit Black Nashvillians hardest, city report finds – The Tennessean