by Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica.com
Harmony Endosomwan, a resident of Winooski, Vermont, was crowned Miss Black USA 2026 at a competition held earlier this month in Washington, D.C. She earned this prestigious title during the 39th Annual Miss Black USA Pageant on August 9.
Edosomwan also took home both the People’s Choice Award and the Heart of Service Award at this year’s ceremony, NBC 5 reported.
She told AfroNews, “Vermont is very white. I don’t get to be around this many Black people often. That two percent of Black folks, we are there, and I’m proud to represent us.”
Edosomwan also wrote in a social media post, “Vermont, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I could not do this without you. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for welcoming me; this has been my home for the last 10 years.”
Edosomwan is using her platform to highlight her Nigerian heritage, represent the Black community in Vermont, and advocate for Black maternal health.
According to DC News Now, her role involves promoting the Miss Black USA organization’s “Not Just Jasmine” initiative. The campaign addresses the Black maternal health crisis in the United States, citing data that show Black women are three times more likely to die from childbirth complications than other women.
During the pageant’s evening gown competition, the titleholder wore a red dress with traditional coral beads.
The outfit was modeled after the traditional wedding attire worn by Edo brides in Nigeria. Along with honoring her heritage, she represented Vermont, pointing out that, despite the state’s small Black population of about 2%, the community is active and strong.
The pageant’s judging panel included renowned celebrity stylist Derrick Rutledge, who praised her poise and stage presence. Rutledge, who has worked with icon Oprah Winfrey and former First Lady Michelle Obama, praised Edosomwan for her impressive self-styling talent throughout the competition’s various segments.
Aside from her dedication to maternal health, the newly crowned Miss Black USA promotes wellness, nutritional education, and equitable food access. Throughout the pageant, she delivered a moving spoken word performance and spoke candidly about her personal journey to self-love and embracing her complexion.
Edosomwan received a prize package worth about $100,000 after winning the Miss Black USA title. The package includes a four-year full-tuition scholarship to the University of the District of Columbia for undergraduate, graduate, or legal studies; a modeling contract; and a $2,500 gap scholarship.
The philanthropist, television host, entrepreneur, and advocate for food justice is the owner of Harmony’s Kitchen, which serves traditional Black Southern cuisine, according to WCAX.
She started Harmony’s Kitchen in 2020 while studying at the University of Vermont as a way to provide for herself while “educating people about what soul food is, talking about this Black tradition that is as American as apple pie,” Seven Days reported
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