First Black Miss Maine Uses Her Crown to Promote Black Businesses

History has been made in Maine as Carolyn Brady emerged as the winner of the Miss Maine title, making her the first Black woman to hold the title. The beauty queen is now using her platform to promote Black Businesses.

“I think if we have the opportunity to choose where we put our dollar and we can invest in a way that gives back in the long term that’s a really important thing to do,” Brady told News Center, Maine.

The talented violinist is encouraging more people to ‘Shop Black’ especially in February – Black History Month. Brady is setting an example for others that will follow – showing how pageantry is beyond the glitz and glamor, but about using the platform to make an impact in society.

“Each and every day, it is an honor to be the 84th representative to have worn Maine across her chest on the national stage, but the first African-American to have done so well,” Brady said on an Instagram post. “I can’t wait to spend this month acknowledging our past, celebrating our present, and building.”

As the first Black woman to break the 84-year history of white Miss Maine, Brady sees new opportunities that are opened to her and intend to make the best use of them.

“I hold the title in a state that’s about five percent African American, if that,” Brady said in a speech at her College. “I think it really shows that we’re moving toward a more diverse and inclusive standard of beauty which is amazing, and I just feel so fortunate to be able to represent that.”

Miss Maine’s goal is to narrow the revenue gap between Black women and their white counterparts. Data has shown that the fastest-growing entrepreneurial group is found among Black women. Sadly, this group reports dismal revenue numbers in comparison to other groups in the U.S. According to a 2019 American Express report, black women entrepreneurs account for an average revenue of $24,000 per business.

Another report from the Maine Center for Economic Policy showed that black Mainers earn an average of $13 per hour, compared to white Mainers who earn an average of $18 per hour, the more reason for Brady to push to close the gap. She said it is very important for blacks to be deliberate about where they put their dollar. ‘Shopping Black’ is a strategic way to invest in black businesses over the long term.

Brady said she is committed to buying black for the rest of Black History Month. Rwanda Bean is one of the many Black businesses Brady has supported. The coffee bean company which started 8 years ago by Mike Mwenedata gives back 50% of its profit to coffee farmers per every cup of coffee purchased. The farmers’ health insurance and educational programs for their children are also covered by the company.

Brady, who is also a Caribbean immigrant said she could relate to Rwanda Bean’s mission to do business in the U.S. and support locals back in Rwanda.

“As an immigrant American, I think we are really focused on how commerce and how our progress relates to future generations as well as our past,” Brady said.

The beauty queen will also be spending much of her term providing educational support and training, and motivation to students as an AmeriCorps member.