Overview:
Miss Black Cincinnati and Miss Black Teen Cincinnati pageants showcased Black beauty, intellect, and talent. Ajiana Birchmore and Jai Walker Tate won the titles and expressed their commitment to uplift and empower their communities. The pageants are part of a legacy and a family of talented young ladies and women.
RLH Pageants Unlimited once again showcased the epitome of Black beauty, intellect and talent, during the recent Miss Black Cincinnati and Miss Black Teen Cincinnati pageants leaving the Tri-State audience in awe as the contestants took the stage.
The event, orchestrated by the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company, produced and directed by Donald L. Sherman and staff, illuminated the stage with the brilliance of the contestants. A few hours later after much clapping, adulation and cheers a winner from each pageant received her crown and sash.
Soon after the pageant, I had the honor of interviewing the current Miss Black Cincinnati, Ajiana Birchmore, and Miss Black Teen Cincinnati, Jai Walker Tate. Each is undeniably equipped, focused and poised to lead by example.
Miss Ajiana Birchmore, 24, graduate student at the University of Cincinnati, shone bright as she claimed the prestigious title of Miss Black Cincinnati 2024. Her path to the crown was a shining example of unwavering dedication and exceptional abilities, a journey that can motivate and empower anyone.
Q: Ajiana, you have a career as an admissions counselor, and you are a graduate student. Why a pageant at this stage of your life, and how did you manage your schedule?
A: A few amazing women in my life competed in either Miss Black Cincinnati or Miss Black Teen Cincinnati. They each spoke very highly of their experience. Additionally, I could not pass up the opportunity to be part of this organization and to be a role model for young girls. My calendar is my best friend. I scheduled everything in my life, which gave me time to attend rehearsals without stress.
Q: What was the most challenging aspect of the pageant, and how did you overcome the hurdle?
A: The impromptu question, I was very nervous, not knowing what I would be asked, and having to formulate an answer on the spot was so nerve-racking. I read up on current events, practiced answering different kinds of questions, and I had a list of potential answers I could apply to many questions.
Q: Ajiana, what moments stand out to you?
A: This was such an amazing experience, and I am so glad I applied. The moments that stand out to me the most are the ones I spent with my fellow contestants. I found myself looking forward to rehearsals, mostly because I knew I would see them. They are all such amazing young women, and going through the process with them was so fulfilling that I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else.
As Miss Black Cincinnati 2024, Birchmore doesn’t just wear a crown; she carries a commitment. Her dedication to uplift and empower her community, especially in higher education, is a beacon of hope. Her reign will be a source of pride, inspiring young women to embrace their authenticity and pursue their passions without fear. She imparts invaluable advice to aspiring contestants:
“Seize the opportunity, step outside your comfort zone and embrace the journey wholeheartedly.” For her, the pageant was not just a competition but a transformative experience that enriched her life in countless ways.
MBTC Contestant Opening Dance ‘Love’ by Kirk Franklin. Photo provided 
Courtis Fuller, WLWT reporter, was emcee for the event. 
Miss Black Cincinnati contestant Olivia Young, essay winner, with Sharen Sierra King, RHL Alumna and Associate Producer. Photo provided 
Ajiana Birchmore, Miss Black Cincinnati 2024, at left, with Jai Walker Tate, Miss Black Teen Cincinnati 2024. Photo provided 
Hosts Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and Bomani Tyehimba. Photo provided 
Hosts P. Ann Everson-Price and Dr. Shelley Hamler. Photo provided 
Miss Black Cincinnati and her court, from left are Olivia Young, Christyn Womack, Donald Sherman (Cincinnati Black Theatre Company), Miss Black Cincinnati Ajiana Birchmore, Robert Humphries (RLH Pageants Unlimited), Catrice Chambers and Nya Williams. Photo provided 
Miss Black Cincinnati contestant Christyn Womack, Miss Photogenic, and C. Smith. Photo provided 
Miss Black Teen Cincinnati and her court, from left, are Trinity Bell, Aubrey Sims, Savannah Watkins, Madison Stowall, MBTC Jai Walker Tate, San’Iah Turnbow, Gabriellah Gonzalez, Jayden Roetting and Asada Austin. Photo provided 
Miss Black Teen Cincinnati contestant Gabriela Gonzalez, Miss Photogenic, and Contestant Trainers LaKezia Ealy and Angela Grayson Alexander (Miss Black Cincinnati 1995). Photo provided 
From left are Nailah Edwards MBTC 2015, Bridgette Schooler Davis MBC 1981, City Councilwoman Meeka Owens MBTC, RLH Pageants Unlimited founder Robert Humphries, Stephanie Wright Jeter, and Deputy Robin Pearl, Contestant and Judges Security Officer. Photo provided
Jai Walker Tate, 15, High School student Connections Academy
Q: What inspired you to enter this prestigious pageant at a young age?
A: I always loved the thought of participating in a pageant, but I didn’t want to risk stepping outside of my comfort zone. When I was presented with the opportunity to enter, I realized that my comfort zone would get me nowhere. So, I left my fears behind and took a chance on myself.
Q: Which approach did you take to prepare for the competition?
A: This is my first pageant, but luckily my mother did extensive research and spoke to previous pageant participants. As an author, I was thrilled to have the opportunity in the talent category to highlight my love for scriptwriting with the comedic monologue I wrote.
Q: How did you manage your time effectively as a high school student?
A: The beauty of Ohio Connections Academy is that the curriculum is challenging, scheduling is flexible, and the teachers are incredibly supportive.
Q: Reflecting on your experience competing in the Miss Black Teen Cincinnati pageant, what were some memorable moments for you?
A: I’ll have to say the fun I had with my pageant sisters during technical rehearsal, the care given by the pageant alumni on competition day, and, last but not least, hearing myself announced as the new Miss Black Teen Cincinnati.
Q: How did you enjoy the overall competition experience?
A: It was a challenging and rewarding experience.”
Q: You won the sash and crown. Please share your goals and aspirations during your reign.
A: It is an honor to wear the crown, and during my reign, I will dedicate myself to my platform, literacy. Through events, workshops, and collaborations, my mission is to promote a culture of life-long learning while upholding the values Mr. Robert L. Humphries set forth.
Q: What impact do you hope to leave as a legacy once your reign as Miss Black Teen Cincinnati concludes?
A: I want to be impactful in a way that inspires young and old to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Robert Humphries’s words will always ring true: “There can only be one contestant crowned Miss Black Cincinnati/Miss Black Teen Cincinnati but to me, my staff, your parents, relatives and friends, you all are winners in the ‘Contest of Life.’”
All MBC and MBTC contestants are now and forever a part of a legacy and a family of beautiful, brilliant and talented young ladies and women under the organization of RLH Pageants Unlimited Alumnae. More than 30 alumnae dating back to the first pageant in 1980 took the stage. If you are an alumnae, call 513 368-8108.
Event hosts included Courtis Fuller, Jan Michele-Lemon Kearney, Dr. Shelly Hamler, P. Ann Everson Price and Bomani Tyehimba. The judges were LaVieena Campbell, Jermaine Hill, Meichelle Gaines Gibson, Tish Norman, Iris Showes-Roley, Wanda Wallace and Lincoln Ware. Title sponsors were Closing the Health Gap, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, All-In Coalition, LifeCenter ‘Donate Life,’ GCNK African American Chamber, First Financial, Tru Partner Credit Union and The Cincinnati Herald as media sponsor.
The escorts were Alpha Phi Alpha Esquires Aaron Bees, Caleb Griffin, Jermaine Dudley and Eddie Perry Jr.
The Cincinnati Public Library System has archived the history of both pageants in its time capsule.
Please support the tangible future of the legacy of the pageants also seeking 2025 contestants. Donate to the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company at www.cincinnatiblacktheatre.org.