Kansas City, Missouri’s own Autumn Black has taken center stage as the newly crowned Miss Missouri USA 2023, injecting vibrancy and flair into the pageantry scene. Born and bred in Lee’s Summit, MO, the 24-year-old is poised to utilize her new platform to uplift and inspire, a mission she’s been committed to since her initial foray into pageantry.
Black’s involvement in the pageantry scene began in earnest in 2017 with the Miss Black & Gold Scholarship pageant, where she claimed the title of Miss 1906. Subsequent victories followed, including her triumphs as Miss Queen of Hearts 2021 and Miss Merry Christmas 2021, leading up to her crowning achievement as Miss Missouri USA 2023.
Educated at the University of Missouri, Black graduated with a Bachelor’s of Journalism degree in Convergence Journalism and a minor in Business Administration, later pursuing her Master’s of Science in Business at the same institution. Her academic acumen and dedication to storytelling have informed her work across numerous news publications, including E23, NBC-Affiliate KOMU News, The Global Journalist, Missouri Business Alert, Las Vegas Review-Journal, and CalMatters.
Simultaneously, Black maintained a rigorous schedule of leadership roles throughout her academic journey, serving as Vice President of the National Association of Black Journalists, Secretary of the Delta Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and VP of Communications for the Alumni Association Student Board.
Translating her expertise in storytelling into the realm of digital communication, Black secured a coveted position as a social media manager at Oracle, one of the world’s largest technology companies. She’s now front and center as the host of “Tech-Z,” a mini-series that aims to inspire early career professionals and students.
Black’s philanthropic endeavors match her remarkable career trajectory. The “Flawless Movement” founder and “#advocateHER” advocate has been a strong voice for women’s empowerment. She strives to equip students with the resources they need to become career-ready and tech-savvy, urging them to reach their full potential.
With her ascension to the Miss Missouri USA throne, Autumn Black has now become a beacon for the Kansas City community that raised her. As she steps onto the national stage, her home state watches with pride and anticipation, eagerly awaiting the impressive strides she is sure to make during her reign.
