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3 black women win Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss America

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NEW YORK (AP) — When Cheslie Kryst won the Miss USA crown, it marked more than a personal triumph: It meant that for the first time, three black women are the reigning Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss America.

The North Carolina lawyer completed the historic triple Thursday with pageant winners 2019 Miss America Nia Franklin and recently crowned 2019 Miss Teen USA Kaliegh Garris.

“The three young women who have focused their energy on demonstrating how standards of black beauty speak for American standards of beauty are to be commended,” said Thomas DeFrantz, a professor in the Department of African and African American Studies at Duke University.

“These three standard-bearers prove that black beauty is at the heart of a 21st century American ideal,” he added.

Franklin, from New York, won her title in September in Atlantic City, New Jersey, becoming the first woman also to win the Miss America crown without having to don a swimsuit. Garris, from New Haven, Connecticut, won her crown in April, and hopes to become a trauma nurse.

Kryst, a former Division I athlete and attorney at Poyner Spruill LLP in Charlotte, North Carolina, won her crown in Reno, Nevada. She holds an MBA from Wake Forest University.

“Mine is the first generation to have that forward-looking mindset that has inclusivity, diversity, strength and empowered women. I’m looking forward to continued progress in my generation,” said Kryst, after accepting her crown. She now advances to the Miss Universe competition.

The oldest of the three is the Miss America pageant, which began in 1921 but women of color were barred from participating until the 1940s by a rule that said contestants must be of “the white race.” Frustration led to the creation of Miss Black America contest.

In 1970, Cheryl Browne became the first black woman to participate in the Miss America pageant. Since then, more than a dozen black women have been named either Miss America or Miss USA, including actress Vanessa Williams, the first-ever black Miss America in 1983.

The Miss USA contest was created in 1952 and crowned the first African American contestant — Carole Anne-Marie Gist — in 1990. A year later, Janel Bishop won the Miss Teen USA title, becoming the first African American winner.

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Florida Strawberry Festival Announces 2027 Lineup Featuring Becky G, Shaboozey, 38 Special and more

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The March 4–14 festival in Plant City will feature country, rock, pop and faith-based performers, with advance admission and concert tickets available beginning Dec. 10.

PLANT CITY, Fla. (FNN) — Becky G, Shaboozey, 38 Special, Styx and Train are among the performers announced for the 2027 Florida Strawberry Festival, which runs March 4–14 in Plant City.

The Wish Farms Soundstage lineup brings together established favorites and emerging performers across country, rock, pop, R&B and faith-based music. Other scheduled acts include The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Charlie Wilson and Jamey Johnson.

“A Timeless Tradition”

The festival’s 2027 theme, “A Timeless Tradition,” celebrates its connection to generations of families and visitors.

Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson said the entertainment schedule reflects that connection while offering a variety of musical styles.

“From longtime favorites to some of today’s most exciting artists, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” Robinson said in the announcement.

Country fans can catch Lorrie Morgan, Max McNown and Hudson Westbrook with McCoy Moore. The Roots & Boots show will feature Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin.

Rock performances include Styx, 38 Special and Grand Funk Railroad. Micky Dolenz will present “60 Years of The Monkees,” while Josiah Queen and

Maverick City are also scheduled.

Complete announced headline concert schedule

All dates are in 2027, with times local to Plant City.

DateTimePerformer
Thursday, March 43:30 p.m.The Oak Ridge Boys
Thursday, March 47:30 p.m.Styx
Friday, March 53:30 p.m.Tommy James & The Shondells
Friday, March 57:30 p.m.Josiah Queen
Saturday, March 63:30 p.m.Shaboozey
Saturday, March 67:30 p.m.Max McNown
Sunday, March 76:30 p.m.Hudson Westbrook with McCoy Moore
Monday, March 83:30 p.m.Tanya Tucker
Monday, March 87:30 p.m.Maverick City
Tuesday, March 93:30 p.m.Roots & Boots featuring Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin
Tuesday, March 97:30 p.m.Travis Tritt
Wednesday, March 103:30 p.m.Micky Dolenz: 60 Years of The Monkees
Wednesday, March 107:30 p.m.38 Special
Thursday, March 113:30 p.m.Grand Funk Railroad
Thursday, March 117:30 p.m.Charlie Wilson
Friday, March 123:30 p.m.Lorrie Morgan
Friday, March 127:30 p.m.Becky G
Saturday, March 137:30 p.m.Jamey Johnson
Sunday, March 147:30 p.m.Train

Schedule provided in the festival announcement supplied to FNN.

Tickets go on sale Dec. 10

Advance tickets for festival gate admission and headline concerts go on sale Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026, at 8 a.m. Eastern time.

Tickets will be available through:

  • In person: Amscot Main Ticket Office, 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City.
  • Online: flstrawberryfestival.com.
  • Mobile: The Florida Strawberry Festival app.
  • Phone: 813-754-1996.

Concert tickets do not include festival gate admission. Guests must also purchase admission to enter the festival. The festival’s official entertainment page confirms the Dec. 10 concert-ticket launch. Florida Strawberry Festival

What’s next?

Fans can review the concert schedule and plan their purchases ahead of the ticket launch. Visit the festival’s official website for current event information and ticket availability.

Stay connected to Florida National News for music, concert and entertainment coverage across Florida.

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Entertainment

“4000 Days,” “Frampton” Set for Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25

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NAPLES, Fla. (FNN) — Two documentaries exploring families’ fight against college hazing and the career of musician Peter Frampton will screen at the Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25, according to an announcement from 10 Lives Studios.

Both films will be shown at Pavilion Naples, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Road.

“4000 Days”: Families Turn Grief Into Advocacy

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Daniel E. Catullo III and executive produced by Paris Hilton, “4000 Days” follows three families whose sons died in fraternity hazing incidents.

Gary and Julie DeVercelly, Linda and Eric Oakes, and TJ and Kim Burch joined forces to challenge hazing practices, seek accountability and push for legislative reform. The title represents the approximately 4,000 days of their struggle to turn personal loss into change, according to the filmmakers.

The 111-minute documentary premiered at Tribeca and won the Grand Jury Award at the Jersey Shore Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Catullo, Julie and Gary DeVercelly, and Eric Oakes are scheduled to participate in question-and-answer sessions following the Naples screenings.

Screenings:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 25: 11 a.m.

“Frampton”: A Career of Setbacks and Comebacks

Directed by Frampton’s longtime bandleader, Rob Arthur, and produced by Catullo, “Frampton” traces the guitarist’s rise through the Herd and Humble Pie, his breakthrough as a solo artist and his continued performances while facing a degenerative condition.

Marking the 50th anniversary of “Frampton Comes Alive!”, the documentary combines archival footage, interviews and recent performances to examine the musician’s career and resilience.

The 102-minute film features appearances by musicians and entertainers including Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello, Alice Cooper and Nancy Wilson.

After premiering at Tribeca, the documentary won the Audience Award for Music on Screen at the Calgary International Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Screenings:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: 7:05 p.m.

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Kym Whitley, Yvette Nicole Brown to Headline First Ladies Health Initiative Brain Health Luncheon

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Side-by-side headshots of actresses Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley, speakers at the First Ladies Health Initiative brain health and caregiving luncheon.
Emmy-nominated actresses Yvette Nicole Brown, left, and Kym Whitley will participate in the First Ladies Health Initiative’s “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health” luncheon Sept. 19 in Marina del Rey, California.

The Sept. 19 luncheon in Marina del Rey will spotlight Alzheimer’s, dementia, caregiving and brain health as the First Ladies Health Initiative celebrates new grant support for programs empowering girls.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FNN) — Emmy-nominated actresses Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown will headline a First Ladies Health Initiative luncheon focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, caregiving and brain health on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Marina del Rey.

The First Ladies Health Initiative, or FLHI, will host its leaders summit luncheon, “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health,” beginning at 11 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.

Whitley, whose credits include Act Your Age and Raising Whitley, and Brown, known for Community, Act Your Age and The Mayor, will participate in a fireside conversation moderated by Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford, co-pastor of Experience Christian Ministries.

The discussion will address the experiences of families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the demands placed on caregivers and the challenges of balancing caregiving with careers and other responsibilities.

Personal Experiences Bring Caregiving Into Focus

FLHI Co-Executive Director Marquisé Alston-Allison said Whitley and Brown were selected in part because both have personal experience caring for their fathers.

“Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating impact on the African American community, where individuals are approximately twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia,” Alston-Allison said in the organization’s announcement.

The luncheon takes place two days before World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept. 21.

Brain Health and Prevention Take Center Stage

FLHI is also partnering with the INSPIRE-Faith program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, led by neurologists Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai.

The program emphasizes lifestyle factors associated with brain and overall health, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and social connections.

The initiative brings prevention-focused health education into faith and community settings while addressing conditions such as dementia, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

Luncheon to Feature Music and Special Honors

Radio personality Aundrae Russell of 102.3 KJLH-FM will serve as emcee, with a musical performance by recording artist David Daughtry.

FLHI will also pay tribute to its founding president, Tracey Alston, who died last year.

Dr. Betty Ruth Price, former first lady, co-founder and matriarch of Crenshaw Christian Center, will also be honored during the event.

FLHI Among Organizations Receiving Girls Opportunity Alliance Support

The event comes as FLHI celebrates its selection for support through the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance.

According to the announcement, a total of $500,000 will be distributed among 10 organizations working to empower girls, with FLHI among the selected recipients.

FLHI is currently led by second-generation co-executive directors Marquisé Alston-Allison and Taylor Alston-Cleveland, alongside co-founder and National Chair Jamell Meeks of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago and Los Angeles Chair Crawford.

The organization also acknowledged support from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Healthy Mind Initiatives, Black Girl Vitamins and The Ritz-Carlton.

For additional information, visit First Ladies Health Initiative.

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