Kevia Miles, a junior biology pre-medicine student, competes for the Miss Black Mississippi USA title on Monday, September 4, at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.
This year’s competition is being hosted by Stand-up Comedian D.T. Owens, who was featured on BET’s Comic View and is currently on tour with Kevin Hart. Miles will compete for an opportunity to win over $5,000 in prizes, including sponsoring the national fee to compete on the Miss Black USA stage.
Miles, currently Miss Black Hinds County, Mississippi, said she is honored to use her title to do amazing work in her community.
“I like to be active in the community and meet new people I can partner with to make a change around Jackson and Mississippi,” said Miles. “Having this title makes it easier for me to gain partnerships with businesses who help me with community service events and my goal of helping people.”
Miles was introduced to pageantry at an early age and would compete in church pageants and Baptist conventions. Her enthusiasm for the competition was reignited during a conversation with the current Miss Black Mississippi USA, Trenity Usher, who is also a JSU student.
In March 2023, Miles was crowned Miss Black Hinds County, running on the “BeYOUtiful” platform to raise awareness about poverty and mental health in Black communities. Miles said she adopted the platform because of her work as a mental health technician for UMMC and a psychiatric technician for Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare.
“I see a lot of homeless patients come into the hospital who sometimes just need a meal or a place to lay down. People experience many things that create setbacks and trauma. My platform opens up a horizon that restores happiness and healing,” Miles explained.
As the owner of Mone’t Effect LLC, Miles uses her resources to help those in need regain their confidence through free haircuts, hairstyles, make-up, care packages, Bibles, and counseling.
Miles recalled the first time she crafted a wig for a cancer patient and how it boosted the lady’s spirits—that moment motivated her to continue bringing a positive light to those experiencing dark times.
“It helps remind them to ‘Be YOU,’ and that beauty starts from within, not just the outside,” she added.
Miles is also enrolled in the JSU Army ROTC program. After graduation, she plans to further her studies in medical research and aspires to work in forensics or oncology. After losing her mother to cancer, she was motivated to join the search for a cure.
“I always wanted to study biology pre-med to figure out things that I can do to prevent others from losing their parents or loved ones and to study and bring a change to medicine,” she shared.
Miles is a member of the TriBeta Biology Honor Society. She transferred from Alcorn State University during her sophomore year. Since arriving at Jackson State, her mother’s alma mater, she said she is happy about her decision and plans to graduate in December 2024.