Nicole L. Cvetnic is The Root’s multimedia editor and producer.
The competition, held Aug. 10, 2014, at the Theatre for Performing Arts at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., featured 25 contestants from across the nation. A distinguished panel of judges chose 26-year-old Jasmine Alexander to be the new Miss Black USA 2014. Here, Miss Black USA 2013 Amanda McCoy leads contestants onstage.
Jasmine Alexander, 26, is crowned Miss Black USA 2014 at the Theatre for Performing Arts at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C. Alexander was previously crowned Miss Black Colorado 2014.
Miss Black Illinois Mariah Scott, 21, has makeup applied by Chiffon Curtis for the Miss Black USA Pageant finals at the Theatre for Performing Arts.
Miss Black Georgia Nakeia Staley, 27, has makeup applied by Holly Fitzgerald.
Miss Black Virginia Shayna Jamison, 27, sings a song from the Broadway musical The Color Purple during the talent portion of the pageant finals.
Miss Black Michigan Angel Mills, 22, speaks during the question-and-answer portion of the pageant finals.
Jasmine Alexander reacts with tears after being crowned Miss Black USA 2014.
Musician Marcus Anderson plays the saxophone during the pageant finals.
Miss Black Kentucky LaPrecious Brewer, 22, smiles at the crowd after receiving the Founders Award during the pageant finals.
Miss Black USA 2013 Amanda McCoy, 21, takes her last walk before giving up her crown to the new Miss Black USA during the pageant finals.
Jasmine Alexander smiles after being crowned Miss Black USA 2014.
Contestants walk the stage during the evening-gown portion of the pageant finals.
Miss Black Colorado Jasmine Alexander performs during the talent portion of the pageant finals. Alexander was later crowned Miss Black USA 2014.
Hairstylist Charcelle Wilson of Pretty iZ Hair Salon curls 25-year-old Miss Black Texas Ashleigh Smith’s hair for the pageant finals.
Contestants perform to “Grown Woman” by Beyoncé during the opening of the pageant finals.
Miss Black Ohio Terra Strong, 24, performs during the talent portion of the pageant finals.
Miss Black Alabama Jessica Alexander, 27, does 25-year-old Miss Black Missouri Jasmine Jones’ hair for the pageant finals.
Miss Black Tennessee Gabrielle Mary Lewis, 28, shows off her exercise gear during the aerobic portion of the pageant finals. Lewis went on to become Miss Black USA 2014 first runner-up.
Miss Black Colorado Jasmine Alexander flexes her muscles during the aerobic-exercise portion of the pageant finals. Alexander was later crowned Miss Black USA 2014.
Miss Black Ohio Terra Strong speaks during the question-and-answer portion of the pageant finals.
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