MANSFIELD — When Cheyla Bradley clinched the Miss Black Mansfield crown last weekend at Mansfield Senior High School, it was more than just a triumph in her pageant career, it was a landmark moment as a first-time contestant.
“When I first found out that the Miss Teen and Miss Black Mansfield Pageant was coming up, I knew I wanted to compete and be involved— not just to win a crown, but to seize the opportunity to be a positive example for young Black women in our city,” Bradley said.
“I wanted to encourage others to get involved in our community, be the change they want to see, and always put God first. This pageant is bigger than a crown; it’s the beginning of amazing Black excellence to come.”
A Mansfield native, Bradley’s victory placed her in the spotlight and gave her a powerful platform to champion a cause she holds dear: “Increasing Community Engagement and Professionalism.”
“My platform is all about fostering inclusion and breaking down barriers for the citizens of my hometown while bringing people together from all walks of life,” Bradley said. “The second part of my platform uses my lived experiences and knowledge to help our young people learn tools and prepare for their world in any setting, personal or professional.
“I am honored to hold the title of Miss Black Mansfield 2024.”
Bradley’s passion is deeply rooted in her rich family history of community leaders and understanding the reality of social media’s impact on youth, an area she is determined to change.
With a heart for people, empathy, and a mind brimming with ideas, Cheyla plans to join forces with Teen Miss Black Mansfield, Davanna Parks, to chart a path for their generation.
Parks entered her first pageant, the Miss Ontario Pageant, where she took first runner-up, while her best friend, Jaslyn Lopez, won the crown.
“Over the past year, I’ve watched Jaslyn grow with her title, which ultimately inspired me to join the Miss Black Teen Mansfield pageant,” Parks said. “During the pageant week, I had to balance graduation and the competition. It was difficult, but I eventually made it to the finish line with both events.
“Now that I have the title of Miss Black Teen Mansfield, I get to learn the responsibilities of being a role model and mentor for young girls and boys in our community.”
Parks won the Talent category singing the Glee Cast’s rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” while Bradley won Best Personal Interview.
Cheyla Bradley and Davanna Parks will advance to the 42nd annual Miss Black Ohio America in Columbus, on Saturday, June 15, where they’ll compete for the state title in their respective age groups.
The Miss Black Ohio America Director, Mrs. Fanchon Page, recalls her time as a contestant who did not win on her first attempt.
“I share my stories with young ladies because I want them to understand that while you may not win on your first attempt, it provides a learning experience from which to grow,” Page said. “I returned again, won the crown, and later became the Director.”
The Teen/Miss Black Mansfield Pageant occurred on Thursday, May 30.
The night was filled with love from the crowd, who were thrilled to witness the pageant’s comeback after a long hiatus. Current Director Nicole Horston (Nikki Brown) took the title in May 1990.
Horston honored Vanessa Hayes and Ruby (Wilkes) Feagin for being her inspiration as a teen and performed “Puttin’ On The Ritz,” choreographed by Feagin, at the 1990 pageant.
Wenda Burnom shared the history of the Miss Black Mansfield Pageant, dating back to 1972, and American Royal Beauties Buckeye State Tiny Princess Karter Reese appeared to crown the winners.
Richland County Children Services donated gifts to the contestants, including Rilda James, Latricia Chatman-Manns, and Rakayla Smith.
Judges for the evening were Aurelio V. Diaz—Mansfield City Councilman Ward 5, Minister Lisa Howard, Letitia Shaun Mullins, Elba Morant, Lynette Evans Johnson, and Antwan Horston, Co-Director.
Auditors Landenazuia Bruce and Danielle Saffold certified the winners, and Giselle Lindsay served as emcee.