More Than a Crown.
Miss Black Texas–Louisiana USA is the official state preliminary to the Miss Black USA National Pageant — the first and longest-running scholarship pageant for Black women in the country, having awarded over $750,000 in scholarships to date.
We are a program built on the belief that Black women are brilliant, boundless, and deserving of a stage that reflects their full magnitude. Our mission is to identify, elevate, and crown titleholders across Texas and Louisiana who are not just beautiful; but purposeful, prepared, and ready to lead.What We Stand For
Excellence. Scholarship. Impact.
These are not just words on a page. They are the standard we hold every queen to. From the moment she applies to the moment she steps onto the national stage.
About Our State Director
Miss Black Texas–Louisiana USA is led by Cayla Cowherd — a five-time pageant titleholder, former professional dancer for NBA and NHL organizations, and seasoned pageant coach with over a decade of experience developing women of purpose and poise. As a former Miss Virginia Union University and Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, Cayla understands firsthand the transformative power of pageantry and the doors it opens.
Through her coaching brand Pageant Girl Polished™, she has prepared women across the country to compete and win at the highest levels. Now as State Director, she brings that same standard of excellence to the Miss Black USA family. Building a program in Texas and Louisiana that honors the legacy of this organization while creating something entirely new.
To build a state program that develops queens who walk into every room with clarity, confidence, and the credentials to back it up…not just during competition week, but for the rest of their lives.