Students were agog at Frederick Douglass Academy (FDA I), situated in Harlem, New York, for an incredible occasion featuring a motivational visit from Ashley Marie Myatt, the reigning Miss Black America. On September 16, 2024, the event took place in connection with the Mentoring in Medicine initiative. A partnership to promote academic success and personal development, it offered the kids a special fusion of mentorship, education, and empowerment.
Miss Black America made an appearance at Frederick Douglass Academy for more reasons than only ceremonial purposes. The visit was centered on fostering student leadership, self-confidence, and academic ambition in collaboration with Mentoring in Medicine, a non-profit organization devoted to assisting students from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuing professions in medicine and healthcare.
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Miss Black America gave an enthralling keynote speech that started the event, and the crowd found great resonance in her remarks. She talked about her own experience, which involved overcoming setbacks and being steadfastly focused on her objectives. Ms. Myatt has more than 10 years of experience as a skilled veterinarian technician. During her speech to the kids, Ms. Myatt stated that she wanted to become a veterinarian and that her dream was to create a one-stop animal hospital where animals could be managed holistically.
She addressed the students, “You have the power to change the world.”
Myatt added, “With determination, education, and the right support, you can achieve anything—whether it’s becoming a veterinarian, an entrepreneur, or the next Miss Black America.”
Aleta Anderson, Miss Black America’s executive producer, continued, “The Miss Black America organization is dedicated to uplifting and inspiring young Black women and men to pursue their dreams unapologetically.”
She noted, “Our goal is to provide representation, foster confidence, and help them break barriers, knowing they are powerful, capable, and deserving of success in every aspect of life.”
Additionally, speakers from Mentoring in Medicine discussed the value of pursuing careers in healthcare, particularly for students of color. They drew attention to the unequal presence of Black and Latino professionals in the medical industry and the necessity of increasing their numbers to address health disparities in marginalized areas.
The many healthcare profession paths—from physicians and nurses to biological engineers and public health advocates—were presented to the students. They were also told about the scholarships, internships, and mentoring programs that Mentoring in Medicine offers to support students in their academic endeavors.
Following the main presentation, Hershey Fullerton Douglass, a kind and beautiful bunny, was introduced to the kids by Miss Black America, who astonished them with a practical lesson in animal care. She gave a demonstration of how to hold and tend to the bunny appropriately and stressed the need to remain composed and kind with little animals. Students gained knowledge on how to safely support the rabbit’s body while ensuring its comfort and safety.
Miss Black America stressed the responsibility that comes with being an animal caregiver, showing the children how important it is to feed, groom, and provide a secure environment for the rabbit to live in. She taught the students useful skills via this experience, but she also gave them a feeling of empathy and compassion.
In the end, the rabbit was given to the school, where Mr. Ma, the librarian, is currently in charge of its maintenance. Speaking on the rabbit’s arrival to the library family, Mr. Ma expressed his excitement. “I couldn’t be more excited about the rabbit joining our library family.”
He added, “It’s going to spark curiosity and give our students a hands-on experience with animal care. I think it’s a wonderful way to blend learning and nurturing, and I can already see how much joy it will bring to everyone who visits.”
Frederick Douglass Academy students were profoundly affected by the occasion. Many said they had developed a better sense of purpose for their future and a renewed interest in the healthcare industry.
“I never thought about becoming a veterinarian before today,” Only one student was let in.
“But hearing from both Miss Black America and the people from Mentoring in Medicine made me realize that it’s possible. They really made me feel like I can achieve something great.”
One student, who was already determined to become a doctor, claimed that the occasion inspired her to work even harder. “Seeing so many people who look like me succeeding in medicine, and hearing Miss Black America talk about overcoming obstacles—it just made me realize that nothing is impossible.”
Frederick Douglass Academy students found great benefit from the partnership between Mentoring in Medicine and Miss Black America. The messages of optimism, resiliency, and opportunity conveyed by both groups supported the school’s objective of empowering and uplifting its students, which includes the school slogan, “Nothing is impossible.”
It became evident how Miss Black America’s presence and Mentoring in Medicine’s mentorship influenced the students as they exited the event, many with new objectives. For many students, it was more than simply an inspirational day; it marked the beginning of a path to success, one that would be paved with growth opportunities and driven by the conviction that all is possible, education, and mentoring.
Principal Fullerton stated, “Having Miss Black America at Frederick Douglass Academy is a truly transformative experience for our students.”
“Her message of resilience and empowerment resonates deeply, reminding them that they have the potential to be leaders and change-makers. We’re grateful for the opportunity to foster such meaningful connections.”
There’s little question that this occasion will have a lasting impact on Frederick Douglass Academy, inspiring students to pursue excellence in their personal and academic endeavors with the confidence that their community is behind them.
Please visit MissBlackAmerica.com to request that Miss Black America attend your upcoming event.
