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Interview with 2009-2011
MISS BLACK DEAF AMERICA
Briana Johnson
Questions Prepared by
Ernest E. Garrett III
Briana Johnson is the newly crowned Miss Black Deaf America 2009-2011. She joins 20 former Miss Black Deaf America queens and the second from District of Columbia Area Black Deaf Advocates crowned. Miss Johnson is currently a sophomore student at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. She aspires to become a U.S. Congresswoman or Lawyer.
When did you first hear about NBDA and how did you become involved?
Briana: I first heard about NBDA after I won Miss DCABDA. Winning this title made me eligible to compete in the Miss Black Deaf America Pageant. I learned that each state had a chapter and I learned about all the different facets that the NBDA Organization has to offer to the deaf and hard of hearing community.
How did you feel when they announced you as Miss Black Deaf America?
Briana: Blessed, triumphant, and victorious are only some of the words to describe what I felt when they announced me as Miss Black Deaf America. Instantly empowerment, encouragement, and strength filtered my extreme joy, happiness, and gratitude. I am so thankful to have this opportunity to carry this title!!
What will you do to promote NBDA?
Briana: My duty to promote the NBDA Organization is to first and foremost walk in integrity as I inform, lead, and instruct others regarding NBDA and all that the organization does. In honor of holding such a prestigious title of Miss Black Deaf America, I am committed to NBDA to market, advertise, and carry out the pre-planned assignments set by the leaders of NBDA. I will promote NBDA by way of internet, public speaking and performing, educating, and writing about the outstanding and very credible achievements of times past and the even greater accomplishments for the future.
What did your NBDA pageant experience teach you that you will carry forth throughout you life?
Briana: My NBDA pageant experience confirmed to me that quitters never win. There were several times during the pageant experience that I could have given up, caved in, and quit, but according to the scripture in II Corinthians 2:14, which says "for God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus". This scripture gives me liberty from defeat. I'm not a quitter. Because of this experience, I will always know to never quit and that whatsoever I set out to do I will complete. Had I quit, how could I have known I would win. My message is that whether I'm chosen as "the winner" or not, I still win because I did not quit.
What advice do you have for how NBDA can preserve its language and culture for another 25 years?
Briana: My advice to NBDA to preserve its language and culture for another 25 years is that all the persons that make up the NBDA organization walk in the love of God. If God is love, He will be honored, and if He's honored, He will be respected. If God is placed first and at the head of this organization then God's eyes and ears will be open to meet all the needs of this awesome organization. The language and culture of NBDA is preserved now and will be forever as long as the roots of the organization remain planted on the fertile grounds of God's love. This love has been exemplified and has grown over the years because it continues to be watered by others who's roots are established in God's love, therefore, attracting more people that seek to do the same thing.
Michael E Graziano |
