NBDA would like to commemorate the accomplishments of Mrs. Ronnie Mae Tyson-Jones, an individual who has positively influenced not only the black deaf community, but also the deaf community as a whole. Born in Moultrie, Georgia, Ronnie Mae Tyson-Jones grew up never predicting that she could one day make pageant history. On the evening of August 12, 1983 at the Philadelphia, PA Hilton Hotel, located at the corner of 34th St and Civic Center Blvd., then 22-year-old Ronnie Mae Tyson was announced as the winner of the very first Miss Black Deaf America Pageant. Exactly 25 years later, Ernest E. Garrett III, who was only two years old (and had just become deaf) at the time of Mrs. Tyson-Jones' coronation, is humbled at the privilege of interviewing Mrs. Tyson-Jones about her pageant experiences.

ERNEST: I would like to congratulate you on the occasion of your 25th year anniversary as Miss Black Deaf America! When did you first hear about National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA), and how did you become involved?

RONNIE MAE: I learned about NBDA while I was a student at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). I saw a flyer posted and decided I wanted to join the pageant.

ERNEST: On what date and during which NBDA conference were you crowned Miss Black Deaf America. Please also share with us about the other competitions that led up to your competing at the national level for the crown?

RONNIE MAE: The pageant was held in Philadelphia in 1983. Elizabeth Moore was in charge, along with Carl Moore. I remember Al Couthen was also there, as were other grassroots NBDA members whose names I cannot remember. The pageant consisted of events in the following categories: talent, evening gowns, and on-stage judge interviews. I think the question was “if you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?” We also had a banquet prior to the pageant. I remember the pageant coordinator performed a song called “Until My Love Comes Down.” I think I was the youngest contestant at the time. I saw some of the contestants when I returned to Philadelphia in 2004. Fred Beam or “WaWa” Snipes was Master of Ceremonies. I do not recall the theme. I was somewhat disappointed because I did not win anything. I do not have any pictures to share and show my boys.

I should add, also, that I was determined to join the pageant even though I did not have much money. I asked a friend for a ride to Philadelphia, stayed with a friend who was also a classmate, borrowed an evening gown from my niece – which also happened to be her prom dress. To make a long story short, I went into the pageant competition hoping to win a scholarship or some kind of monetary award. After all, when I won second place in the Miss Deaf New York pageant, I won $200.00. That was a lot of money for me as a college student! Anyway, I won Miss National Technical Institute for the Deaf in 1981 and I went on to compete for Miss Deaf New York and advance to the Miss Deaf America competition, but it did not work out for me to win the Miss Deaf America title. To make a long story short, winning Miss Black Deaf America was big for me…winning the title, making history, but earning no prizes!

ERNEST: Can you tell me what activities you did as Miss Black Deaf America - for example, did you travel to different states, serve as a judge at pageants, give keynote speeches, perform community service, and so forth - and during what years?

RONNIE MAE: I did not get to do any of those things. However, during the NBDA conference in 2004 (Philadelphia), I was invited to judge the pageant, and again in Orlando, FL the next year.

ERNEST: What has 25 years meant for you? How did you feel when you were crowned queen? Please share with us what you have done in the 25 years after becoming Miss Black Deaf America.

RONNIE MAE: The best thing about being Miss Black Deaf America is making history. I have been married to Andrew Jones for ten years and we have two sons: Xavier Andrew Jones (age 11) and Javier Fabian Jones (age 6). I have worked as an Admissions Counselor for NTID, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for ten years, and now I work as an adjunct professor of American Sign Language at the University of North Florida, Florida Community College at Jacksonville, and St. Johns River Community College. I am also actively involved in my church and I am excited about my calling to teach Sunday school to Deaf church-goers. My goal for the future is to someday obtain my Ph.D. degree and write a book based on my experiences as a Black Deaf Woman. Boy, do I have stories to tell!

ERNEST: What is your advice to the current Miss Black Deaf America Queen, Jonelle Thames?

RONNIE MAE: Jonelle, keep the faith and hold onto your dreams because with God, all things are possible! Remember, education is the key to a successful life. I believe that part of the reason why my career has been successful is because I have a master’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). If I did not have this degree, I would not be able to teach at the college level. Also, if my degree was in education, I would be a full-time college professor. It is one of the best jobs you could hope for. I am not saying that you should become a college professor. Rather, I am making the point that you should take some educational coursessor. Rather, I am making the point that you should take some educational courses.

ERNEST: What is your advice to future Miss Black Deaf America Queens?

RONNIE MAE: My advice to future Miss Black Deaf America Queens is the same that I offer to Jonelle. Take some educational courses and remember that education is the key to a successful life.

ERNEST: What do you believe that NBDA should do to support their Miss Black Deaf America Queens?

RONNIE MAE: NBDA should offer full scholarships and support Miss Black Deaf America financially when she has to travel during her reign as queen. This should be the best experience of her life, allowing her the opportunity to blossom!

ERNEST: Last but not least, what do you believe should be the role of Miss Black Deaf America now, 25 years after you were first crowned?

RONNIE MAE: Miss Black Deaf America should have a platform just like Miss America! But because she is Deaf, she should be going out to all the DEAF schools, encouraging the black DEAF students and letting them know that anything is possible! She should urge them to stay in school, never give up, and always aim high! She also should get national media attention and have her beautiful face in Essence, Ebony, and Jet Magazines!

ERNEST: Thank you for your time and effort in sharing your story. Once again, congratulations on 25 years and all that you have accomplished since you were crowned Miss Black Deaf America!