The Ebony Fashion Fair

I was really excited to attend this one, since some of my friends have attended in years past.
It was sponsored by the Portland Chapter of The Links Inc. They also provided a community atmosphere by awarding various scholarships to 11 outstanding students. One of which was a soon to be Jefferson High School fellow alumnist and another was a fellow delegate in the MIss Black Oregon USA 2009 pageant. 2nd runner-up, Kalia Hatta Watts attended as well and I was happy to see them all. It was like a mini reunion.



The Ebony Fashion Fair is the world's largest traveling fashion show and was more than just a walk down the catwalk. The models danced and acted and entertained the audience! The fashions I saw were from many famous designers from Italy, France, The US, and Japan. I got so much inspiration I can't wait to design an evening gown that will blow the socks off the judges at the Miss Black USA pageant in August!


Myself and Johnnie Bell who is apart of the Portland Chapter of The Links Inc. team. She was more than gracious to her guests and it was a pleasure meeting and posing for photos with her.


Here's a familiar face I didn't expect to see! A Rose Festival coordinator from my Rose Princess days! I met her granddaughter, also in the photo, during our first family and friends event this time last year!



I think she should've been in the fashion show! She was looking very chic that night.

Reading to Children at Headstart.

On April 9th I got to attend the my favorite event to date:

Reading to the children at Albina Headstart.

These children were so precious and so full of energy. I was reminded of my job as an assistant to the reading teacher during the summer after my sophomore year in high school. They were so receptive to me and the reading games we played. I asked them to help me make up the story using a picture book that had no words. All the stories they came up with were wonderful and I could really see their eyes light up as they thought hard about ideas or eagerly raised their hands to let me know what came next in our story. This event has made the biggest impact on me so far because I love to work with children and watch their minds grow and they realize what kinds of amazing things they are capable of. My younger sister was the age of the children I read to, and as I see how much I influence her without really trying, I see the impact that I made upon the kids I read to as well. I think it's safe to say that giving they made an even bigger impact on me. Especially when nearly everyone (even the boys) tried to tiara we brought on.
When it was near time to go, the kids escorted me outside, then burst onto the playground to play. I held hands, tied shoelaces, and posed for a picture. As I look at the pictures, I'm thinking "I don't look very much like a beauty queen..."
But in reality, I'd never felt as beautiful as I had that day.

Thanks Albina Headstart!

Chelsea Elizabeth Deloney
Miss Black Oregon USA 2009

A Sunbeam - A play I attended at the IFCC

I got some photos from the production i saw of "A Sunbeam", directed by Trish Egan.
It's the story of an epileptic man, his mother who has a heart condition, and the big theme that stuck with me was sacrifice.
I recommend everyone see it and tell everyone they know.

There are shows playing now until April 25th at the IFCC (Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center).
Visit: Ifccarts.com for more information.


Myself and Kenneth Dembo, who plays the lead "Sol"


Myself and Andrea White who plays "Kim"

Pageant Footage!

Here's some footage of the pageant's top 5! I had sooo much fun!

The Journey Begins...

Everyday I wake up and glance at my queen's crown. Flashbacks of the laughs, the tears, the bonding time with 15 beautiful, talented, and caring black women. This may be mushy or too sentimental, but it was most definitely a dream come true for me. I attend a school where i've seen maybe 15 black students since starting in the fall of '08 as a freshman. Don't get me wrong, I love Concordia University, but being a Miss Black Oregon delegate felt like being wrapped in a warm and familiar quilt. All of me was in this to become Miss Black Oregon, but slowly, I started seeing it as a time spent with girls who were becoming both my "sisters" and my "sistahs" in a very real way. 

I don't know if being a true, home-gown, and green Oregon will distort the views toward me being the symbol of black women striving from success. Sometimes I think coming from a small community with people always reminding me of who I am will work in my favor. Growing up in Oregon, I've known I was different for a while now. It's not only because of my rich culture, but because of my ideals, my passion, and my compassion. 

So, with that said, I am more than proud to represent evergreen trees, roses, my community, and every city from Astoria to Ashland and everywhere in between.  I am walking into this with and open mind and an open heart.

Chelsea Deloney
Miss Black Oregon USA 2009