This past November, I had the honor of being crowned Ms. Black Michigan 2018. Ms. Black USA is a newly established division of the Miss Black USA Organization for women ages 27 to 35. I  will spend my reign as Ms. Black Michigan focusing on child welfare as well as bringing awareness of the Flint water crisis.

The Miss Black USA organization was founded in 1986 by Karen Arrington and has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to date. I  will be competing for the title of Ms. Black USA in Washington DC this June. Having the opportunity to represent my state as Ms. Black Michigan is so much more than just a sparkly crown and a pretty sash. For me it’s about representing the issues that affect the city of Flint, my state and our country. My platform is child welfare for children across the world but especially those is under-served communities like my home town where many children are still experiencing a water crisis.

I am devoted to creating opportunities to enrich the lives of children in key areas including education, health and safety and I am proud to serve as Ms. Black Michigan 2018.

For more information, please visit http://www.msblackusa.com

Another Valentine’s Day has rolled around and no matter what your stance is on the holiday, it’s here to stay. This year, let’s collectively embrace it and explore ways to shower our loved ones with gifts that give back. Here are some traditional gift ideas that stand the test of time but with a charitable twist.

1. Compartes Chocolates – With luxury chocolates ranging in price from $9.95-$99.95, Compartes chocolates deliver a unique flavor profile that is hard to find anywhere else. Compartes Chocolates was founded in 1950 and offers chocolates for a cause, which supports relief efforts in Darfur. Browse their Valentine’s day selection here.

2. Lush – Lush serves up vegetarian, cruelty free and ethically produced bath and body products that smell amazing. Lush even offers a hand and body lotion called Charity Pot, of which 100% of the proceeds go to a grassroots organization.  Charity Pot has donated more than $15,000,000 to over 850 different charities since its inception in 2007. For totally luscious bath bombs, soaps and more, click here.

3. Married and Bright- Nothing says romance like beautiful handmade lingerie. At Married and Bright, not only does founder Annika Chaloff design and make each gorgeous piece, she has donated some of the proceeds to Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, The Women’s Center of Los Angeles and other nonprofit organizations. One of the most eye catching things about Married and Bright is that real women are wearing the lingerie. No retouching, no photoshop. Just real people with real bodies. See for yourself here

Whichever way  you choose to spoil your loved one this Valentine’s Day, you’ll touch their heart with a thoughtful gift that also benefits the community.

Maybe you are single or completely over frivolous gift giving. You can still embrace the concept of spreading love. There are several groups of people  you can acknowledge on Valentine’s day (or any day, quite frankly). Veterans, a local children’s hospital, or even a nursing home all make great candidates to be on the receiving end of a valentine. Remember those cute little boxes of valentines you would pick out in grade school to pass out to your classmates? Go and grab two or three of those and head over to one of the places named above. Trust me, this will be an unforgettable Valentine’s Day.