Eighteen year old, Chaira Flanders, who is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing was recently crowned Ms. Black Cameron University, in Lawton Oklahoma. Flanders is said to have overwhelmed the audience with her stunning performing talent in the form of a monologue that ended as she sang the Aretha Franklyn song, R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Chaira is known to many as an exceptional performer – dancer, singer and dramatist.
While living in St. Kitts, she performed at her Dieppe Bay Wesleyan Holiness Church, at Maurice Hillier Junior Memorial School and the Washington Archibald High School.
Her father, George Flanders, said “Chaira has always been a great performer.”
“She could have just as easily pursued the performing arts as her major.
Her outstanding performance at Cameron University hypnotized the audience and earned her a full scholarship for her Bachelor’s Degree. Judges and others were mesmerized by her ability to command and engage the audience’s attention as she delivered her powerful message in monologue. She was equally impressive in her ambassadorial presentation that depicted Whoopi Goldberg, the famous black comedian, actor, singer-songwriter, political activist, and talk show host.
Chaira is the daughter of George Flanders a Technician at Electricity Department and Ivy Flanders a Teacher, who is also currently pursuing a Masters Degree at Cameron University.
Mr. George Flanders said the win and resulting prize was an answer to prayer given that he had had concerns about his daughter being able to continue her studies due to financial constraints. He added that the fact that she won during Black History Month was especially significant when considering the vast opportunities that are now available to persons of African descent from humble backgrounds. He applauded Chaira for always believing in herself and for the fact that she encourages her peers to reach for their dreams.
Her career ambition is to become a successful business woman, a part-time motivational speaker, a mentor and self respect enforcement activist. In August this year she competes for the title Ms Oklahoma State.
The multi-talented Chaira Flanders was strongly supported by the “Kittitian and Nevisian Massive” at Cameron University who are extremely proud of their college Queen.
The contest was held on February 5th.