Nationwide — Frederick Douglass Academy (FDA I) located in Harlem, New York was buzzing with excitement as students gathered for a remarkable event—an inspiring visit from the Reigning Miss Black America, Ashley Marie Myatt. The event was held on September 16, 2024, in conjunction with the Mentoring in Medicine program. A collaboration that brought a unique blend of empowerment, education, and mentorship to the students, aiming to foster both academic excellence and personal growth.
Miss Black America’s presence at Frederick Douglass Academy was more than just a ceremonial appearance. Partnering with Mentoring in Medicine, a non-profit dedicated to supporting students from underrepresented communities in pursuing medical and healthcare careers, the visit focused on cultivating leadership, self-confidence, and academic ambition among students.
The event began with a captivating keynote address by Miss Black America, whose words resonated deeply with the audience. She shared her personal journey, one that included overcoming obstacles and maintaining an unwavering focus on her goals. Ms.Myatt is an accomplished Veterinarian Technician with over ten years of experience. While addressing the students, Ms.Myatt shared that her goal is to become a Veterinarian and that she would like to open a one-stop animal hospital that would allow for integrated management of animals.
“You have the power to change the world,” she told the students. “With determination, education, and the right support, you can achieve anything—whether it’s becoming a veterinarian, an entrepreneur, or the next Miss Black America.”
“The Miss Black America organization is dedicated to uplifting and inspiring young Black women and men to pursue their dreams unapologetically,” added Aleta Anderson, Executive Producer of Miss Black America. “Our goal is to provide representation, foster confidence, and help them break barriers, knowing they are powerful, capable, and deserving of success in every aspect of life.”
Mentoring in Medicine: Guiding Future Healthcare Leaders
Representatives from Mentoring in Medicine also spoke on the importance of Healthcare professions, especially for students of color. They highlighted the disparity in representation within the medical field and the need for more Black and Latino professionals to help address health inequities in underserved communities.
Students were introduced to various healthcare career paths, ranging from doctors and nurses to biomedical engineers and public health advocates. They were also informed about mentorship programs, internships, and scholarships available through Mentoring in Medicine to help them on their academic journey.
Interactive Workshops on Animal Care
After the main presentation, Miss Black America surprised students with a hands-on lesson in animal care by introducing them to a gentle rabbit, lovely named Hershey Fullerton Douglass. She demonstrated how to properly hold and care for the rabbit, explaining the importance of being calm and gentle when handling small animals. Students learned to support the rabbit’s body securely while making sure it felt safe and comfortable.
Miss Black America emphasized the responsibility that comes with caring for animals, teaching the students how regular feeding, grooming, and providing a safe environment are essential for the rabbit’s well-being. Through this experience, she not only imparted practical skills but also instilled a sense of empathy and compassion in the students.
The rabbit was ultimately donated to the school, where it now resides under the care of librarian Mr. Ma. “I couldn’t be more excited about the rabbit joining our library family,” said Mr. Ma. “It’s going to spark curiosity and give our students a hands-on experience with animal care. I think it’s a wonderful way to blend learning and nurturing, and I can already see how much joy it will bring to everyone who visits.”
Real-World Inspiration: Student Testimonials
Students from Frederick Douglass Academy were deeply impacted by the event. Many expressed newfound interest in the healthcare field, as well as a stronger sense of purpose regarding their future.
“I never thought about becoming a veterinarian before today,” one student admitted. “But hearing from both Miss Black America and the people from Mentoring in Medicine made me realize that it’s possible. They really made me feel like I can achieve something great.”
Another student, already set on pursuing a career in healthcare, said the event gave her the motivation to push even harder. “Seeing so many people who look like me succeeding in medicine, and hearing Miss Black America talk about overcoming obstacles—it just made me realize that nothing is impossible.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
The collaboration between Miss Black America and Mentoring in Medicine proved to be a powerful combination for the students of Frederick Douglass Academy. Both organizations brought a message of hope, resilience, and opportunity, reinforcing the school’s mission to uplift and empower its students including the school motto “nothing is impossible”
As students left the event, many with new goals and aspirations, the impact of Miss Black America’s visit and Mentoring in Medicine’s mentorship was clear. It wasn’t just a day of inspiration; it was the start of a journey toward success for many students—one filled with the promise of brighter futures, guided by mentorship, education, and the belief that anything is possible.
“Having Miss Black America at Frederick Douglass Academy is a truly transformative experience for our students,” said Principal Fullerton. “Her message of resilience and empowerment resonates deeply, reminding them that they have the potential to be leaders and change-makers. We’re grateful for the opportunity to foster such meaningful connections.”
This event will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Frederick Douglass Academy, as students continue to strive for greatness in both their academic and personal lives, emboldened by the knowledge that they have the support of their community behind them.
If you would like Miss Black America to make an appearance at your next event please visit MissBlackAmerica.com. You can learn more about Mentoring in Medicine at MedicalMentor.org
