Meharry medical student wins Miss Black USA title

Orthopedic surgery is her dream, as is helping the underserved.

By Myrle Croasdale, AMNews staff. Sept. 24, 2007.

Kalilah Allen-Harris entered the Miss Black USA contest for the chance to win a scholarship and trim her medical school loans.

As an added bonus, she received a free trip to Gambia, courtesy of the Gambian government. The country sponsored the pageant as part of its efforts to promote tourism and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the television series "Roots."

But the biggest bonus for the medical student turned out not to be winning the contest -- which was spectacular in itself -- but the Gambian government surprising her with a full med school scholarship. That was on top of the $20,000 crowning prize.

Allen-Harris expects her bill at Meharry Medical College in Nashville to total $150,000 by graduation.

"My mouth was open. 'I don't believe you,' " Allen-Harris said of her reaction. "My mother cried. Everybody was so excited."

As Miss Black USA, Allen-Harris, a type 1 diabetic, is traveling the U.S. this year to raise diabetes awareness and encourage young students to pursue their dreams. The 10-year-old, community-driven pageant's mission is to support educational opportunities and develop and promote national leadership among African-American women.

Allen-Harris has taken leave from her second year at Meharry to meet her responsibilities, but it is only a temporary break. She said she always wanted to be a physician -- inspired in part by her father, who is a retired family physician. She is looking forward to when she can focus on that goal full time.