By Thompson Perry

Some people can talk about themselves for hours. Others avoid compliments like gunfire. And then there’s graduate student Andrea Reynolds.

Reynolds has the rare combination of confidence and humility and will be representing the state of Kentucky in the prestigious pageant for young African-American women, Miss Black USA.

The pageant, now in its 20th year, is nationally recognized as the “celebration of a woman’s mind, body and spirit.”

Standards for participation are unapologetically lofty, requiring contestants that possess beauty, talent and intellect.

“I am competing against some of the most intelligent and talented black women in this country,” said Reynolds, a music school teaching assistant, “and when I win, I will represent my culture on a national level.”

If she is nervous, Reynolds is not showing it.

Her words show no compromise, her face no indication of fear or hesitation.

Rather, she is incredibly poised in the face of this challenge.

“I definitely realize the situation I’m entering in to, and it’s not to be taken lightly. I am staying on top of my game and I also solicit my mother, my life-long coach, as a critic,” said Reynolds.

Reynolds has been participating in pageants since the age of fifteen, even nabbing the title of First Runner-Up at the 2003 National Miss Black and Gold Pageant.

Armed with the kind of comfort and self-assurance that only past experience can provide, Reynolds will travel to West Africa this summer to make her bid for Miss Black USA 2007.

Reynolds said she believes she has a real chance at the crown, and, perhaps even more telling, so do those who know her.

“The one thing I can say about Andrea is that her dedication level is above just about anything I have ever seen before,” said Lawrence Watkins, Director of Great Black Speakers.

“I never understood how she could balance two jobs with school and all of the other extra-curricular activities she does,” said Watkins. Miss Black USA should be extremely proud to have Andrea as a contestant in their pageant.”

As her friends and family offer similar praise, the 25-year-old recognizes the social responsibility that overrides the glitz and glamour of the pageant.

Reynolds said she envisions the Miss Black USA position as a medium through which to uplift African-American youth in despair, as well as a way to promote the American Diabetes Association.

“With or without the title of Miss Black USA, I am dedicating my life to being a person that will make a difference,” said Reynolds.