09/20/2026
The Sisterhood of Miss Black America (SOMBA), since 1968. The Miss Black America Pageant has spurred many relationships with intimate memorable journey stories. Also, with sweeping, enormous, romantic success stories. What's your Miss Black America story? Or, Register Today to Join the Sisterhood of Miss Black America before Deadlines. https://www.missblackamerica.com/pageant-registry Little Miss ages 7-12, Miss Black America Teen, ages 13-16, Miss Black America ages 17-29, Ms. Black America age 30 to 54 and YES!, Senior Miss Black America ages 55 and over.
☆Miss Black America of All Time, Sylvia Traymore Morrison shares an Emotional Miss Black America Sisterhood Story:
"I’m one of those people who often pray for the families of my friends who have passed and try to keep them in my prayers.
Today, I thought of my friend Minnie Cohen. I remember writing this tribute to her when she died. I saw it again today. I thought I would share it again in her memory because I miss her. Rest in peace Minnie you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I remember when I met her back in the early 1970’s. I was 19 years old. We were contestants in the Miss Black DC Pageant. One young woman was headed to the nationals of the Miss Black America Pageant. There was a crew of us but one of the contestants and I became friends right from day one.
Minnie Cohen was a quiet, soft spoken soul. Her kindness was deep rooted and for whatever reason we hit it off.
That first evening after rehearsal I bid my farewell to the over 140 some ladies who were competing for the title.
“Which way are you going?” She asked.
“I live on 14th and Shepherd St., NW.”
“Oh wow! You live not too far from me. I live uptown too. I can give you a ride if you’d like.”
And that was the beginning of our friendship.
We have since shared our children, met each other’s parents and family, hung out together and just recently went hand dancing at the VFW in Suitland after Minnie insisted that we go. I had a ball with her and some of our old friends that night. When Theodore Maduro asked me to hand dance Minnie laughed so hard because she remembered the crush I had on him way back in the day. No way was I going to dance with him and end up looking like a fool. Minnie took the weight off by hitting the floor with Ted. She didn’t like for me to be uncomfortable about anything.
I am blessed to know quite a few people, however not one of my friends exhibited what Minnie did. She always wanted the best for me. Always. Even in the pageant we had the same dress. (See attached picture with both of us in yellow). She insisted I wear the shawl and she not wear hers. She wanted me to be comfortable because she believed I should win. She whispered in my ear right before I was introduced “I hope you win.” I just stared at her because she was a contestant too, but she wanted me to win. It made my heart sing.
Minnie didn’t make it to the top 15 that night but she stood on the sidelines and rooted for me the entire pageant. I never forgot that. At the end of the pageant, her parents came on stage and presented Minnie with a trophy and said to her “You’re our Miss Black America.” The smile on her face not only made me cry but let me know she was from good stock.
When I learned of her death earlier tonight, I immediately broke down and cried. I’m going to miss my good friend. I really am.
Thank you for reading this. I haven’t been able to sleep at all tonight. I keep thinking that an angel left us. I’m so sad about it but one thing I know for sure, the other angels have welcomed her with open arms.
May God bless your soul Minnie. Don’t forget to drop a few Jellybeans and always remember, I never, ever had a friend like you. Never. I will miss you. I often wonder if you sent Renee Starlynn Allen to help ease the pain of missing you since you both remind me of how beautiful humility is. Thank you Minnie for everything. I Love and miss you. Love - Sylvia".
J Morris Anderson
Sylvia Traymore Morrison
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