WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Miss Black USA Organization is thrilled to announce that 17-year-old Legacy Jackson of Missouri has been officially crowned Miss Black USA Talented Teen. Representing the Show-Me State, Jackson captivated the judges with her academic brilliance, exceptional dance talent, and an unparalleled resume of national community leadership.
Jackson, a resident of St. Louis and a high-achieving junior at Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School, embodies the essence of the modern, multi-hyphenate teenager. Maintaining a 3.75 GPA while simultaneously pursuing an associate degree at St. Louis Community College, Jackson has proven that her work ethic is unmatched.
"Legacy Jackson is a radiant example of the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of young Black women today," said the Miss Black USA National Director. "She is not just representing her state; she is representing a future generation of empathetic, global leaders. We are incredibly proud to welcome her to the Miss Black USA sisterhood."
Jackson’s platform is rooted in a lifetime of service. At just 15 years old, she founded Little Legacies, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to mobilize children into volunteerism. Her extraordinary philanthropic efforts include accumulating over 5,000 hours of community service, which earned her the Lifetime Presidential Service Award in January 2025. She has been formally recognized by the White House, the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate, and was featured in People Magazine as a global changemaker.
Turning personal tragedy into purpose, Jackson is also the published author of Bubbles for Brendon—a grief-coping book written in memory of her late brother, Brendon Ogunnaike, who passed away from Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. Her innate ability to inspire others led her to become the youngest person in the state of Missouri to deliver a TEDx Talk.
Beyond her activism, Jackson is a celebrated dancer who has trained at the prestigious Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles and the Junior Division of The Ailey School in New York. She currently performs with two pre-professional companies at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA). Her leadership extends to the national executive level, where she sits on the Girl Scouts of the USA National Board of Directors, advocating for 13 million girls.
As the newly crowned Miss Black USA Talented Teen, Jackson will spend her reign traveling the country, advocating for youth empowerment, and advancing her mission to inspire the next generation to build their own legacies of service. Jackson aspires to become a professional broadcast journalist to continue sharing stories of hope and triumph across the globe.
To learn more about Legacy Jackson's journey or to book her for appearances, please contact the Miss Black USA Organization or visit her nonprofit at www.littlelegaciescommunityservice.org.
About Miss Black USA
The Miss Black USA Pageant is the first and oldest scholarship pageant for young Black women, awarding over $500,000 in scholarships to date. The organization empowers women to use their voices, celebrate their unique beauty, and become leaders in their communities and professions.
