Nia Franklin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nia Franklin
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Franklin at the 2018 Military Bowl
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Nia Imani Franklin
July 27, 1993 |
| Education | East Carolina University (BM) University of North Carolina School of the Arts (MM) |
| Height | 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Title | Miss Five Boroughs 2018 Miss New York 2018 Miss America 2019 |
| Term | September 9, 2018 – December 19, 2019 |
| Predecessor | Cara Mund |
| Successor | Camille Schrier |
Nia Imani Franklin (born July 27, 1993) is an American composer and a former beauty pageant winner. She became Miss New York in June 2018. Later, on September 9, 2018, she won the title of Miss America 2019. She was crowned in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
In 2019, something special happened. Nia Franklin's win meant that all four major U.S. beauty pageants were won by black women. The other winners were Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe), Kaliegh Garris (Miss Teen USA), and Cheslie Kryst (Miss USA).
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About Nia Franklin's Early Life and School
Nia Franklin was born on July 27, 1993. She is the oldest child of James and Kristy Franklin. She has two younger siblings, a sister named Bailey and a brother named J.D.
Nia's High School and College Years
Nia finished North Davidson High School in Welcome, North Carolina, in 2011. After high school, she went to East Carolina University. She studied music composition there and earned her degree in 2015.
During her first year at East Carolina University, Nia's father became very sick. He needed a special treatment called a stem cell transplant. Nia was a match and donated her stem cells to help him. This helped her father get better.
After East Carolina, Nia continued her studies. She went to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). In 2017, she earned her master's degree, also in music composition. She even wrote an opera called King Solomon, which was performed in 2015. Nia later moved to New York City. She became a fellow with the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, focusing on education.
Nia's Work Helping Others
While at UNCSA, Nia was part of ArtistCorps. This program helps bring artists into schools and community centers. They work with students who might not have many chances to experience art.
After moving to New York, Nia kept helping others. She worked with Success Academy Charter Schools. She even started a music club for students there. She also partnered with Sing For Hope, a non-profit group in New York City.
Nia's Journey in Pageants
Nia Franklin has competed in several beauty pageants. These competitions often offer scholarships and a chance to share important messages.
Starting Out in Pageants
When Nia was a student at East Carolina University, she won the Miss Black and Gold scholarship pageant. This event was organized by the university's Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. She also competed in the Miss North Carolina pageant in both 2016 and 2017. In both years, Nia made it to the top 10 finalists. She also won an award for her talent performance.
Becoming Miss New York 2018
In June 2018, Nia competed as Miss Five Boroughs 2018. This was at the Miss New York 2018 pageant. She won awards for her talent and swimsuit performances. She also won the award for her interview. On June 30, 2018, she was crowned Miss New York 2018. The event took place at Shea's Theatre in Buffalo, New York.
Winning Miss America 2019
Nia represented New York at the Miss America 2019 competition. It was held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The competition took place on September 9, 2018. Nia's main message was "Advocating for the Arts." This meant she wanted to speak up for the importance of art education.
For the talent part of the competition, Nia sang "Quando m'en vò." This is a famous song from the opera La bohème. In the final round, judge Laila Ali asked Nia a question. She wanted to know how being Miss New York helped her prepare for Miss America. Nia had 20 seconds to answer. She talked about moving a lot in New York and dealing with high rent. She explained how she had to work hard in her life. Nia said, "I have New York grit." She also mentioned her Lincoln Center fellowship as an artist. She was excited to share her message about supporting the arts. Nia wanted to make sure all students could get a good education in the arts.
Nia won the Miss America title. The first runner-up was Miss Connecticut 2018, Bridget Oei. Miss America 2018, Cara Mund, crowned Nia on September 9, 2018. Along with the title, Nia also received a $50,000 scholarship. Nia Franklin is the seventh Miss New York to win the Miss America title.
