Greater Washington Region Heart Walk 2014

With "Sneaky Salt"

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure to volunteer at this year’s Heart Walk at the National Mall in Washington D.C.  We could not have asked for a better day for the event and the turnout was impressive.

During my volunteer assignment, I encouraged participants to Take the Pledge to reduce their daily amount of sodium intake, which may reduce the chances of heart disease and stroke.

I had the opportunity to nice people and hear heartwarming stories from survivors and those remembering loved ones lost to this deadly killer.  I volunteered alongside a vibrant woman who has suffered two strokes and has since then been a volunteer with the AHA association.  She has a great spirit and was amazing to work with.

One of my memorable moments at this year's event was not only learning how to give CPR, but also to do so for a dog.  I was given lessons at the CPR Program Booth provided by the District of Columbia Fire and EMS.  

Giving instructions to participants.

Learning how to help a dog when it is choking.

Throughout my reign I will continue to promote this important cause, along with the Go Red for Women campaign.  Visit the GreaterWashington Region American Heart Association’s website for upcoming events!

 "Research has shown that people who volunteer often live longer."- Allen Klein

   Keia Brown

   Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Every Vote Counts!

Mid-Term Elections 2014

Today, November 4, 2014  is mid-term elections voting day.  Make your voice heard by participating in this election.  

History of Voting Rights Act

1867- 1866 Civil Rights Act of 1866 grants citizenship, but not the right to vote, to all native-born Americans.

1869- Congress passes the Fifteenth Amendment giving African American men the right to vote.

1940- Only 3% of eligible African Americans in the South are registered to vote.
Jim Crow laws like literacy tests and poll taxes were meant to keep African Americans from voting.

1965- President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act into law, permanently barring barriers to political participation by racial and ethnic minorities, prohibiting any election practice that denies the right to vote on account of race, and requiring jurisdictions with a history of discrimination in voting to get federal approval for changes in their election laws before they can take effect.

1982- President Ronald Reagan signed a 25-year extension of the Voting Rights Act.

2011- A record number of restrictions to voting were introduced in state legislatures nationwide, including photo ID requirements, cuts to early voting and restrictions to voter registration. Many of these states have histories of voter discrimination and are covered under the VRA.

Don't Make An Excuse! Vote today.  Our ancestors fought for us to make our voices heard through freedom of speech.  Don't let their years of fight and struggle go in vain.  They are counting on you!

To my Friends and Family: please take a selfie of you voting or with your "I Voted" sticker and tag me on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/keia.brown or on Twitter @MissDCIntl2015!


To find your voting place, please visit: http://www.vote411.org/
If you experience any problems during voting day, call: 1-866-OUR-VOTE

Credits: https://www.aclu.org/timeline-history-voting-rights-act 

Voting is a civic sacrament - the highest responsibility we have as Americans.- Christine Pelosi

 

Keia Brown

Miss District of Columbia International 2015

American Heart Association

Healthy Heart <3 

American Heart Association Go Red for Women Campaign

The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest, larges voluntary organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Mission: Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.  Our mission drives everything we do.  

The Mrs, Miss and Teen International Pageants continues to maintain an alliance with the Go Red for Women Campaign, an affiliate of the American Heart Association.

How Does This Effect Me?

In 2001, my beloved grandmother, Shirley Green died from chronic heart failure at the early age of 65.  In addition, 75% of my family members are currently at high risk for the disease.  It is my mission to participate and embrace opportunities within the American Heart Association to build a greater awareness of the disease and implement healthy strategies to reduce risks.  Knowing is key to a long-lasting life!

My Grandparents pictured with their grandchildren.

Reason to Volunteer...

Heart disease and stroke are the #1 cause of death in the Greater Washington region.  Join the American Heart Association's mission and become a volunteer, just as I did to build healthier lives in your community today!

Register here to volunteer! 

Every journey begins with a single step, but you'll never finish if you don't start.- Anonymous

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Representing the Nation's Capital

Keia Brown, Miss D.C. International 2015

What an honor to represent the nation's capital in the 2015 Miss International Pageant System.  As the new Miss District of Columbia International 2015, my primary function will be to proudly represent the International system, as well as promote my platform SponsorChange.Org, of paying back student loan debt through service.

Helping those give back, pay back!

Washington, D.C. is a district surrounding Maryland and Virginia full of history and culture, diversity, art, sports and our nation's capital.  A spectacular site in all four seasons, the District of Columbia is a tourist attraction for all ages!

Art/Culture
Freer Gallery of Art
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
National Gallery of Art

Education
American University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
University of District of Columbia

History
Lincoln Memorial
Martin  Luther King Jr. Memorial
Smithsonian Institution

Sports
Washington Nationals (MLB)
Washington Redskins (NFL)
Washington Wizards (NBA)

Visiting Washington, D.C. soon?  Check out www.washington.org for tours, events and must-see attractions!

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."--Nelson Mandela
Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015