Edited By Clarissa Burton, Queen of the Pen

My faith, my struggles, and my triumphs have shaped me into the woman that I am today. I always knew that I had a calling, one that would change my life, and hopefully the lives of many other young women forever.

On January 2, 2013, I decided “IT WAS TIME”—time to put fear of ridicule, fear of the unknown, and fear of rejection to the side. On this day, I decided to launch a social media campaign. So, at 2 a.m. on January 2, 2013, The Black Bachelorette was born. “Why?” You may ask. Besides being an avid fan and having a history with the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise, I realized I had the chance to be a part of a CHANGE.

Let’s face it. Reality TV has not portrayed Black women in the most positive light. Now don’t get it twisted. Reality TV is seriously one of my guilty pleasures. However, the majority of reality TV shows focused around Black women who lack balance; and when all our young women see are display Black women lacking integrity and class, this becomes a problem.

So what did I do? I used the power of social media. My talents in modeling, ballet, gymnastics, as well as the creative minds of countless friends, my mission was to redefine the images of Black women. I decided I would do my best to be an inspiration to other young women by being a positive role model to whom they could look up to in the media—the type of role model who is normal yet as extraordinary as they are. I wanted them to see me as someone who is infamous, down to earth, and the girl next door. The social media platform allowed me to reach out to countless of young women. These young women became my “roses”.

I began this journey with the plan to change the image of Black women on reality TV and find LOVE. However, God had another plan in mind! Instead of receiving thousands of emails from eager men who were ready and willing to accept a rose (though I did receive a lot of those…lol), my inbox was flooded with messages from teens and tweens who shared their dreams, aspirations, and hopes! I was amazed! I thought, “Had I really inspired these young ladies by launching a social media campaign to be the “First Black Bachelorette? Wow!” So I said, “Okay. Here I go!”

My first plan of action was to announce a model call as well as sponsor a photo shoot and shopping spree for two deserving little ladies. Additionally, I sponsored a shoe drive, provided gymnastics tuition scholarships, and recently launched “Project Prom”—providing dresses and gowns to high school juniors and seniors who otherwise couldn’t afford a “BOMB” dress. I believe every girl deserves to feel like a queen on prom night!

My name is Dr. Misee Harris and I am AMERICA’s BLACK BACHELORETTE, a dentist, humanitarian, philanthropist, daughter, sister, and friend.

"What is your dream?"

Grace’s Dream: “Just three years ago I was adopted from Ethiopia and given the best gift I could have ever dreamt of, a family. Modeling was something that I never imagined I would have the opportunity to experience. My mom always said, “Grace, you cannot model until you are 13!” and three days before my birthday this dream came true! My mother told me that I had been chosen as one of the lucky ladies to attend a makeover, shopping spree, and photo shoot with of all people…..my dentist, Dr. Misee Harris! I was soooo pumped!”

Miranda’s Dream: “I have always wanted to be a fashion designer. Unlike my sister Grace, I didn’t take photos with my ipod in the mirror day in and day out! I didn’t know I even had it in me! As you can see by my picture, I proved everyone wrong, including myself! Now it is my dream to be a model! It makes me feel so free! I love it!”

Miranda Maas and Grace Maas are the daughters of Rebecca and Darren Maas. Rebecca Maas stated, “We are so blessed that Misee came into our lives. She has given my girls an amazing opportunity, one that they otherwise would not have had.”

Social Media Handles:

Twitter:
@miseeharris
@themodelmiranda
@gracemaasmodel

Websites:
www.miseeharris.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-Maas-Model/445154838893553?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Miranda-Maas-Model/113041268881671?fref=ts

Photography Credits:

Sandra Goble Burchett of Sandra Dee’s Photography~Nicholasville, KY http://www.sandradeesphotography.com/Photography_site/Nicholasville_and_Lexington_photographer-Welcome.html

Editing and Writing Credits:

Clarissa Burton, Queen of the Pen: http://www.thebwebloggersphere.com