Dr. Chanelle S. Reynolds, a Delaware native and accomplished sports industry professional, has been officially crowned Ms. Black DC 2026. The pageant is part of the Miss Black USA organization, a national scholarship competition founded in 1987 to highlight the achievements, leadership, and cultural impact of Black women across the United States.
Reynolds earned the title in her first-ever pageant competition. As Ms. Black DC 2026, she will represent the District of Columbia at the upcoming Miss Black USA national pageant, scheduled for August.
About Ms. Black DC and Miss Black USA
The title of Ms. Black DC is one of the official state and district titles within the Miss Black USA system. The Miss Black USA Pageant consists of three divisions:
- Miss (ages 19–27)
- Ms. (ages 28–45)
- Talented Teen (ages 14–19)
Reynolds competes within the Ms. division, which recognizes women who demonstrate professional accomplishment, community service, leadership, and personal development.
Since its founding, the Miss Black USA organization has awarded over $700,000 in scholarships and continues to emphasize education, health advocacy, and empowerment initiatives. The Miss Black USA system includes scholarship awards such as a full-ride merit scholarship to the University of the District of Columbia for the Miss division winner and a full-ride tuition scholarship to Delaware State University for the Talented Teen winner.
Background of Dr. Chanelle S. Reynolds
Dr. Reynolds was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. She is a graduate of Howard High School of Technology and an alumna of Delaware State University, where she completed her undergraduate education. Earlier this year, she earned her doctorate from Wilmington University.
Professionally, Reynolds serves as the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, the first individual to hold that position within the organization. She began her sports career with the Philadelphia 76ers’ NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, and later helped launch the Washington Commanders’ Group Sales Department. She also contributed to establishing the franchise’s first Black Employee Resource Group.
Outside of her corporate work, Reynolds is an author, international speaker, and podcast host. She has published two books, completed two TED Talks — including one at the University of South Africa — and hosts The Success Playbook Podcast, which is part of the REVOLT Podcast Network.
She currently resides in the DMV area but returns to Delaware weekly to visit family and continue involvement in her home church community.
Pageant Platform
As Ms. Black DC 2026, Reynolds will promote her official platform, Game ChangeHers, a program focused on increasing representation and career access for Black women and girls in the professional sports industry. The initiative emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and pathways to leadership roles across sports organizations.
Next Steps
Reynolds will continue her duties as Ms. Black DC throughout 2026 and prepare to compete for the national Ms. Black USA title. The national competition will bring together titleholders from states and districts across the country for a series of judged categories including personal interview, platform presentation, fitness, talent (if applicable), and evening gown.
If successful at the national level, she will hold the Ms. Black USA 2026 title and serve as a national ambassador for the organization’s educational, health, and empowerment initiatives.
