ST. LOUIS, Missouri, Aug. 15 -- St. Louis University issued the following news:

By Bridjes O'Neil

Tyler Lackland, a second-year medical student at Saint Louis University's School of Medicine, was named Miss Black Illinois USA 2024. Lackland will go on to compete next year in the national Miss Black USA 2024 pageant.

Lackland has competed since she was a child. Empowered by her experience, she clears up any misconceptions about pageantry.