1st runner-up 2022, 2nd runner-up 2021, Semi-finalist 2020
A native of Lee’s Summit, Autumn Black was crowned Miss Missouri USA on 21 May 2023 and represented Missouri at Miss USA 2023 in Reno, Nevada. Autumn has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Master of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University of Missouri. She was a runner-up twice on her road to the crown.
Hailing from Lee’s Summit, MO, Autumn Black is bringing vibrant energy to the “Show Me” state as she confidently steps into her reigning title as Miss Missouri USA 2023.
At just 24 years old, she has conquered the pageant scene, showcasing her remarkable skills and philanthropy. Autumn’s journey in pageantry began in 2017, and since then, she has continued to inspire and uplift young women in her community.
It all started with the Miss Black & Gold Scholarship pageant in 2017, where she placed 1st Runner-Up and earned the title of Miss 1906. This ignited her passion for uplifting young women and led her to the Miss USA organization and local pageants, where she continued to shine and win titles including Miss Queen of Hearts 2021, Miss Merry Christmas 2021 and ultimately Miss Missouri USA 2023. In her 4 years of competing for Miss Missouri USA, she’s placed in the Top 15, 2nd Runner Up, 1st Runner Up, and now, Miss Missouri USA 2023.
The University of Missouri (Mizzou) graduate holds a Bachelor’s of Journalism degree in Convergence Journalism with a minor in Business Administration. Shortly after undergrad, she began her Master’s of Science in Business at Mizzou. Her passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences led her to excel in news publications, honing her skills and making her mark in the media industry.
During her time at Mizzou, Autumn immersed herself in the world of news and media, working with renowned publications such as E23, NBC-Affiliate KOMU News, The Global Journalist, Missouri Business Alert, Las Vegas Review-Journal, CalMatters, and more. She also took on leadership roles, serving as Vice President of the National Association of Black Journalists, Secretary of the Delta Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and VP of Communications for the Alumni Association Student Board.
These positions inspired her to pursue marketing internships and landed her dream full-time role as a social media manager at Oracle, one of the world’s largest technology companies. With the Silicon Valley-based Big Tech company, Autumn combines her flair for marketing and branding as a leader for global teams. Balancing creativity and leadership, Autumn now hosts a show with the company, titled “Tech-Z,” a mini-series inspiring early career professionals and students to embrace their next steps.
Beyond her dazzling achievements, Autumn has always had a larger-than-life purpose. She discovered her voice through singing and graced stages across Missouri and Kansas from a young age. She even served as an Anchor and Reporter for her high school’s Titan Television, earning national accolades. This led her to start her YouTube channel, OhSoAutumn, during her sophomore year of high school in 2012, to inspire young women around the globe. OhSoAutumn now stands at over 200,000 lifetime viewers. But, Autumn’s influence extends beyond the spotlight.
Autumn’s commitment to philanthropy is just as remarkable as her career accomplishments. As the founder of “The Flawless Movement”, and an advocate for women with the hashtag, “#advocateHER”, she continues to provide resources for students to become career-ready and tech-savvy, empowering them to embrace their full potential. With her crown shining brightly, Autumn is ready to represent her home state and the community that raised her throughout this year as Miss Missouri USA, culminating in competing on the prestigious Miss USA stage.
The on-stage moments, the tension of the final two and the glory of the crowning, here are Autumn’s state pageant photos.
Lights, camera, action! Professional photoshoots are one of the perks that comes from winning a title.
Autumn started her pageant journey with a semi-finalist placement in the 2020 event. She was second runner-up to Joye Forrest in 2021 and first runner-up to Mikala McGhee last year.
