BLACK BY GOD: Youth voices rising: A West Virginia teen queen asks what young people need to thrive

By Malia Courts | BBG, Youth Voices, Donate here

This story is part of Youth Voices Rising, a Black By God narrative-change project supported by The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation and produced in partnership with the Norman Jordan African American Arts and Heritage Academy at West Virginia State University.

When I represented West Virginia at Miss Black USA Nationals in Washington, D.C., I wanted to hear what other teen queens wished their communities understood about young people. I asked Abriel Goulding, Miss Black Alabama Talented Teen 2026, what she would create for families in her community if she had the chance.

Her answer was a family day. Goulding said some parents in her community work two or more jobs. She wants them to be able to spend a day with their children without having to think about overtime or the money they’d miss by taking time off. She sees that pressure on young people, too, especially when they work to help pay bills at home.

I also asked what issue she most wanted people to pay attention to. Goulding talked about literacy and how it feels to see students struggle to read when they need more guidance. She enjoys tutoring and believes reading can open doors for young people.

“Our knowledge is wealth!” she said.

Coming from a small town, Goulding sees pageantry as a way to speak up about the issues she cares about. Her platform, “Raise Your Standards, Not Your Fists,” focuses on domestic violence prevention. She said she has hosted wellness seminars and talked about recognizing warning signs in relationships and friendships.

She also wants young people to have more help making decisions about paying for college. At her university’s Get on Board Day, students can find campus organizations and attend leadership workshops. Goulding would add a session on student loans so students could understand interest rates and compare their options before borrowing.

I went to Nationals as a West Virginia teen queen, and I came home wanting to ask more young people what would make a difference for them. Goulding’s answers made me think about how much we’re expected to figure out while we’re still growing up. When I asked what she’d say to other teens, she talked about spending time with people we love and giving ourselves a chance to try new things.