By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published May 24, 2022 at 11:31 AM

Black Is Beautiful is a series of interviews with interesting, intelligent and immersed-in-their-passion local African American women.


In March of this year, Jada Davis became the first Black woman in history to win the title of Miss Milwaukee. Davis was chosen over eight other candidates during the first-ever "virtual" Miss Milwaukee Competition.    

As Miss Milwaukee, Davis received an $800 scholarship.

Davis was born, raised and educated in Milwaukee and she is extremely dedicated to the community. Currently, Davis, who is working towards her Juris Doctorate at Marquette University, is a law clerk. She is also a former dance instructor for the Boys & Girls Clubs which explains her nickname "The Dancing Lawyer."

Davis has volunteered for myriad organizations including Milwaukee Justice Center, Marquette Volunteer Law Clinic, YWCA, Black Youth Alliance, and Unity Gospel House of Prayer.

OnMilwaukee recently had the chance to chat with Davis about her roles, her future and her thoughts on Milwaukee.

OnMilwaukee: Where did you grow up and attend school? 

Jada Davis: I grew up on the North Side of Milwaukee. I attended the University of Wisconsin Green Bay for undergrad. I am currently enrolled at Marquette University Law School graduating in the spring of 2023. 

How did you get involved in pageants?

I competed in my first scholarship competition in February of this year with very little knowledge about what the program entailed and all that the Miss America Organization does to help young women earn scholarship dollars.

Someone from the program found my social media and I decided to try it out. After my first competition, which I didn't win a title, but still got a couple of awards, I decided to continue competing and do the Miss Milwaukee program competition. 

Why did you want to be "Miss Milwaukee"?

Milwaukee is my home. To have a leadership role in the city where I grew up is a unique opportunity. I wanted to serve as a representation and an inspiration for other young girls in our community.

I also wanted to have this role to broaden the impact of my initiative called "What's wrong with being confident." Lastly, this was an opportunity for me to earn scholarship dollars towards my legal education. 

What does your role as Miss Milwaukee entail? 

As Miss Milwaukee, I am involved in numerous service and outreach opportunities. The role consists of attending schools and youth clubs across the city, going to community events, hosting events related to my initiative and collaborating with groups in the city that have similar goals. 

How does your work as Miss Milwaukee make a difference?

Through my initiative, I help inspire and empower people to tap into their confidence! With these easy-to-apply methods that I speak about, people walk away knowing how to access their most confident self. If I can empower ONE person to take my tips and apply them, a difference is made in their life.

What are your goals for the future?

Some of my goals include: connect with 50 schools in Milwaukee; raise enough funds to sponsor a dance class for a group of youth in Milwaukee; raise funds to sponsor a future Miss Milwaukee scholarship; make the top 5 at the Miss Wisconsin competition 

What do you love about Milwaukee?

Milwaukee is a place with a lot of hidden gems. I like that the people across our city are so diverse and that I can experience different parts of cultures all in the same city. 

What is something you don't love about Milwaukee?

Our city is the most segregated in the nation. I would like to see policy changes to make Milwaukee more integrated in housing and schools. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I like to dance, workout, try new restaurants and play with my puppy, Cooper. 


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.