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February 2, 2005 Know Your Rebels: Erika Harold
Age: 23 Representing: Urbana, Illinois Why You Should Fear Her: Ms. Harold is no joke. In 2003, she deferred acceptance into Harvard Law school after being crowned Miss America. With her primary platform being "Preventing Youth Violence and Bullying: Protect Yourself, Respect Yourself," she faced a firestorm of controversy at the beginning of her reign, when she wanted to publicly discuss her past platforms of abstinence education. The Miss America Organization attempted to bully her into not discussing the "Sexual Abstinence" platform, but Harold did not relent. In response to pressure to back down from one of her platforms, Harold said the following "One of my jobs as Miss America is to be a role model to young people and to provide them with my story as an example of how they can achieve positive things in their lives. My personal commitment to abstinence from drugs, sex and alcohol in my opinion helped me to accomplish many of my goals. If I were prevented from speaking about that I think it would be very disingenuous in terms of serving as a role model."Nothing more to say there. Harold has worked closely with Project Reality, a nonprofit organization promoting abstinence. She also spoke at the last RNC and has worked on many political initiatives. She's a classically trained vocalist, a brilliant student, and can work an evening gown better than the average woman. Most importantly, she's a no-joke, on point, pull no-punches, woman of God. Oh, and she's gorgeous. Accomplishments: Erika is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Illinois, a three time member of the National Dean's List, a National Spokesperson for the Teen Victims Project of the National Center for Victims of Crime, and a member of the National Board of Directors for the Center of Youth as Resources. She has received numerous academic and community awards. She currently attends Harvard Law School and hopes to pursue a career in public interest law and public policy. Harold is also a classically trained vocalist. Press/Interviews: NPR Interview, Woman's Touch, Salon.com, Young Money, The Black Collegian Other Rebels: Farrah Gray, Hans Zeiger, Adam Hunter, Dwight Howard, Sheri Valera, Princella Smith Comments Posted by: mj at February 2, 2005 5:53 PM We need many more classy women like this who aren't afraid to speak up about what they know is right. Erika is to be respected and honored for standing strong in the face of controversy. What a lady! :) Posted by: Janna at February 3, 2005 6:54 AM Another great singer, Allison Kraus, is also from that area (she could be from Urbana, but might be Champaign). Ms. Harold also graduated from an outstanding school (er, um, my alma mater too!). I hope she has continued success in advocating abstinence and showing young people there's a better way. Posted by: MarcV at February 3, 2005 9:16 AM Give everything its time. Posted by: Walter E. Wallis at February 3, 2005 11:49 AM This woman is destined to achieve great things. I hope folks will cut her some slack when she is found to have human weakness. You can bet your buns the left will do anything imaginable to stop her if she chooses public policy as a career. She will prevail... Vann Posted by: Vanyogan at February 4, 2005 8:15 AM |
 "...playful philosophizing" Dan Leroy, National Review Online
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Name: Erika Harold
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I live in Illinois, and can verify that she's the real deal. She's also against abortion, and supported the most conservative candidate for governor. She has a lot of guts.