Zara Johnson Could Be First Black Mrs. America

Mrs. Illinois, Zara Johnson, will compete to become the next Mrs. America later this week. If she wins, the breast cancer survivor will be the first Black person to hold the title. Already the oldest Mrs. Illinois in the history of that event, Mrs. Johnson, 58, a resident of Plainfield, Ill., will be cheered by a huge team of friends and family as she competes in the swimsuit, evening gown and personal interview segments of the competition.

The finals of the Mrs. America pageant will be held April 12, at The Greenbrier, the renowned National Historic landmark resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.The pageant will feature a distinguished panel of judges comprised of entertainment, community and business leaders.

"As you can probably imagine, I'm experiencing an unbelievably exciting time of my life right now." Mrs. Johnson announced to family and friends. "From the moment I decided to go for the Mrs. Illinois 2011 title, I've received nothing but love, it is this same spirit of friendship, unity and optimism that I go for the gold -- Mrs. America 2011 -- which would simply mean the world to me, my family, friends and colleagues."

The Mrs. America pagent will be televised on The Family Channel cable network on Mother's Day, May 8, 2011.