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Who We Are

Southwest Riverside County-Inland Empire Juneteenth Organization (SWRC-IEJC).

Founded in March 2022, the Southwest Riverside County-Inland Empire Juneteenth Organization (SWRC-IEJ) is dedicated to enhancing Black awareness and celebrating Black culture within Southwest Riverside County and the surrounding Inland Empire region. Our mission is to elevate and showcase Black heritage through a variety of impactful and engaging activities, including professional entertainment, educational workshops, and ceremonial events.



Our Objectives:

Promote Black Awareness and Culture
Music and Entertainment: We host events featuring Gospel and Jazz music, showcasing professional entertainers to celebrate and preserve Black musical traditions.


Educational Workshops: Our gospel workshops, led by accomplished ministers of music, offer community members opportunities to learn and engage with the rich history and practice of gospel music.

 


Celebrate Black Leaders:
Ceremonial Events: We recognize and honor Black leaders and community figures through special events and ceremonies, highlighting their contributions and inspiring others.
Our Organization:

SWRC-IEJ: is composed of dedicated members residing throughout Riverside County and neighboring areas. Our diverse membership reflects the vibrant communities we serve and supports our mission through active participation and collaboration.



Our Goals:

Promote Unity: We strive to foster a sense of unity across all communities in our region, bringing people together through shared cultural experiences and collaborative activities.
Provide Unique Opportunities: Our events offer unique and exciting opportunities for family involvement, community engagement, and personal growth.


Encourage Networking and Professional Development: We aim to facilitate networking opportunities and professional development through our various programs and events, helping individuals connect and grow within their fields of interest.


Our Vision:

SWRC-IEJC envisions a community where Black culture is celebrated, respected, and integrated into the broader cultural fabric of Riverside County and the Inland Empire. We are committed to creating meaningful experiences that bring people together, honor our heritage, and support the ongoing development of our communities.

For more information about our organization, upcoming events, or how to get involved, please visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can celebrate and advance Black culture and community. We Promote Unity in the Community.

 

 

 

 

Founder

Mrs. Lowona Crawford: Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SWRC-IEJC and Miss Empire USA Pageant

Mrs. Lowona Crawford is a distinguished leader and the Chief Executive Officer of both the Miss Empire USA Pageant and the Southwest Riverside County-Inland Empire Juneteenth Organization (SWRC-IEJC). With over fifteen years of expertise in professional pageantry and a deep commitment to community service, Mrs. Crawford exemplifies leadership and dedication.

Early Life and Career:

Growing up in a family entrenched in the entertainment industry, Mrs. Crawford's early exposure to TV commercials and fashion shows set the stage for her future endeavors. Her achievements as the first Black History Queen of Riverside, California, during high school were just the beginning. Mrs. Crawford pursued a degree in business at California State University, San Bernardino, where she also studied fashion.

Her professional journey took her across the globe, managing formalwear stores in Japan and the United States. She dressed high-ranking officials and their families, producing fashion shows in Okinawa. Her flair for style and confident demeanor made her a sought-after figure in the world of pageantry.

Community Impact and Non-Profit Work:

Upon returning to California, Mrs. Crawford’s focus shifted to community service. She found profound satisfaction in giving back, particularly when she saw the transformative impact of pageantry on her daughter, Rikayah. This experience ignited her passion for empowering young women and fostering self-esteem.

In 2009, Mrs. Crawford, with her daughter as her assistant, launched the Tri-Valley Pageants. The success of these events led to a broader expansion, mentoring several young women who went on to achieve titles such as Miss California and Miss USA state and national crowns.

In 2014, Mrs. Crawford furthered her impact by establishing the Miss California Regional State Pageant, which evolved into the Miss Empire USA Pageant in 2019. This national competition, featuring a multi-phase format, aims to celebrate poise, grace, and self-confidence while providing a platform for women of all backgrounds to excel.

Founder of SWRC-IEJC:

As the founder of SWRC-IEJC, Mrs. Crawford has created a platform to celebrate Black heritage and promote community unity. SWRC-IEJC hosts a variety of impactful events, including:

Women’s and Men’s Conferences: Providing empowerment and professional development.
Gospel Concerts: Showcasing the rich tradition of Gospel music.
Community Awards Banquets: Recognizing outstanding local leaders.
Graduation Ceremonies and Scholarship Luncheons: Celebrating academic achievements and supporting students.
Coats for Kids Initiative:

Mrs. Crawford is also deeply involved in philanthropic work through the Coats for Kids initiative. This program, which has impacted communities throughout Southern California, focuses on providing winter coats to children in need. The 2023 theme, "COATS 4 KIDZ," will feature the Red & Gold Charity Ball, highlighting the organization's commitment to community service. This event is an opportunity to give back, foster confidence, and improve public speaking skills among participants.

Personal Philosophy:

Mrs. Crawford’s motto, "A Person who loves God, Trusts God, not perfect, but yet is forgiven," reflects her personal values and approach to life. Her faith and commitment to serving others underpin her work and dedication to making a positive difference in the community.

Family and Personal Life:

Mrs. Crawford is supported by her husband, Marvin, a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. They celebrate over thirty years of marriage, three children, and two grandsons, surrounded by a supportive extended family and a network of enthusiastic friends.

In summary, Mrs. Lowona Crawford’s multifaceted career, from her influential role in pageantry to her extensive community service, showcases her dedication to empowering individuals and fostering unity. Her leadership in SWRC-IEJC and the Miss Empire USA Pageant, combined with her philanthropic efforts, continues to make a significant impact across Southern California and beyond.

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Founder

Mrs. Lowona Crawford: Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SWRC-IEJC and Miss Empire USA Pageant

Mrs. Lowona Crawford is a distinguished leader and the Chief Executive Officer of both the Miss Empire USA Pageant and the Southwest Riverside County-Inland Empire Juneteenth Organization (SWRC-IEJC). With over fifteen years of expertise in professional pageantry and a deep commitment to community service, Mrs. Crawford exemplifies leadership and dedication.

Early Life and Career:

Growing up in a family entrenched in the entertainment industry, Mrs. Crawford's early exposure to TV commercials and fashion shows set the stage for her future endeavors. Her achievements as the first Black History Queen of Riverside, California, during high school were just the beginning. Mrs. Crawford pursued a degree in business at California State University, San Bernardino, where she also studied fashion.

Her professional journey took her across the globe, managing formalwear stores in Japan and the United States. She dressed high-ranking officials and their families, producing fashion shows in Okinawa. Her flair for style and confident demeanor made her a sought-after figure in the world of pageantry.

Community Impact and Non-Profit Work:

Upon returning to California, Mrs. Crawford’s focus shifted to community service. She found profound satisfaction in giving back, particularly when she saw the transformative impact of pageantry on her daughter, Rikayah. This experience ignited her passion for empowering young women and fostering self-esteem.

In 2009, Mrs. Crawford, with her daughter as her assistant, launched the Tri-Valley Pageants. The success of these events led to a broader expansion, mentoring several young women who went on to achieve titles such as Miss California and Miss USA state and national crowns.

In 2014, Mrs. Crawford furthered her impact by establishing the Miss California Regional State Pageant, which evolved into the Miss Empire USA Pageant in 2019. This national competition, featuring a multi-phase format, aims to celebrate poise, grace, and self-confidence while providing a platform for women of all backgrounds to excel.

Founder of SWRC-IEJC:

As the founder of SWRC-IEJC, Mrs. Crawford has created a platform to celebrate Black heritage and promote community unity. SWRC-IEJC hosts a variety of impactful events, including:

Women’s and Men’s Conferences: Providing empowerment and professional development.
Gospel Concerts: Showcasing the rich tradition of Gospel music.
Community Awards Banquets: Recognizing outstanding local leaders.
Graduation Ceremonies and Scholarship Luncheons: Celebrating academic achievements and supporting students.
Coats for Kids Initiative:

Mrs. Crawford is also deeply involved in philanthropic work through the Coats for Kids initiative. This program, which has impacted communities throughout Southern California, focuses on providing winter coats to children in need. The 2023 theme, "COATS 4 KIDZ," will feature the Red & Gold Charity Ball, highlighting the organization's commitment to community service. This event is an opportunity to give back, foster confidence, and improve public speaking skills among participants.

Personal Philosophy:

Mrs. Crawford’s motto, "A Person who loves God, Trusts God, not perfect, but yet is forgiven," reflects her personal values and approach to life. Her faith and commitment to serving others underpin her work and dedication to making a positive difference in the community.

Family and Personal Life:

Mrs. Crawford is supported by her husband, Marvin, a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. They celebrate over thirty years of marriage, three children, and two grandsons, surrounded by a supportive extended family and a network of enthusiastic friends.

In summary, Mrs. Lowona Crawford’s multifaceted career, from her influential role in pageantry to her extensive community service, showcases her dedication to empowering individuals and fostering unity. Her leadership in SWRC-IEJC and the Miss Empire USA Pageant, combined with her philanthropic efforts, continues to make a significant impact across Southern California and beyond.

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