ATLANTA, GA /UCWE/ - The Ms. Black Georgia USA organization will bestow the Josephine Baker Award for Excellence in Georgia Foster Care upon an outstanding African American female at its inaugural pageant on January 15, 2006 in Atlanta, GA. The distinguished award reflects the non-profit organization’s commitment to the Georgia foster care system and will honor an African-American woman who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Georgia’s foster care system.

The Josephine Baker Award for Excellence in Georgia Foster Care is named in honor of the timeless beauty and gifted African-American dancer who battled racism in the United States and later achieved great fame and success in Europe. Also known for her generosity, Baker adopted 12 children of varied racial and ethnic backgrounds known as “The Rainbow Tribe.” This namesake award serves as a testimony to Baker’s love and support of youth and was created through a partnership between the Ms. Black Georgia USA organization and Indiana-based CMG Worldwide, Inc., the premier company for representing the families and estates of deceased celebrities such as Josephine Baker, Marilyn Monroe, Billy Holiday, and many more.

The winning candidate will be honored with a distinctive piece of original artwork commissioned by a Georgia artist and will receive 100 hours of community service to the foster care organization of her choice.

African American females who are at least 21 years of age and legal residents of Georgia are eligible to apply for consideration for this esteemed award. Applicants must also demonstrate a minimum of 3 years of service in foster care. Applications will be accepted through Friday, November 18, 2005.

Application requests and inquires for the Josephine Baker Award for Excellence in Georgia Foster Care should be directed to  Pageant information can be obtained by visiting www.missblackga.org  or by calling (404) 587-8536.