CHICAGO - s4story -- Mrs. Black Universe 2006: A Crown, A Calling, and an Unforgettable Family Legacy

Dr. Victoria Lane reflects on her historic pageant victory in Chicago, her daughter's success, and the powerful testimony of faith that helped her win.

In 2006, Dr. Victoria Lane traveled to Chicago with her daughter, Mariel Lane, to compete in the Black Universe pageant. What began with a daughter's encouragement became an unforgettable family experience filled with faith, love, and achievement.

Mariel earned First Runner-Up in her division, while her mother captured the coveted title of Mrs. Black Universe 2006.

But for Dr. Lane, the greatest victory was not the crown. It was the opportunity to share her faith and celebrate a remarkable moment alongside her daughter.

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The Question That Helped Win the Crown

During the competition, a judge asked Dr. Lane a question that would become the defining moment of her pageant journey:

"When you look back over your life, what is the one thing you would regret if you had never accomplished it?"

Her answer came straight from her heart.

"If I never became rich, I would have no regrets. If I never finished college, I would have no regrets. If I never became famous, I would have no regrets.

But I would regret for the rest of my life if I had never answered God's call to become a minister of His Word."

At the time of her calling, her church did not accept women into the ministry. Despite opposition and longstanding traditions, she remained faithful to what she believed God had called her to do.

By God's grace, she became one of the first women accepted into the ministry at her church.

Following the competition, a judge approached Dr. Lane and revealed that her answer had brought tears to her eyes. She was told that her testimony was one of the major reasons she won.

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A True Family Affair

Behind the beautiful gowns and sparkling crowns stood a loving family.

Dr. Lane had been so busy preparing Mariel that she had barely considered her own wardrobe.

Her mother finally asked, "Well, what are YOU going to wear?"

Her mother purchased her pantsuit and helped her dress, while her supportive husband assisted with her evening gown.

"It wasn't simply my victory or my daughter's accomplishment. It was a family victory!"

A Crown That Represents Something Greater

Twenty years later, Dr. Lane remembers that experience with gratitude.

"A crown may recognize what you have accomplished, but your calling reveals who God created you to be."

She concludes with a timeless message:

"The greatest achievement in life is not becoming somebody in the eyes of the world, but becoming who God called you to be."

"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." — Romans 11:29 (KJV)

Dr. Victoria Lane
Mrs. Black Universe 2006