The Project

Queen of the Yard is an exciting dramedy TV series set in the vibrant world of HBCU Campus Queen pageants—a tradition that’s been thriving for over 100 years but is rarely seen on screen. Through compelling characters like Morgan Mitchell, a freshman embracing her Black heritage, and Delilah Bentley, a reigning queen balancing the weight of her crown, the series explores themes of sisterhood, empowerment, and self-discovery.

This Giving Season, we invite you to be part of something special. Your support will help us create a five-minute short film—a powerful proof of concept that brings this story to life and showcases its potential to network executives. From intricate costumes to authentic set designs, every dollar raised directly fuels this celebration of Black excellence, culture, and higher learning.

The Backstory

The inspiration for Queen of the Yard comes from the firsthand experiences of Co-Creator Stacey L. Holman, who was once crowned Miss Dillard at her HBCU. Her journey as a Campus Queen sparked the vision for a series that captures the glamour and drama of these competitions and delves into the deeper connections, cultural legacy, and leadership they represent.

“These pageants are more than just crowns and gowns—they’re a celebration of resilience, leadership, and Black excellence,” Stacey explains.

Together with Co-Creator Tracee Loran, a celebrated writer and producer, the team has crafted a story that honors the rich legacy of HBCU culture while introducing it to a broader audience.

“We’re opening the door to a 100-year-old tradition that has remained largely untold,” says Tracee. “Now is the perfect time to bring this story to life and celebrate the vibrant world of HBCU Campus Queens.”

Why It Matters

Queen of the Yard is more than just entertainment. It’s an opportunity to inspire a new generation of students to explore HBCUs, much like A Different World did in the ’90s. By highlighting the cultural richness and transformative education these institutions offer, this series amplifies the voices of first-generation Black college students and celebrates their unique stories.

Be a Hero

Bringing Queen of the Yard to life requires a talented team, creative vision, and critical resources. With your help, we’ll raise $35,000 to fund essential production needs like:

• Authentic Props & Costumes: Capturing the vibrant spirit of HBCU culture.
• Skilled Professionals: From cinematographers to editors who bring the story to life.
• Top-Tier Equipment: Ensuring high production quality for our proof of concept.

By contributing, you’re not just funding a series—you’re becoming a hero for the arts, a champion for Black voices, and an advocate for stories that inspire. Together, we’ll celebrate the beauty of HBCU traditions and share this powerful narrative with the world.

Be a hero for Black women and girls, too—1% of all donations will support the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, which empowers future leaders through education, leadership, and economic opportunities.

Your pledge helps create a story that uplifts, unites, and inspires. Ready to make a difference? Be a hero today and join this groundbreaking project. Let’s bring this story to life!

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Creators & Executive Producers

Stacey L. Holman is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has graced PBS, including Emmy Award-nominated The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song, and Making Black America: Through the Grapevine. A proud HBCU graduate and Queen of Dillard University, Stacey’s storytelling highlights resilience, cultural legacy, and Black excellence. Her credits include producing Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities and contributing to the Emmy-winning Freedom Riders. As Co-Creator/Executive Producer of Queen of the Yard, Stacey brings her connection to HBCU traditions to authentically depict the sisterhood, rivalry, and self-discovery of Campus Queen pageantry.

Tracee Loran is a versatile writer, actress, and producer with a knack for storytelling that inspires and entertains. A former on-air reporter for ESPN Mobile, Tracee covered major events such as the Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and MLB League Division Series. Known for her viral series Black History Baddies, which has amassed over 1.5 million views, Tracee is dedicated to celebrating Black excellence and culture. As Co-Creator/Executive Producer of Queen of the Yard, she brings her creative expertise and love for meaningful narratives to this groundbreaking project.

Christine Swanson is an acclaimed writer and director whose work spans film and television, showcasing powerful storytelling and dynamic characters. She recently wrote and directed the family film Albany Road, starring Lynn Whitfield and J. Alphonse Nicholson (P-Valley). Christine’s previous credits include the award-winning The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (Lifetime), Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story (TV One), and For the Love of Ruth, starring Loretta Devine. She has also directed episodes of popular series such as Found, All American, MacGyver, FBI, Chicago P.D., and P-Valley. As an Executive Producer of Queen of the Yard, Christine brings her visionary storytelling and passion for elevating underrepresented narratives to this groundbreaking project.

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Fundraiser Manager & Publicist

With over 25 years of experience, Jessica Masuga has worked across all facets of communications, including PR, media relations, crisis management, and executive communications. She supports entertainment, healthcare, and medtech clients, stepping into various roles to ensure success.

Contact Details:

Jessica Masuga,  1301 N. Western Ave. #115,  Lake Forest, IL 60045

Jess@jmcomms.net