Brandi Hopson, a former Carolina Panthers cheerleader and WSSU cheer captain, added another national accomplishment to her résumé on Saturday as the former HBCU cheerleader was crowned Ms. Black USA. Hopson represented North Carolina in the national competition after earning the title of Ms. Black North Carolina USA. Her victory was announced Saturday, Aug. 8, through the Miss Black USA pageant’s social media platforms. (Steven J. Gaither/HBCU Gameday)From WSSU to the Carolina PanthersHopson initially auditioned for the Carolina Panthers TopCats in 2015 but did not make the team. Becoming Ms. Black USA gives Hopson a national platform to share that message with a larger audience.