The Royal Spotlight is an interview series where I highlight queens from a variety of pageant systems. This month I had the pleasure of interviewing Miss Black Alabama US Ambassador 2016 Archie Stewart.
Tell us about yourself.
Well! I am 23 years young! I just celebrated my birthday about 2 weeks ago! I will be graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham on April 30, 2016, with a Bachelor’s in Psychology! I am literally a ball of energy that almost never runs out! I am from Opelika, Alabama which is about 5 minutes from Auburn, Alabama so War Eagle to all the Auburn football fans out there! I am a Jesus lover and follower. I am passionate about mentorship, service, and dancing. My platform is CROWNed, which is a branch of my ministry CROWNed. CROWNed, my platform, focuses on the leadership and self-esteem development of young ladies ages 13 to 18. CROWNed, the ministry, uplifts and encourages women ages 18 and up to foster love and live lives that illustrate that we are all crowned with glory and honor in Christ.
When did you start competing in pageants?
I began my pageant journey in 2012 with the Miss Black and Gold pageant for the Iota Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and I’ve been stuck to pageantry ever since.
Why do you compete in pageants?
When I first started in pageantry, I was just trying it out because my friends told me that it would be a great experience for me. As time went on and I learned about different systems, I realized that pageantry is an awesome platform for awareness for anything a person is truly passionate about. One of my sorority sisters, Shanice Butts, who is also Miss Black Alabama US Ambassador 2015 really inspired me to compete in pageants as well. She has always been a role model to me. I want to be able to impact lives just as she impacted mine, and I know I can do that through pageantry.
How many titles have you won?
I was appointed the title of Miss Hoover USA in 2015, but Miss Black Alabama US Ambassador is the first title I have won.
Tell us about the Miss Black Alabama U.S. Ambassador System.
The Miss Black Alabama US Ambassador system is one of the state pageants under the Miss Black US Ambassador system. Our main focus is to empower, enlighten, and encourage communities, states, and nations. This system truly exudes service. The Miss Black Alabama US Ambassador system has given my teen queen and I opportunities to be change agents in our communities and across the state. This system also allows us to be ambassadors of change by hosting forums, participating in community service, and encouraging the youth in our state.
Why do you feel black pageantry is relevant?
Black pageantry is so relevant because we need to have opportunities to celebrate our culture and impact our communities, and black pageantry does just that. We really dig into the issues of the African-American community that are otherwise overlooked and sometimes have no awareness.
What have you learned about yourself through your pageant experience?
I have learned that I can do whatever I put my mind and heart into. Pageantry has definitely helped build my confidence and courage.
What are your future plans for your pageant career?
I will be traveling to Oklahoma in July for the Miss Black US Ambassador national pageant. I am hoping to bring the crown to Alabama! I also hope to continue to impact anyone I come in contact with through my platform and through service in years to come.
What words of advice do you live by?
I choose to live by the words, “Do all things in and with love.” People will always remember how you made them feel so if you do everything with love and a pure heart you can impact millions.
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you. Email? Social media handles?
Email: archienette011@gmail.com and jessica@thembusam.com
Instagram: missblackalabamausam
Twitter: MissBlackALUSAM
Periscope: MissBlackALUSAM
Facebook: Miss Black Alabama US AM
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