Happy New Year! How is everyone feeling?
I wanted to kick off 2021 with a Royal Spotlight. The Royal Spotlight is an interview series where I highlight queens from a variety of pageant systems.
This month I have the pleasure of featuring Patria Gatson, 35th Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.
Tell us about yourself.
Greetings and humble salutations, I am Patria Gatson a senior Biology Pre-med Major and a double minor in psychology and sociology attending the first HBCU in the state of Alabama, Talladega College. I am very involved on my campus, serving as Miss Talladega College for the academic 2020-2021 school year. With a HBCU pride that is strong, I have committed myself in over 10 clubs and organizations while balancing personal life. I was born and raised in Birmingham Alabama and I enjoy poetry, art, makeup and anime. I was born on May 1st and my zodiac sign is a taurus. I am very strong willed and would describe myself as an overachiever. I cherish relationships and experiences, good and bad because I believe everything happens for a reason. I indulge in life and take it day by day.
When did you start competing in pageants?
I began competing in pageants in my high school career, where I was the only African American contestant. Being one the only women of color each year, I felt like the odd one out. However, that made me want to persevere more and build my tenacity.
Why do you compete in pageants?
I compete in pageants to spread awareness in my community. I want to serve as an advocate for minority women, executing black excellence in hopes to inspire the next young black girl to do the same. Competing in pageants allows me to be an influencer for minority women that are considering or interested in pageantry.
How many titles have you won?
As early as Prom Queen, up to my most recent crown as the 35th Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. I have won the titles; Miss Talladega College 2020-2021, Miss Junior 2019-2020, and Miss Presidential Honor Society 2017-2018.
Tell us about the Miss National Black College Alumni Hall ofFame Pageant.
The Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Pageant was truly a one in a lifetime experience. It was an honor competing amongst other HBCU queens and representing my illustrious institution, Talladega College. The NBCA HOF pageant gifted me the opportunity to showcase my strengths and talents. It also gave me the chance to pursue a greater cause, HBCU growth and development.
What have you learned about yourself through your pageant experience?
Words can not truly articulate the personal growth that pageantry has taught me as a young black woman. I am more versatile, clever and creative now. Through my experiences I have broken personal barriers and overcome fears. I have learned that no matter what shape, shade or size, anything is possible as long as you apply yourself and take action. Pageantry gave me the chance to define my beauty, and how to manifest my image.
What are your future plans for your pageant career?
Witnessing women of color obtain major pageant titles such as Miss USA, Miss Universe, Miss Teen USA and Miss America gives me hope that one day I too could be like these phenomenal women. I will continue to apply myself and seize my moment, and wish to advance within my pageantry career.
What words of advice do you live by?
Embrace what makes you different, there is only one of you and no other can top your originality. You are the world’s most important puzzle piece.
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you. Email? Social media handles?
Patria Gatson’s Contact:
Instagram – Personal: Patria_224
Facebook – Patria Gatson
Email – gatson@gmail.com
Twitter – PatriaG224
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