BY: Brittany Vallely
Kelli Abernathy, AUM’s 2018 Homecoming Queen, went to her first national pageant this past August for the Miss Black USA pageant in Washington D.C., and won first runner-up.
Miss Black USA is a non-profit corporation that provides scholarship opportunities and gives women the chance to shine on stage in their own unique way.
Abernathy has been an experienced pageant competitor and queen for quite some time. She was the first African American crowned Miss Clay Chalkville Outstanding Teen in 2012, and the first black Homecoming Queen at her high school.
After that, Abernathy felt ready to take pageantry to the next level and competed for Miss Alabama Outstanding teen, Miss Alabama Teen USA, and won Miss Heart of Alabama USA in 2015. She was then crowned Miss Black Alabama USA 2018 through an interview process and was chosen to represent the state of Alabama at the national pageant.
“I believe all pageants are beneficial and important in building self-confidence. It gives you the opportunity to become a part of a sisterhood that is so loving and encouraging,” Abernathy said.
The Miss Black USA pageant is structured differently compared to Miss USA and Miss America. Instead of starting the finals with the top 15, Miss Black USA starts with the top 12 and does not break down the pageant in top ten or five. Abernathy went through preliminaries with everyone on a Saturday, and the finalists were announced later that evening. She then had to perform everything again Sunday night with her other 12 sisters.
According to Abernathy, preparing for this pageant took a lot of time. The contestants have to be ready to showcase their outfits, skills, and knowledge, while feeling confident in their own skin.
“I worked out three to four times a week and tried my best to maintain a healthy diet,” she said.
She also organized a platform concerning human trafficking awareness and held events before the pageant to show how she plans to make a difference in the community.
“My sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, had an event during the fall of 2017 called Join in the Fight against Human Trafficking Awareness. The event was so successful and made a huge impact on everyone that I decided to make this my platform,” Abernathy said. “It is very important to be aware of our surroundings and to take special precautions.”
During the pageant each contestant goes through five different categories such as personal interview, onstage questions, talent, fitness, and evening wear.
“My interview coach was Christian Crawford, AUM’s current SGA President, and he was simply amazing! Keeping a positive and happy attitude throughout my preparation and training was very beneficial,” she said.
The pageant started with an opening dance number to hype up the crowd and Abernathy felt ready for her spot light.
“We all wore blue outfits that consisted of dresses, pants suits, and rompers! I wore a sparkly long-sleeved short dress. We practiced that entire week and I landed the dance solo, which was absolutely amazing. Dancing with all of my sister queens was the icing on the cake,” says Abernathy.
Abernathy also performed a contemporary dance as her talent to the song “I Was Here” by Beyoncé, which she choreographed herself.
“I practiced my talent three times a week in Goodwyn Hall 109,” said Abernathy.
She successfully worked her way up to the top. If the newly crowned Miss Black USA for any reason has to step down, Abernathy is obligated to fill her position. In the meantime, Abernathy continues to fulfill her duties as Miss Black Alabama USA, and plans to continue her pageantry journey.
“I will be competing in the Miss USA Organization pageant next and I simply cannot wait,” she said.
Throughout this experience Miss Black USA encourages women to express their thoughts, passions, and their own vision of beauty. Any girl who is interested can go to the MissBlackUSA.org website and get more information.
“One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is to embrace who you are because you are not competing with anyone in life but yourself!” Abernathy said. “And if you’re confident within yourself nothing can stand in your way.”