Natural Beauty Pageants

On February 26th, 2016, I entered a pageant with the hopes and dreams of becoming Miss Naturalista USA. Being apart of an organization like no other, I expected such a high quality event with many sponsors, bloggers, and educators that represented the natural hair community. Before entering into the pageant the Lord showed me that I was crowned Miss California Naturalista USA. It was my first beauty pageant, and the first natural beauty pageant that I had came across. Many things seemed fine once I submitted everything, however the communication lacked. I still proceeded with the pageant with the hopes and dreams that everything will be okay. However, it was not. Prior to competition, challenges manifested which concluded suspicion. Practicing
It became strange, because the DJ was sloppy, lazy, and was eating the food that was purchased for us contestants. The director was not around to notice any of the obnoxious behavior. After watching the DJ prepare I was curious to understand why there was no decorations. In addition, there was no indicated sign that the Miss California Naturalista Pageant was taking place. No sponsors showed up, and the room was bare. The director finally asked if we were ready 3 hours prior to show time. The contestants and I really had nothing to say, however just look at her in confusion. The contestants and I did not know what was going on, however we didn’t think much of it. The pageant director wanted us to practice again being that the DJ was present. The contestants and I practiced to the songs that she had chose. I felt like it was inconsiderate of her to take us away from our time to continue to prepare, after she arrived and was particularly late on her director
My beautiful was for us contestants to showcase our talent. I was able to showcase my talent through a beautiful spoken word titled “Why It Got to Be Me”. I wore a tattered shirt, and ripped jeans to tell a story of how overcoming unfortunate events in life managed me to become a successful individual. In addition, the evening wear finale came. This following portion of the pageant I wore an African print mermaid style dress, and walked out individually to my bio and music. I walked out elegantly, and presented my poise to all of the audience. Once I finalized my walk, a pageant titleholder finished my bio. I waited to the side for the other contestants to end their walk, and arranged for the questionnaire portion of the pageant. As we are getting settled in our position we prepare to answer the questions from the judges. I felt like I responded to my questions eloquently. My desired question that I was asked was, “If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be”? I answered a pomegranate. As the night proceeded the judges deliberated and came to a final decision. I was crowned Miss California Naturalista. I received a crown and flowers and proceeded to carry the