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 America Alabama 2015-2016 Kaye Jackson.
Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in the Magical City of Birmingham, Alabama. When I was younger I fell in love with music, and in the 5th grade I started playing the flute. Later on, I took private piano lessons with Pat Bowman Billups – Young: Musical Genius of Birmingham, Alabama, so it’s obvious the talent portion was my favorite part of competition. My career has blossomed, and I am currently a Senior Admissions Counselor at Miles College. The best years of my life were spent at Talladega College where I received my degree in Mass Media Studies in 2008. At Talladega College is where I realized my gift which is speaking life into others. When I hear or see someone who’s discouraged or sad about life I know that’s the time to use my “Super Powers” and bring a smile to that individual’s face. This is my second year in higher education as an admissions counselor, and it gives me so much joy and fulfillment because I’m able to use my gift with others daily.
When did you start competing in pageants?
My 1st title I competed for was Miss Freshman at Wenonah High School. It was a fundraiser for the school so whoever raised the most money won. My daddy was my partner in crime because he really raised all of the money at his barbershop (lol). He made sure that all of his customers supported me in everything that I did, and and I won. The rest is history.
Why do you compete in pageants?
I feel that competing in pageants kept me on my toes, confident, and well-rounded. It also exposed me to a lot of opportunities that groomed me into the woman I am today.
How many titles have you won?
I have won 7 titles. They are the following: Miss Freshman of Wenonah High, Miss Wenonah High, Miss Freshman Talladega College, Miss Kaptivating of Kappa Alpha Psi -Gamma Gamma Chapter, Miss Talladega College 2007-2008, Miss Black America Alabama 2015-2016, and Miss Positivity Winner (Miss Black America) 2015-2016.
Tell us about the Miss Black America Pageant.
The Miss Black America system was developed to reverse the negative propaganda of the Black woman and her role in America. Miss Black America returned in August 2014 (The Rebirth). It is the oldest running pageant for women of color. The pageant was created by J. Morris Anderson in 1968.
Why do you feel black pageantry is relevant?
Black pageantry is relevant because it’s our history. There was a time that African American women weren’t able to compete in mainstream pageants, and that’s history that should always be known. Yes times have changed, and women of color are being recognized in all pageant systems now, but I feel that it’s imperative that our little brown girls have a chance to see beauty in all sort of ways…curves and even afros.
What have you learned about yourself through your pageant experience?
I’ve learned I can be whatever I want to be through prayer. I’ve also learned that other people’s opinions or views don’t define who I am and to always aim to be better and wiser every day.
What are your future plans for your pageant career?
At this time, I don’t have any plans on competing in anymore pageants but would like to still be involved in the pageant community. I am just not sure what at the moment, but it will come to me when the time is right.
What words of advice do you live by?
Ecclesiastes 3:1- “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you. Email? Social media handles?
Email: missblackbirmingham2015@gmail.com
Facebook: Miss Black America Alabama 2015-2016
Hola! I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and finally got the courage to
go ahead and give you a shout out from Humble
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