I have created yet another segment for this blog. I know right! I cannot help it if ideas flow through my mind all the time. 🙂 This segment is is entitled #PageantryFirst which profiles current and former queens who are the first in the industry with regards to race, nationality, career, etc. I decided to kick off the segment by interviewing Kalyn Chapman James. Kalyn is the 1st African-American woman crowned Miss Alabama. She was crowned Miss Alabama 1993, and her interview will give you some insight into who she is and what her experience was like after being crowned.
Tell us about your background.
I’m Kalyn Chapman James. I was born in Prichard, Alabama in Mobile County. My father was a teacher who stressed education, my mother was an education administrator, and my paternal grandparents owned their own businesses while my maternal grandparents were farmers and laborers.
What made you interested in the pageantry industry?
I wasn’t interested in pageantry growing up, but I was devoted to dance. I loved to dance and choreograph my own routines. I studied dance from the age of 9 and competed nationally. My first pageant experience was at the local Junior Miss Pageant, and I did it because I was already involved in many extracurricular activities, and I knew it would be a good experience. When I was at The University of South Alabama (USA) after nearly a year of dancing professionally, the dance team captain happened to be the reigning Miss USA and encouraged me to participate. I knew I could win talent and get some scholarship money. I basically did it to help pay for my books. The scholarships sparked my main interest in the pageant system.
How was your experience competing at Miss Alabama?
Competing at Miss Alabama was eye opening. I thought, “I am usually ‘in the know’ and look at all this money and opportunity that I had no idea was available!” I met some wonderful young ladies and learned so much about how to prepare for a career. Being involved in the community, knowing current events and being a great public speaker were all things I learned by competing at Miss Alabama.
Describe how you felt the moment you were crowned as the first African-American Miss Alabama.
The moment I was crowned was surreal. I was in disbelief but so immensely happy. My smile was across my face, and I thanked God. I believed it was a miracle to accomplish that in Alabama. I was so proud because I knew I had what it took to win, and I was glad the judges gave me the chance. I always felt I had what it took to win, but I never thought it would happen because – well…it’s Alabama – one of the most racist and divided states in America. So, when I competed that final year (for me) I just went to have fun and gain as much scholarship money as I could because getting my degree was my dream. I was only the second person in my immediate family to complete a college education. I always wanted to make my parents proud as well, so that felt great!
After you were crowned Miss Alabama 1993, how were you received by the public?
After I was crowned, it took a little while for the journalists to realize I was the first black woman to claim the title. I felt the reception was great, especially in the black community. So many expressed their elation. My grade school teachers came to my homecoming reception, and I received a key to the city. However, at a Christmas parade in a little small town, a child threw a penny at me. I’ll never forget this. I don’t know if it was because I was black, but I remember some of the reception being lukewarm to cold in some of the smaller towns. I did many speaking engagements in the black community that really felt special to me. Speaking to young black people meant a great deal to me. I wanted to encourage as many as I could to seek higher education and encourage the young women to take advantage of the chance to win the scholarships I had won.
Are you still involved in the pageantry industry? If so, in what way?
I have served as a judge at Miss Alabama and at preliminaries in Mississippi. I also coached some Miss Alabama contestants after my win. I currently award the Kalyn Chapman James Scholarship at the annual Miss Alabama Pageant. I have awarded more than $10,000 to the minority contestants.
What are you doing today?
Since Miss Alabama I have had great opportunities in Alabama and Florida. I now live in Miami where I was a television show host for many years. I have worked a great deal in arts nonprofits and hosted my own vlog called Fashion Style Miami. I graduated from the Equinox Pilates Institute in 2017 and have taught private Pilates for more than a year. My goal is now to build my Pilates business and work on empowering women to be fit and healthy. I also emcee events in Miami.
How can people keep up with you?
I would love for people to follow my new Facebook and Instagram @litpilates.
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