When it comes to pageantry, many Black women have historically had to fight their way to the top. That can ring especially true in southern states. Now, the state of Alabama has crowned a new Miss Alabama and she is a Black woman. Meet Brianna Burrell.
Miss Alabama 2023: Brianna Burrell
In last week’s pageant, Burrell stood firm against 41 other contestants, all vying for the title and the crown. She represented Baldwin County also winning the evening gown preliminary the Wednesday prior to the finals and the talent competition. Burrell she sang the gospel song “Alabaster Box,” originally sung by CeCe Winans. In her new title Burrell will represent the entire state in the upcoming Miss America pageant.
The new Miss Alabama is a graduate of the University of South Alabama, where she majored in political science. She is also a member of the historically-black Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Although she made it to the finish line this year, that wasn’t the case in previous attempts. She was the first runner-up for Miss Alabama in 2022, coming second to Lindsay Fincher. Burrell is now the third Black woman to hold the title of Miss Alabama in the pageant’s 102-year history.
Burrell follows behind Kalyn Chapman James and Tiara Pennington. James took home the crown becoming the first Black Miss Alabama in 1993. Pennington was the reigning champ from 2019-2020. She held the title for an extra year due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
In her victory speech, Burrell shared that her win is not just for her.
“It was an accomplishment; it was confirmation; it was excitement. It was me wanting to scream congratulations to the other girls,” she explained. “It was just a massive, massive amount of thoughts and emotions and gratitude and just a pat on the back for myself. I had to realize that I did the hard work, and God wanted to recognize that, and I’m so honored that He gave me this opportunity.”
Under her new title, Burrell is set to make public appearances, engage in charity work, speak to community groups, and motivate students through her community service initiative SAVE-A-STEM.