MEET THE INAUGURAL ROYAL COURT OF THE NATIONAL SORORITY PAGEANT
Many know me as a pageant queen, competing and winning titles over the years. I was recently given the role of the Director of the National Sorority Pageant, a new pageant under Royal Productions, which has been in business for sixteen years. The pageant is one of seven pageants under the system and held their inaugural pageant in April. Originally scheduled for 2020, the National Sorority Pageant was postponed to 2021, which caused a series of changes during planning.
The mission of the National Sorority Pageant is to promote and celebrate the sorority woman by providing a platform to highlight their talents, creative accomplishments, and community service, all while upholding the standards of their organization. The pageant is for members of any Greek letter sorority (NPC, NPHC, NALFO, Multicultural, Band, Christian, Professional, etc.) and Eastern Stars. You do not need to be an active or financial member of said organization to compete because once a member, always a member.
The Royal Court is composed of the overall high point scorer, who is crowned Queen Eminence, and the winners of the individual divisions (Miss, Ms., and Mrs.). I interviewed them as I wanted to get their thoughts on competing in such a history making pageant, a pageant in which I had no idea how it was going to turn out.
Dr. Niesha Mack, Queen Eminence
Janelle: What made you decide to compete in a pageant that was in its inaugural year? Were there any concerns?
Dr. Mack: I decided to compete in the National Sorority Pageant because it was a new pageant, yet it fell under an umbrella system that was established and had a reputation of integrity. It was exciting to be able to come in and be the first and set the standard for pageants to come. There were no concerns when deciding to compete in the National Sorority Pageant.
Janelle: This is not your first time competing in pageants. How did you prepare knowing there was no historical background?
Dr. Mack: While there was no historical background for National Sorority Pageant there was historical background for Royal Productions Pageants. I studied past pageants produced by Royal Productions to understand the expectations. I also asked many questions of the Director/Past Queen Eminence, Janelle Simmons so that I could understand the vision of the organization. With that knowledge, I prepared to represent the system to the best of my ability.
Janelle: You are a member of the inaugural Royal Court. When you heard your name being called, what were your thoughts?
Dr. Mack: When I first heard my name being called, my first thought was thank God! I had fought so hard and pressed through so many obstacles to be able to compete that it was such a beautiful feeling to know that God saw fit to allow me to win the Queen Eminence title. It was an amazing feeling to win and have my two daughters present and yelling as my name was called. It was faith on display and evidence that if you don't give up, you will be victorious.
Janelle: What is your platform and how did you select your platform?
Dr. Mack: My platform is There's Purpose in Your Pain, Living Life After Loss. I chose this platform after having a series of losses in a short time. I lost my husband, Adrian, to colon cancer in November 2018, May 2020 I lost my father, Robert, to COVID-19 and in August 2020 I lost my bonus daughter unexpectedly. It was all so much at one time for one person to handle. I had to pray and find strength in God. It was through this struggle that I learned that there is purpose in my pain and that I needed to continue living life after loss. It is still difficult but I know that if I am not dead then God is not done. I use my platform to speak to and encourage others that have experienced loss.
Janelle: What was your favorite part of the pageant and why?
Dr. Mack: My favorite part of the pageant was the rehearsals. It was during this time that the National Sorority Pageant Pioneer Queens were able to be together without the other systems being involved. During pageant weekend there were 4 pageants happening which means there were a lot of women participating. At our rehearsals it was our group of 8 fierce sorority women getting to know each other and learn about the various organizations.
Janelle: What advice do you have for ladies that want to compete in this pageant, or pageantry in general?
Dr. Mack: Do it!! Pageantry is a great way to build self-esteem, network, create relationships with other like-minded women, and to better yourself overall. You will learn so much about yourself by competing in a pageant. The National Sorority Pageant was a phenomenal experience because I was not only able to learn about the other organizations but now, after the pageant, I am traveling the USA to be involved in the different events and community projects that my sister queens are involved in.
Janelle: As a member of the inaugural Royal Court, you have an opportunity to leave a legacy in this pageant. What legacy would you like to leave?
Dr. Mack: The legacy that I would like to leave is obstacles aren't stepping stones. Press on despite what things may look like and leave it all on the stage. Live in the moment and get everything you can out of the experience. If you are going to do it, do it right!
Kirsten Brown, Miss Sorority Pageant
Janelle: What made you decide to compete in a pageant that was in its inaugural year? Were there any concerns?
Kristen: The National Sorority Pageant is a game changer because it merges both sorority and pageantry. These two aspects were already a major part of my life, so there were no concerns for me to compete. As an experienced pageant queen, active member of two sororities and a community leader with a passion for my platform, I felt that being one of the first representatives of NSP in my state would inspire future queens to represent their sisterhood and leadership on a larger platform.
Janelle: This is not your first time competing in pageants. How did you prepare knowing there was no historical background?
Kristen: I have had experience with national pageants, but there is always room for improvement. I professionally prepped for the National Sorority Pageant with Pageant Prep with Janelle LLC. (the company is owned by Janelle Myers). To this day, I am exceptionally grateful for all the help Janelle provided me during my journey to nationals. We spent months preparing by doing mock interviews, on stage questions and even getting my wardrobe together. This was my first time having a pageant coach, and it paid off in the end.
Janelle: You are a member of the inaugural Royal Court. When you heard your name being called, what were your thoughts?
Kristen: When I first heard my name called as Miss National Sorority Pageant, I was overjoyed. I knew my life had changed forever because I finally was a national title holder and would be bringing awareness to my personal platform on a national level. All my hard work paid off and I could not stop thinking about all of the love and support that my friends and family provided me.
Janelle: What is your platform and how did you select your platform?
Kristen: My platform is Helping Homeless Veterans. This platform is important to me because I had a family member that was a veteran and homeless. It broke my heart to see the people who once put their lives on the line, to not have a roof over their head. Coming from a military family, I felt like it was my duty to help raise awareness of this issue. Over the years, I have contributed money to several homeless veteran shelters and had clothing drives for organizations that help homeless veterans. I currently have several events planned in the upcoming months to help homeless veterans.
Janelle: What was your favorite part of the pageant and why?
Kristen: My favorite part of the pageant was fashion wear. Even though I had a wardrobe malfunction before taking the stage, I was able to walk the runway with confidence and style. There was a great selection in song choice, and I had an awesome time modeling my blue attire in honor of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority. Another favorite part was the optional competition of the talent show. I took first place and was honored to be given the Katie Murphy Dorsey Award. I spent months creating choreographing and my dance costume. The reaction from the audience was priceless and will be a moment I will never forget.
Janelle: What advice do you have for ladies that want to compete in this pageant, or pageantry in general?
Kristen: I would tell that person to not let anything stop them from competing and to just be themselves. There is nothing wrong with showing your personality, and you do not have to be ‘pageant patty’ to win a pageant. I would also tell them to remember to have fun, create long lasting friendships and to take in every moment during pageant week.
Janelle: As a member of the inaugural Royal Court, you have an opportunity to leave a legacy in this pageant. What legacy would you like to leave?
Kristen: I want to be remembered as the Queen that inspires women that they too can be queens with or without a crown. My legacy as Miss National Sorority Pageant will include promoting Greek/sorority unity, higher education, community service and my platform Helping Homeless Veterans. I will make an impact and show the world what it means to be a lovely lady of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.
Cherisse Branch, Ms. National Sorority Pageant
Janelle: What made you decide to compete in a pageant that was in its inaugural year? Were there any concerns?
Cherisse: I was honored to be a part of such an amazing event. Especially being the first ever Ms. National Sorority Pageant. I didn’t have any concerns before.
Janelle: This is not your first time competing in pageants. How did you prepare knowing there was no historical background?
Cherisse: I took the knowledge That I have learned in previous pageants and utilized them for this event. If you have stage presence and confidence you can be successful in any pageant.
Janelle: You are a member of the inaugural Royal Court. When you heard your name being called, what were your thoughts?
Cherisse: I was so honored that my name was called for this amazing pageant system. I will forever be the first Ms. with the title.
Janelle: What is your platform and how did you select your platform?
Cherisse: My platform is domestic violence. My mother and I are both survivors so this platform is near and dear to my heart. South Carolina is currently number five when it comes to deaths due to domestic violence. I feel it’s part of my duty to help any survivors during their situation.
Janelle: What was your favorite part of the pageant and why?
Cherisse: My favorite part was learning the opening number dance. I absolutely love to dance, and it was amazing to dance and fellowship with my sister queens.
Janelle: What advice do you have for ladies that want to compete in this pageant, or pageantry in general?
Cherisse: I would advise ladies to just be themselves. Confidence goes a long way when you’re on the stage. If you’re plus size embrace your curves. Know that you are there for a purpose and that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Janelle: As a member of the inaugural Royal Court, you have an opportunity to leave a legacy in this pageant. What legacy would you like to leave?
Cherisse: I would like to leave a legacy of a woman who has gone through so many trials but has overcome with God. I am a survivor, and I am determined to help women all around the world. I want my legacy to show that I never gave up and that I will help those in need.
Dr. Angela Rivers-Harper, Mrs. National Sorority Pageant
Janelle: What made you decide to compete in a pageant that was in its inaugural year?
Dr. Rivers-Harper: Were there any concerns? It was a new pageant system centered around sororities and Eastern Stars. This made it very interesting. There were no concerns at all.
Janelle: This is not your first time competing in pageants. How did you prepare knowing there was no historical background?
Dr. Rivers-Harper: I am a pageant coach, so I had to go into pageant coach mode for myself. I had to prepare as though I was my own delegate.
Janelle: You are a member of the inaugural Royal Court. When you heard your name being called, what were your thoughts?
Dr. Rivers-Harper: I couldn't believe it! Inaugural Court and the only pageant Queen from my chapter of my sorority! What an accomplishment!
Janelle: What is your platform and how did you select your platform?
Dr. Rivers-Harper: "I love Me!" Self-Care and Mental Health Awareness. Self-care and Mental Health is such a stigma in the African American community and especially with women. We are so busy taking care of everyone else that we forget about us.
Janelle: What was your favorite part of the pageant and why?
Dr. Rivers-Harper: Getting to know your sister queens and creating memories together. Becoming friends and having a long-lasting friendship.
Janelle: What advice do you have for ladies that want to compete in this pageant, or pageantry in general?
Dr. Rivers-Harper: To make sure that you are knowledgeable about your sorority/Eastern Star organization, you are promoting your platform, you are serving your community and to have fun! Enjoy Yourself!
Janelle: As a member of the inaugural Royal Court, you have an opportunity to leave a legacy in this pageant. What legacy would you like to leave?
Dr. Rivers-Harper: I am a Queen with or without my crown. I want to encourage, uplift, inspire and enlighten the next Queen that takes this journey.
Interested in competing in 2022? Check out our website at www.royalproductionspageants.com or send an email to nspageant@gmail.com.
photo credit: Antoinne Duane Jones.
