Madison native talks about her pageant experience
By Charles Ashley Mississippi Tribune
Last summer I had the privilege of being an associate producer of the Miss Black USA Beauty Pageant in Las Vegas. It was a very rewarding experience. So when my good friend, executive producer, Dawn Moss called I didn’t’ hesitate to fly to Washington D.C. The site of this year’s pageant.
This year I was just an observer but Mississippi received a blessing with one of our own, Ms Alicia Lewis from Madison, MS who won 1st runner up. I interviewed her this week and the following is my interview with Ms Mississippi.
Charles Ashley: Tell our readers a little something about yourself.
Miss Lewis: My name is Alicia Lewis. I’m from Madison, Ms and I’m 25 years old. I have a bachelor’s degree in Political science from Auburn University where I graduated in 2006. I have a master’s degree from The University of Alabama-Birmingham where I graduate in 2008. I’m presently in my 2nd year of Law School at The University of Alabama School of Law. I’m really focused on my career and my family.
Charles Ashley: When did you first enter a pageant?
Miss Lewis: About 4 years ago I entered the Ms Black & Gold Pageant as a way of earning scholarship money and I won. It was great. I then competed in the Ms Alabama preliminaries. Then I was 1st runner up in the Miss Black & Gold regionals and of course now I’m 1st runner up in the Miss Black USA Pageant.
Charles Ashley: Why did you choose to compete in the Miss Black USA Pageant?
Miss Lewis: My good friend and last years’ winner, Miss Kristen White recommended I compete and I did.
Charles Ashley: Miss White is a very good friend of mine and she is a very special lady and extremely smart. I can see how she could have easily influenced you to compete as she is a woman of great integrity.
Miss Lewis: Exactly Charles Ashley: Are you glad you took her advice? Miss Lewis: Yes, most definitely. The entire week was a very rewarding experience. One I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Charles Ashley: How was it working with other beautiful, intelligent, talented young ladies?
Miss Lewis: If anything it was an honor to compete with women whom I could both identify with and admire.
Charles Ashley: Why do you want to be a lawyer?
Miss Lewis: Every since I was a little girl I wanted to be a lawyer. Being able to think through problems excites me. Being able to help people with their problems is something I’ve always done and will continue to do.
Charles Ashley: As far as pageants are concerned, what does the future hold?
Miss Lewis: I’m 25 now, so I believe I’m pretty much done with pageants. I only have 2 years left in law school so I’m going to concentrate on my career.
Charles Ashley: What are your hobbies?
Miss Lewis: Ballet, spending time with family and friends.
Charles Ashley: I’m sure our readers would like to know if there is a significant other in your life.
Miss Lewis: Studying takes a lot of my time. I mean I have people I’m dating but nothing serious as of yet.
Charles Ashley: Do your feel your beauty and brains intimidate men.
Miss Lewis: I’ve found at time that has been the case, but when that happens that simply tells me that is not the type of man for me anyway.
Charles Ashley: Those last 2 questions were asked so that our readers could connect to you in a personal way, but now back to the pageant. Tell me about that red evening gown you wore in the finals of the pageant? It was the talk of the night along with a few others worn by other contestants.
Miss Lewis: I borrowed it from a dress store in Birmingham, Alabama called Joyce’s Formalwear. When I tried it on I knew immediately it was the one I wanted to wear.
Charles Ashley: Well it worked. You looked great but what impressed me the most about the Miss Black USA Beauty Pageant was that it was not only about looks as so many patents are. It was equally about how smart and talented you and the other ladies are. I mean I witnessed personalities and characters that were worthy of the White House. In true, Michelle Obama style, wouldn’t you agree?
Miss Lewis: Yes and thanks.
