Pageant Diaries: reflections, regrets and secrets revealed | a work in progress the podcast S2E5

[@mamimelusine]

Really enjoying this pageant retirement series. I really love your perspective on competing in natural hair. My own storytime: when I was Miss Black CA USA I started out the year wearing my braids and natural hair and that was important to me. But my (Black) state director put a lot of pressure on me, down to threatening taking my title, to put in a straight weave for nationals and I finally gave in. In 2009, Even in a Black pageant, black natural hair wasn’t deemed acceptable (I think two girls out of everyone had locs and that was it). When I look back on that experience it’s not not winning that I regret more than not doing it on my own terms. While Black women should do whatever we want with our hair, it’s sad to me when natural hair isn’t considered an option or elegant enough for a formal event. I know you didn’t get the outcome you wanted but you should be proud for sticking to the things, your platform, your hair, your aesthetic that were important to you.

[@BrelynnHunt]

I'm so glad you're enjoying it!!!! and thank you so much for sharing your story! that is WILD, having a black director for a black pageant push straight hair is disappointing and unexpected but not shocking. Pageants have definitely come a longgg way!

[@voicemelboxfull]

this is easily one of my favorite podcasts 🤍 thank you for your vulnerability + the trip down memory lane! looking forward to part 3, as well as continuing to cheer you on in all Jesus has for you!!

[@BrelynnHunt]

OMG I'm SO glad! Thank you so so much!

[@ElizabethLilac23]

I will never forget that white dress!!!

[@BrelynnHunt]

it was iconic right?! lol everybody loved it

[@gracefullysav3d]

I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to your pageant journey! Here in England it’s not a big thing (at least I’m not clued up). You are the first person who sparked my interest in it…if I was in America I’d have definitely gotten on board!! But I truly admire that you have taken time to share with us and from others to learn. Love and blessings to you Brelynn ☺️

[@BrelynnHunt]

Oh thank you so much! I'm so happy to hear that! They have pageants in england too! But yes if they're dying in america im sure its even harder to get involved in the UK

[@tece1781]

A trip down memory lane! ❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@BrelynnHunt]

yessss I hope you enjoyed!

[@sandysprings7777]

Reslly wish you would do call ins. Would love to have a one on one w you Brelynn. Your HBCU experience w the pagent dorm story really triggered me lol.. im currently at an AUC HBCU and they pulling some trash stuff on us too..its ruined my doctoral experience but im still grateful to be here..seems to be that you were robbed of the pagent experience you deserved while at Spelman..you may have been more prepared for the other circuits had they not cancelled all those dorm semesters.. sometimes excellence at HBCUs breed haters. It sure looks like you had a gang of haters coming for you 😢. In my HBCU doctoral cohort, they came for me too lol...i hate to post critical msgs on your page, so ill delete once i think youve seen it lol.. just be wanting to let you know i feel you. ❤

[@BrelynnHunt]

I feel like CommuniTEA time was kind of a call in / podcast. They’re coming back soon! I’m sorry your experience has been less than ideal, I can agree no where is exempt from breeding haters. However, all is well! Everything is as it should be, and the same goes for you! 💕💘

[@ElizabethLilac23]

Firstttt 🎉

[@BrelynnHunt]

love you! 💞❤️💕✨