First Black Woman to be Crowned Miss Tennessee in its 80-year History

In a historic and inspirational moment, Brianna Mason, a 23-year-old first grade teacher from Nashville, has been crowned Miss Tennessee, becoming the first Black woman to hold the title since the competition’s inception over 80 years ago. Mason’s achievement comes after four attempts, demonstrating her resilience and dedication.

“I can’t even put into words how special that is,” Mason expressed emotionally. “I’ve been competing for so long, and there’s a Miss Tennessee room with portraits of all past Miss Tennessees, and none of them looked like me.”

Mason‘s victory holds profound significance not just for her, but for countless young Black women who see themselves reflected in her achievement. “I’ve made it my goal for the last couple of years to make sure my face gets up there not just for me, but for all of the young ladies who look like me and don’t think they can do it just because of their skin color,” she said. “I’m here to tell you that it does not matter what your skin color is. It does not matter what your religion is. You can do anything that you want.”

Her performance of “Piano Fantasy” in the talent segment was a highlight, showcasing her skills and earning her the crown along with a $15,000 scholarship. Mason will represent Tennessee in the Miss America 2020 pageant, continuing to break barriers and inspire others.

Mason’s victory is part of a broader trend of success for Black women in major American pageants. This year has seen Cheslie Kryst, Kaliegh Garris, and Nia Franklin crowned as Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss America respectively, marking the first time Black women have held these titles simultaneously.

Reflecting on her journey, Mason said, “To be chosen to be the one to make history is such an honor. For all women who look like me who haven’t had a role model… that was one of the driving forces for me to achieve this goal.” Her persistence over four years culminated in a victory that she hopes will pave the way for other young Black women to pursue their dreams with confidence.

Mason’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. As a dedicated teacher at Hobgood Elementary School in Murfreesboro, she also founded the nonprofit Advocates for Autism in 2017, aiming to raise awareness and promote inclusion for individuals with autism.

Her commitment to making a difference extends beyond the classroom. “I am so lucky to gain this recognition as Miss Tennessee so that I can raise even more awareness about autism,” Mason said. Her personal connection to the cause, inspired by a close friend with autism, drives her advocacy work.

Mason’s journey to the crown was not without challenges. Competing four times, she developed her skills and resilience, particularly in the interview segment, which she now considers her favorite. “My support system, my family and friends encouraged me and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself,” Mason noted, crediting her success to those who stood by her.

Breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms, Mason’s participation and win in the Miss Tennessee pageant are about more than beauty and talent. “It’s not about the gowns and the outward appearances,” she emphasized. “Miss America is the largest scholarship provider in the U.S. It’s amazing to be around women with such big goals. They have a heart for service and a desire to continue their education.”

As Miss Tennessee, Mason will take a leave of absence from her teaching duties to fulfill her responsibilities, which include public appearances and speaking engagements. Her historic win is a testament to her determination and serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.

“I am so excited, and I hope to represent Tennessee well,” Mason said, looking forward to her role and the opportunities it brings.

In a historic first, Asya Branch, a 22-year-old native of Booneville, Mississippi, became the first Black woman to win the Miss Mississippi USA title in the pageant’s 67-year history. This significant achievement came after she had already made her mark by winning the Miss Mississippi title in 2018. Branch is now set to represent Mississippi on the national stage at the Miss USA 2020 pageant, an opportunity that underscores her remarkable journey and the impact she aims to make.

Asya Branch‘s accomplishments extend far beyond the pageant stage. A graduate of the University of Mississippi with a major in Integrated Marketing Communications, Branch’s academic journey is impressive. Her intellectual curiosity led her to Harvard University at the young age of 17, where she enrolled in summer courses in public speaking and psychology and law. This early exposure to diverse perspectives and rigorous academics helped shape her into a well-rounded leader.

Branch’s platform as Miss Mississippi USA centers on empowering children of incarcerated parents, a cause deeply personal to her. Her father has been incarcerated for almost half of her life, a reality that brought significant emotional and financial challenges. Instead of allowing these difficulties to define her, Branch used her experiences to fuel her advocacy. She launched the initiative “Finding Your Way: Empowering Children of Incarcerated Parents,” aiming to provide guidance and support to children facing similar hardships.

In her role, Branch has not shied away from the broader implications of her advocacy. She met with President Donald Trump and other officials in 2018 to discuss criminal justice reform, focusing on reintegrating former prisoners into society. Her firsthand experiences lend authenticity and urgency to her efforts, highlighting the need for systemic changes to support affected families. Read more about Asya Branch here.

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