'Stand Up, Be Seen, Be Kind': Wilmington native crowned 2024 Miss Black North Carolina

Beauty pageant competitions have traditionally focused on physical attributes, but today's pageants have moved past that. Beauty pageants of today help build confidence and character and the winner a representative on behalf of her community.

That's what attracted a Wilmington native to compete in the Miss Black North Carolina pageant.

As a result, Ricki Nelson was recently crowned 2024 Miss Black North Carolina. Nelson moves on to compete in the Miss Black USA pageant on Aug. 4, which will be on the Fox Soul streaming network.

Nelson, a local writer, actor and producer, entered the pageant after getting a Facebook tag from a friend.

"I was really excited to see a pageant by Black women for Black women," Nelson said. "It was a space committed to redefining beauty, empowering us, and allowing us to be seen.

"Entering the Miss Black North Carolina pageant was an opportunity for me to not only represent Wilmington but also to embody and promote the values of my campaign: Don't wait, just be."

Nelson's platform champions the empowerment of Black women and girls, by encouraging them to stop waiting on external validation and instead give themselves permission to be all that they are through three key pillars: Stand up, be seen and be kind.

Participating in the pageant allowed Nelson to amplify her message on a larger stage, while inspiring others to do the same.

More: Wilmington's only museum for Black history works to 'restore a community's self-esteem'

A University of North Carolina Wilmington (Bachelor of Arts in film studies and Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing) graduate in 2020, Nelson has been freelancing in the film industry in Wilmington. She has worked on projects such as "The Summer I Turned Pretty," "Our Kind of People" and "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat."

When Nelson is not creating, she enjoys travelling, spending time with family and listening to a good audio book.

Her long-term aspirations include following in the footsteps of Black powerhouses (and ones she calls multi-hyphenates for all they do) such as Issa Rae, Quinta Brunson, and Nelson's mentor, director Tina Mabry.

"Black women who are masters of visual storytelling and wear multiple hats such as writer, actor, director, producer and creative entrepreneur," Nelson said. "With storytelling as my compass, I aim to leave an indelible mark on the world, one narrative at a time."

She loves working in the world of film, "I often say my first language is storytelling," Nelson said. Growing up, her parents' community theater company instilled in her a deep appreciation for the arts' transformative power.

This spring, she's shared her passion with the next generation through programs like Dreams of Wilmington and Navigational Studios, teaching film to middle and high school students.

Nelson also loves poetry and writing. She discovered her love for Spoken Word and performed her first major piece, "What is it like Being Black at a Predominantly White Institution" at UNCW's campus talent show at her junior year, coming in first place.

"That lit a fire in me to continue to use my pen and voice to speak up for what I believe," Nelson said. At this year's Miss Black NC pageant, Nelson performed another original poem, "I Am Not Your Black Girl" and earned the Best in Talent Award.

Nelson is also an author. Her debut poetry book, "When the Black Girl Smiles," is set to release later this year.

Nelson has so many accomplishments. These are just a few that she is proud of.

Nelson is the founder and executive director of the Black Creatives Social Club. Nelson takes pride in fostering a community that celebrates and uplifts Black creativity through her organization. This platform provides a safe space for Black artists to authentically create and collaborate, reflecting a commitment to empowering others to embrace their true selves.

"Having faced the challenges of breaking into the film industry myself, I understand the importance of creating resources and safe spaces for Black creatives," Nelson said.

She is also honored to have been accepted into the inaugural filmmaking cohort for the Partners in Kind "The Beat Goes On" Impact Campaign, co-executive produced by Martin Luther King III, Andrea Waters King, and Mario Van Peebles. She's also collaborated with four other North Carolina filmmakers to create short films for the North Carolina Black Alliance, addressing policy and economic issues in the Black community.

"I'm eager to utilize my filmmaking skills to support such a vital organization," Nelson said. "Lastly, I'm thrilled to represent North Carolina in the upcoming Miss Black USA pageant on Aug. 4. It's a privilege to showcase my state and advocate for the empowerment of Black women and girls on a national stage."

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington native Ricki Nelson crowned 2024 Miss Black North Carolina