At Birmingham's Wright Centre for Samford University, Briana Burrell, 25 was crowned Miss Alabama 2023 on Saturday night. She competed as Miss Baldwin County and won the state title for 2023 by defeating 41 other contenders. Later this year, Burrell will compete in the Miss America pageant as Alabama's representative. Lindsay Gaines Fincher, Miss Alabama 2022, handed over the crown to Burrell. Fincher crowned her successor and gave her a bouquet of red flowers. When Burrell's name was called out on stage, she was seen crying and pointing up multiple times, seemingly thanking God for her victory.
Who is Briana Burrell?
In the 102-year history of the pageant, Brianna Burrell is the third Black woman to win the title of Miss Alabama. She is a native of Mobile County. She finished after Fincher as the first runner-up for Miss Alabama in 2022. She’s also a former Miss Saraland High School titleholder. Brianna, a University of South Alabama alumnus with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and philosophy, is prepared to make public appearances, participate in charitable endeavors, address community groups, and inspire youngsters through her community service programme 'SAVE-A-STEM'. The initiative encourages girls and pupils of colour in underfunded schools to pursue careers in math, science, technology, engineering, and other related professions. With scholarships from the program, Burrell is enrolled at the University of Alabama for a Master's Degree in education administration.
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“I want to accomplish a year of connection, where I make relationships with people across the state of Alabama. And have that year where it’s more than just accomplishments and me making those tangible results in education, but making sure that people feel seen, feel loved and valued after meeting me,” Burrell said.
The children's book "Investigation Nation," which she also self-published, is about diversity and coming together to recognize the contributions and inventors of colour.
In addition to taking home the crown this year, Brianna Burrell also won two preliminary prizes last week in the performance competition and the evening gown competition. In the talent category, she performed the gospel song Alabaster Box, which was originally sung by CeCe Winans. In order to get ready for Miss America, Burrell said she will keep improving her voice ability, which is her favourite aspect of the contest, and create a wardrobe that represents her.
The contest was held from June 25 to July 1 at Samford University's Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Centre in Homewood. More than 20 women represented the area in the Miss Alabama 2023 competition.