Stories of Sickle Cell

Ayana Johnson

A lot of people definitely see only the televised version of pageantry. 'Toddlers and Tiaras.' You know, it's shown as such a competitive world where girls are so snotty and you're not getting anything out of it except for getting awards for wearing pretty dresses. And it's not that at all.

I think the really cool thing about pageantry and specifically the Miss America system, is that you're able to showcase what your thoughts are. I think it definitely breaks that standard of misogyny [prejudice against women] that we have, just living in the world today, of women not being able to freely express themselves and their thoughts and their opinions; in pageantry you're able to do that with free rein. You're able to get your point across in a way that is seen as powerful and not looked down upon, which I just think is really, really cool.

I just learned a lot through pageantry. Five years ago, I would not be able to sit here and tell you about my life and share my story in a way that can be motivating to other people. I wouldn't be able to do that if it wasn't for pageantry and sitting down with a panel of judges and telling them about why I want this job. I think that's just great. It's really shaped me into who I am today, for sure.