Spelman College Pageants Go Viral on TikTok, Sharing HBCU Culture with the World.
The viral videos are highlighting the timeless HBCU tradition in a fresh way.
Spring is here at HBCUs, and so is pageant season! This year, Spelman College’s pageants are attracting a fresh TikTok audience thanks to contestants’ viral videos.
Contestants have displayed their beauty and intellect on TikTok, drawing in viewers beyond their usual audience. While the Miss Spelman College pageant won’t announce a winner until April 14, new fans are already sharing posts about their favorites as they dive into the competition.
The contestants went viral with their impressive introductions, highlighting their skills for the crown. Several competitions are taking place across the school, including the Miss Black and Gold and Miss Afrolatinidad pageants.
“Your search for the queen is over,” said contestant No. 4, Aziyah, a junior political science major from Atlanta. “Just like my institution, I am second to none.”
“Slow and steady, that’s how queens are made,” said Madison, a third-year English major at the all-women’s HBCU. “I’ve been patiently waiting, and now it’s finally my moment. Trust me, I’m about to own it.”
Those new to HBCU pageant culture are savoring every moment of its grandeur. One person even wondered why the public is just now discovering this side of pageantry.
“How am I supposed to get anything done?” exclaimed excited TikToker Suzanne Lambert. “And why hasn’t anyone made a show about this yet?”
She added, “This is my version of March Madness right now.”
Another user shared how “inspiring” the content is, highlighting its celebration of Black excellence
“This pageant reveal gave ‘School Daze’ vibes in the best way possible. If you know, you know,” shared TikToker Courthouse Couture. “All the energy I put into breaking down Bama rush should be going into this pageant.”
The TikTok excitement around the pageant mirrors the previous “Bama rush” trend, where incoming college freshmen documented their sorority rush experiences. Now, the focus is on these HBCU women as they compete for the crown and gain national recognition.
