Story by Danlette G. Washington (Photos by Missnc.org)

Carrie Everett, a 20-year-old sophomore at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Miss Johnston County, has been crowned Miss North Carolina 2024.

The competition took place on June 29, 2024, and saw Everett standing out for her community service initiative and vocal talents.

Everett’s platform, “We Need Equity to Build Communities,” resonated strongly with the judges and audience.

Moreover, her impressive performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the musical “Dreamgirls” highlighted her vocal skills and contributed significantly to her win.

In addition to the prestigious title, Everett received $20,000, a car for a year, and $3,500 in scholarships for other awards won during pageant week. She is now set to represent North Carolina at the Miss America pageant.

Everett’s victory is particularly historic as she is the fourth Black woman to win the Miss North Carolina title since its inception in 1937 and the first Liberian American to do so.

This milestone has sparked excitement and pride among Liberians both in the diaspora and back home in Liberia.

A lot of Liberians took to social media to congratulate Everett on her win and encourage her to continue chasing her dreams. They highlighted the courage and hard work it took for her to achieve this milestone as an immigrant in a foreign land with a different background.

Everett’s win serves as an inspiration to many, showing that determination and resilience can lead to great success.

The competition saw strong performances from other contestants, with Miss Central Carolina, Keelie Jones, being named the first runner-up, followed by Miss Ballantyne, Lauryn Mallard, Miss Blue Ridge Valley, Hannah Welborn-Lewis, and Miss Asheville, Sophia Kellstrom, as the second, third, and fourth runners-up respectively.

Everett’s win marks a significant achievement in her young career and is a testament to her dedication to her community and her talents.

She is poised to make a substantial impact at the Miss America pageant, carrying forward her message of equity and community.

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