Meet Connecticut’s latest queen

by MIKE CHAIKEN

CTFashionMag.com

The 2017 Miss Black Connecticut USA pageant was held this past weekend with Charrisse Gudger, competing as Miss Black Stamford, taking home the title.

Charisse Gudger was crowned the new Miss Black Connecticut USA by pageant director Kades Mode. This was the first pageant Connecticut has had. And, the very first Miss Black Connecticut USA talented Teen Elyece Patterson was crowned by  Tonille Simone Watkis Miss Black USA 2016, former Miss Black Connecticut USA 2016.

Gudger hopes to follow in the footsteps of her predecessor as Miss Black Connecticut USA 2016, Tonille Simone Watkis, who won the national title last year.

Gudger and the other finalists competed in talent,athletic, on-stage question, and evening gown. The competition opened up with performances from saxophonist Corey Staggers, rappers Johnnie Cash, and Harmonic Aggression. There also were performances by Porshia Mone, who danced; Miss Black USA Tonille Watkis offered up a selection from her one-woman play, “No Boxes Allowed;” and Bianca Golden, a Ford Model and “America’s Next Top Model” offered up a few words.

Food was catered by Sun Splash Bar & Grill and Destiny Awaits. VIP Bags gifted were sponsored by inaScents All around stick; massage for contestants provided by Doctor Robotham; baked goods provided by Joye, Moodish; Meek Salon provided pens; David Elliott handled photography; and KM Collection offered 20% off of make-up bag or clutch using code ‘MBCTUSA’.

The other three finalist who competed were:

Imani Keelen, Miss Black New London USA 2017, was first runner-up.

Laushuan Middleton, Miss Black Hartford USA 2017, was second runner up.

Megan Skeretta, Miss Black Danbury USA 2017, also competed.

Make-up was sponsored by Sabrina Grant; hair sponsored by Jessica Dwyer Luxury Hair Bar; on-site hair touch-ups by Maxine Smith of MS Blaze Hair Studio; garments sponsored by Joan, Saints by SJ,and How Bazaar.

Organizers offered a special thanks to the Black Business Alliance,  AccessTV.org, Chat It up with Jessie, Luxury Hair Bar, R&B Photography, Sesay Events, and Mr. Ab Green and others failed to mention for the continued support.

Gudger and the other contestants competed in talent, health and fitness, on-stage question, and evening gown.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN