Miss Bessie Smith 2020 Anijah Norman
Miss Bessie Smith Scholarship Pageant 2020 made history by having the first virtual pageant and the same young contestant, Anijah Norman winning the title of both Miss Bessie Smith 2020 and the Spirit of Bessie 2020.
Ms. Norman, who competed with four other young women from Hamilton County will hold the covenant title until February 2022.
The original event was canceled in February due to snow, then canceled again in March due to The Covid 19 pandemic.
Ms. Norman said, “It felt great being crowned Miss Bessie Smith 2020.” I was in my senior year of high school and wanted try something new when I signed up. I never competed in pageants before and I won. “I’m so excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for me.”
The third annual Miss Bessie Smith Pageant was held on Saturday, Sept. 19. This year’s theme was “Bessie’s Roots,” in honor of “The Empress of Blues’” rich African history and celebrate her surviving family members who still maintain strong ties to the Scenic City.
Due to socially distance guidelines, the event was held in The BSCC’s performance hall with only the parents of the contestants and judges in attendance. “We wanted to proceed with the restrictions in place so that we could provide the much-needed scholarships for the contestants,” said Paula Wilkes, president of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
“We definitely found ourselves in a unique situation with the pandemic, but we stuck together, worked our way through it as a team,” said Christy Rashed, pageant director. "Doing the pageant virtually, I think it went well and the young ladies were excited! This is the third year with even more scholarship money. I’m glad I had the opportunity to work with them."
Pageant officials thanked sponsors BlueCross Blue Shield of Tennessee Community Trust, Allstate Insurance Dorothy Grisham, Erlanger Health System, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Dillard’s Department Store for their support.
The pageant committee was Ms. Christy Rashed, pageant organizer/director, Ms. Varion Walton, publicity, Mrs. Gwyn Crutcher, souvenir booklet designer and Mrs. Tara Mathis, finance. “Thank you, President Paula Wilkes and staff for their support in making this pageant a success,” said Ms. Rashed.
Miss Bessie Smith 2020; Miss Spirit of Bessie 2020; Talent and Evening Wear Winner received a $1,000.00 scholarship.
Contestant #2
Anijah Norman is the daughter of Mrs. LaToya Oliver and Mr. Paul Norman and one sister. She graduated from Chattanooga School for The Arts and Sciences and presently attending Chattanooga State Community College. Anijah was a member of the Paideia Society, Chic Fila Leadership Academy, National Society for High School Scholars, Urban League Achievers and Brainerd High School Marching Band and her favorite subject is English. She is a member of Mt Horeb Prophetic Fellowship Church. Anijah will be attending the University of Memphis and presently attending Chattanooga State Community College due to COVID19. Her goal is to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree.
Her motto is “Mistakes aren’t setbacks but stepping stones guiding you through life”.
1st Runner-Up Miss Bessie Smith 2020 and On-Stage Question Winner received a $750.00 scholarship.
Contestant #3
Moniest Cardell is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William (Valecia) Cardell and granddaughter of Mrs. Veronica Jones and Mr. James Sanderfer and two siblings. She attends Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts where she is a senior. Moniest is a member of the National Honor Society, IMPACT, National Achievers Society and her favorite subject is Pre-Calculus. She is a member of Hawkinsville Baptist Church. Her future goal is to attend Howard University or Spelman College and major in psychology and become a Clinical Psychologist.
Her motto: “I am a strong independent black woman and I can overcome any obstacle in my way”.
2nd Runner-Up and Causal Wear Winner received a $500.00 scholarship.
Contestant #6
Rickell Crutcher is the daughter of Mr. Lawanza Crutcher, Ms. Nickia Carter and Step Mother Ms. Daphne Stargin. She attends Hixson High School where she is a senior. She is a member of the Basketball team, Volleyball Team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, HOSA and Sports Human Performance and her favorite subject is English. She is a member of St. Mary CME Church where she is the President of Christian Youth Fellowship. Her future goal is to attend University of Tennessee (UTK) in Knoxville or University of Georgia to become a Physical Therapist or Athletic Trainer. Her motto: “Don’t take life too serious, because it’s already too short.
Ms. Norman is gearing up to serve as an ambassador for the Bessie and the City of Chattanooga all over the Tennessee Valley. Contact Mrs. Christy Rashed, Pageant Director for more information on for booking Miss Bessie Smith. Email address: rashed4@bellsouth.net or 423 421-9507.
Miss Bessie Smith 2020 contestants