Ms Black Gulf Coast 2024 is much more than a title to Nastassia Ayodele.
“Representation is so important when it comes to being in a pageant,” says Ayodele, who won the crown in March. “(The title) is a badge of honor because it was started to include women like me, who share the same cultural background.”
Next, the mother of three will vie for the Ms Black Mississippi 2025 title on Sept. 2. She is approaching the pageant, which will be held at Belhaven University in Jackson, with a mix of nervousness and excitement.
“I have been practicing my pageant walk, applying my own makeup and preparing for my talent portion,” Ayodele says. “I want to blow the judges’ minds!”
MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE
Outside of the glitz and glamor, Ms Black Gulf Coast is a devoted mom of three and a seasoned educator. Now a science teacher at West Harrison High School, Ayodele holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from William Carey University.
“It’s so much more than a ‘beauty, pageant’; the contestants are not just brainless, pretty faces,” she says. “Their personalities and intellect are also considered.”
Growing up as a member of Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Ayodele only participated in one previous pageant during her high school years: The Gulf Coast Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Congress Pageant. In that contest, she was crowned Ms. Sunday School BTU 2002.
“Pageants provide contestants an opportunity to gain essential life skills, such as public speaking, professional interactions in a more intimate setting and a sense of self-esteem,” Ayodele says. “Contestants are rewarded for the courage, elegance and poise they display throughout the competition and during their reign.”
IMPLEMENTING THE ‘THREE Cs’
Ayodele also appreciates the emphasis pageantry places on service. In her formative years, she was heavily influenced by local leaders like her great-grandmother, Martha Ree Sims, who was the first female president of the Gulfport Branch of the NAACP. The Southern Baptist Church also played a big part in shaping Ayodele into the woman she is today.
“I grew up helping and giving back to my community,” she says. “I am so proud to say I still do.”
Her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Mississippi Gulf Coast Alumni Chapter, is another way Ayodele makes a difference. During her reign, she wants to implement what she calls the “3-C Queen’s Mentality: compassion, commitment, and consistency.”
‘IT’S OK TO NOT BE OK’
Her “3-C” philosophy applies especially to crushing stigmas surrounding mental health.
“I want families to become more familiar with what mental health issues look like for them and how they can recognize them, and to know what resources are available to help address them,” Ayodele says. “People need to know that it’s OK to not be OK, and that there’s nothing wrong with seeking help with any issues they may have, whether it be within themselves or with someone else.”
To spread this message, she plans to establish a mental health awareness organization for the students at her school. Her biggest personal goal is to continue walking in her purpose and helping others however she can. Professionally, she has considered pursuing a counseling certification.
“I am mostly proud of myself and all that I have accomplished throughout this journey; it has forced me to find confidence that I did not know I possessed,” Ayodele says. “I am so proud of the impact I am making through my reign. I have become more aware of my community’s needs and found more ways in which I can help in a positive way.”