On July 1, 2023, Brianna Burrell, a native of Saraland, Alabama and USA alumna, achieved the esteemed distinction of being crowned Miss Alabama at Samford University in Birmingham. Distinguished by her representation as Miss Baldwin County, she surpassed an array of 41 formidable contenders, thus ascending as the third black woman in the last century to claim the title.

Burrell’s ascent to this position was preceded by a series of triumphs, thereby establishing her familiarity with the realm of crowns, sashes, and trophies. During her high school years, she was crowned Miss Saraland High, and a year after her collegiate graduation, she secured the coveted title of Miss Mobile Bay 2022. She continued her up-hill climb by clinching the title of Miss Baldwin County and then earning the revered distinction of being hailed as Miss Alabama 2023.

Burrell has exhibited a passion for fostering strong communities and extending benevolence to others. Her engagements have been many, including internships with the Mobile Mayor’s Equity Task Force and Feeding the Gulf Coast. Her dedication to nurturing the minds of the young generation was evident by her role as a STEM educator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama in the year 2021. She made a significant literary contribution in 2022 by authoring a children’s book that celebrates the spirit of black scientists, engineers, technicians and mathematicians. Burrell’s advocacy for Save-A-STEM, her service initiative, exemplifies her commitment to empowering black children, encouraging their active involvement in the realms of science, mathematics, engineering and technology.

During Homecoming Week last fall, Burrell returned to South’s campus as part of her state-wide tour. She was met with warm smiles, rich choral performances, a proclamation and key to the City of Saraland, recognition from the City of Mobile, a luncheon in her honor and wishes of luck.

Between the dates of Jan. 6 and Jan. 14, 2024, Burrell competed against 50 competitors hailing from various corners of the nation in the contested Miss America pageant. A series of preliminary competitions ensued, during which the participants were afforded the opportunity to showcase their talents, captivate audiences with their poise and demonstrate dedication to health and wellness. Burrell emerged victorious in the Jovani Preliminary Evening Gown Competition, an event in which the contestants exhibited grace and elegance akin to a red-carpet affair. Although she did not walk home with the prestigious Miss America title, she was bestowed with a scholarship amounting to $3,000, an award she intends to allocate towards her pursuit of a Master of Education degree.

When asked about her emotions as one of the preliminary winners, Burrell radiated with heartfelt exclamation, “Oh my goodness,” followed by an expression of profound gratitude and honor for the way her personal style resonated so deeply within discerning eyes of the panel of judges. She unabashedly proclaimed her deep-rooted affiliation with her home state, Alabama, emphasizing her status as a proud alumna of the University of South Alabama. Burrell proudly raised her hands to form the “J’s up” gesture, exclaiming, “Go Jags!” Her steadfast dedication towards educating the next generation was palpable as she declared her ardent passion for fostering intellectual empowerment among the youth.