She wears many crowns, but Kween is now taking the title of 'Ms. Guelph' to compete on a national level.
Kween runs the Kween Company, the Heels Academy, the Royal Initiative, hosts the show Diverse & Converse, former executive director of the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) and is now running as Ms. Guelph in a national pageant.
The Canadian National Miss pageant takes place Aug. 26-27 in Mississauga. It has several age divisions, with Kween competing in the 'Ms.' category.
This isn’t the first time Kween has competed for a national title. In 2013 when she was 22 she ran in the Miss Canada pageant.
Ten years later she is ready to get back on stage. In 2021, she had a concussion and didn’t feel as confident in herself. This pushed her to join pageantry again as a competitor.
She never left pageantry, but instead coached Black and Indigenous women in pageantry.
On and off the pageantry stage for Kween it is about “finding a new way to find a platform about Black anti-racism and awareness,” she said during an interview at Heritage Hall Thursday.
“While protesting is great and these opportunities in Guelph are great. How can we raise more national awareness? How can we bring more attention especially since the momentum have dropped off since 2020?,” asked Kween.
Using the platform on a national stage allows the expansion of the conversation of anti-Black racism, cultural history and education, Kween said.
To bring awareness about Black anti-racism and Black joy is a main driver for why Kween decided to run as Ms. Guelph.
“I think it’s easy for us to look at the States and say they’ve got lots to blame. And we’re still not having a lot of the conversations here. A lot of action happens behind closed doors.”
During the competition there is an opportunity for Kween to wear a costume representing her hometown. She will wear a purple skirt designed by Guelph's Sewing By Miss E with pins from local businesses pinned to it.
“I love your costume idea because I know you’ve been a huge champion for small businesses in Guelph especially Black-owned businesses. Which we’re seeing a growing number in Guelph,” said Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner, at the announcement Friday.
“The fact that you can raise your voice with the things that are important to you which are in turn are important to the community is really great you can do it on a different stage,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie at the conference.
Schreiner and MP Lloyd Longfield, who was also in attendance, presented Kween certificates to congratulate her on receiving the title of Ms. Guelph and representing the city on a national stage.
“I think there has been a shift in pageantry and the conversations we’re having around mental health, around equity,” said Kween.
It’s not just about watching pretty girls on stage, it’s about what they’ve done to become successful, she said.
“Pageantry has become more inclusive. It’s more inclusive to queer and trans communities in Canada,” said Kween.
The fundamental value of pageantry is philanthropy, she said. This is why she is raising money for the GBHS Artistic Fund through the Royal Initiative. The initiative will host its first gala and fundraiser called Crowns and Crystals on Aug. 12 at 10C.
Kween will go through the stages of the Canadian National Miss Pageant which are an interview, evening gown, fun fashion, personal introduction, and hometown costume.
