The pageant community and the HBCU network are mourning the profound loss of Carrie Everett, who made history as the first student from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to be crowned Miss North Carolina. Everett passed away on Easter Sunday following a courageous battle with an aggressive form of gastric cancer.
Her family confirmed the news in a touching tribute, noting that she was surrounded by loved ones during her transition. “The family is spending time together as they celebrate her memory,” the statement read, requesting continued prayers from the community she served so passionately.
A Historic Legacy at North Carolina Central University
Everett’s ascent to the crown in 2024 was more than a personal victory; it was a landmark moment for representation. As a student at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), she shattered glass ceilings, proving that the excellence fostered within HBCUs deserves the spotlight on the largest stages in pageantry.
During her journey to the title, Everett was lauded for her:
- Vocal Talent: A gifted gospel singer pursuing a degree in vocal performance.
- Transparency: She spoke openly about the financial hurdles of pageantry, fostering a sense of community support rather than projected perfection.
- Leadership: Her ability to command a room with both grace and “Eagle Pride.”
NCCU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon remembered Everett as a “trailblazer,” stating that her “ambition, grace, tenacity, and talent will be deeply missed.”
Advocacy Beyond the Crown: “We Need Equity”
Everett did not just wear the sash; she used it as a tool for systemic change. Through her platform, “We Need Equity to Build Communities,” she addressed the socio-economic barriers that often prevent young women of color and those from lower-income backgrounds from competing.
She was a vocal advocate for:
- Recruitment Diversity: Actively bringing more girls from varied backgrounds into the Miss America organization.
- Resource Accessibility: Pushing for wardrobe classes and funding to ensure the “cost of entry” didn’t silence talented voices.
- HBCU Visibility: Encouraging fellow students to occupy spaces where they had previously been underrepresented.
“I can be the first but not the last,” Everett famously stated. “I want young women… attending HBCUs to know that this opportunity is for them.”
A Brave Battle with Gastric Cancer
Everett’s health journey became public in July 2025, when she revealed a diagnosis of metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma, a rare and fast-moving cancer. Even as she faced the grueling realities of treatment, she maintained the same poise and purpose that defined her reign, becoming an unintentional but powerful face for cancer awareness among young adults.
Though her academic journey toward a 2027 graduation was interrupted, her impact on North Carolina and the HBCU community remains indelible. Carrie Everett’s life was a testament to the power of using one’s voice—not just to win, but to lift others as she climbed.
