For Gulfport resident Alexis Williams, a.k.a. Lexi, “dreams have no expiration date.”
     In just a little over 30 days, the 40-year-old mother and entrepreneur will make history as the first Mississippi Gulf Coast competitor to take the stage to become the next Ms. Black USA.
     A ray of hope that shines bright in all she does and all she is passionate about, Lexi said her journey into pageantry has been nothing short of a revelation.
     “It’s a testament to the resilience, perseverance, and belief in oneself that age is merely a number,” she said. “As a 40-year-old queen, I stand proudly, representing not just a title, but a reminder that it’s never too late to wear your crown and reign over your destiny.” 
     As she wears many hats, Lexi aligns everything she does with her desire to help make the world a better place. Lexi has a story of strength that has carried her through the storms of life and has helped her overcome many obstacles. She has a sincere compassion for others and will help anyone she can to have hope and restoration. Lexi has had to learn the meaning of perseverance, which has given her the strength within. 
     Lexi was crowned the first Ms. Black Gulf Coast in 2023 before being appointed the region’s first Ms. Black Mississippi 2024. In August, she will travel to Washington, D.C., where she will compete for the national title of Ms. Black USA.

     Being born and raised in Turnkey, an historic part of Gulfport, Miss., Lexi has beat the odds to become a successful businesswoman who strives to put forth hard work in all she sets her mind to. She graduated from Harrison Central High School in 2002 and then joined the United States Air Force.
     While Lexi is an entrepreneur based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, she has traveled to many different parts of the world with her love for fashion. 
     As a community leader, too, her achievements stretch far and wide. Lexi is founder of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Black Owned Business Network, and she started and chaired the board of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Black Owned Business Awards Gala. She also has managed pop-up shops.
     “I am just trying to give back to our community,” Lexi said, “and I know I got a lot of flak when I first started for calling it ‘black’ or ‘black-owned business owners.’ But listen, it’s all inclusive, and anybody can join the group. My focus is black-owned business owners, but only because I know that we don’t always know where to find the resources or gain access to grants. My purpose is providing education and resources to African American business owners.
     “Also, it serves as a centralized location where business owners and consumers can congregate, get together, and have a focalized place just for that.”    
     When speaking about culture, Lexi said, “Because we are an ethnic group that has had our history erased. We don’t have the historians or curiosity to explore or claim history, and I want to change that narrative. We must own our own data. I am not concerned about talking about what happened to us- more so, where are we going?” she says. “History is connected to economics, and we must reclaim our culture. Our history is a sacred history, and we must be able to defend it.”

    When discussing community, Lexi said, “This is the foundation of both culture and color. We must be hyper-local as it relates to or focuses on matters concerning our small communities and geographical areas; enhancing black communities to ensure they thrive. There were many historical societies and ‘Black Wall Streets’ in every city. Where are they all now?” she said. “There should be a ‘Black Wall Street’ experience in Mississippi. They are in the most forward cities, yet Mississippi is the state with the highest concentration of Black Americans, and we don’t have one. We need funding for research to ensure these historic sites in and around our communities are preserved, not just for tourism, but for the culture.”
     Lexi also advocates for her history and heritage through her fashion business, Aloha Glamour, which she founded in 2016. Last year, one of her collections – The Ripple Effect – premiered at L.A.’s Fashion Week (LAFW) Festival. While in L.A., Lexi made many positive connections in the industry, from a photographer in GQ Asia and Vogue approaching her for a photoshoot where famous actor Nicos Santos was styled wearing an Aloha Glamour African-print robe, shawl, and fan for a national Daman Magazine feature. Lexi also participated in this year’s L.A. Fashion Week.
     Aloha Glamour is a popular unique fashion line full of color. It is the world’s only “Afro-waiin” clothing and accessories boutique creating cultural fashion for trend-setting women who are encouraged to “live in color.” Lexi said, “The business was started two years after I lost my daughter while stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. So, what I did was I took what would have been her culture, the Hawaiian and the African side, and merged it together to create this unique brand. I remember when I lost her, it was weird because I didn’t really see color, and as women, we use our color to kind of depict how we are feeling on the inside. So, it was a whole bunch of dark colors- a lot of black, and I didn’t want to get out of bed. But a good friend of mine, Ebony, took me to the local Hawaiian flea market, and I saw these Pa’u skirts. And you know, traditionally, in Hawaii, Pa’u skirts are used for performances. But I was like, you know, that would be a cute dress or a cute everyday skirt.”
     Lexi brought a few of them back to Mississippi and would wear them to church, and the response was great excitement. People were saying, “Oh my goodness! I’ve never seen anything like it!”
     Lexi went back to Hawaii after her daughter’s first birthday, and when she went back there, it hit her that she was going to start a business, and that was what she would sell. When Aloha Glamour was created, it was all Hawaiian until a year later, Lexi realized her daughter was African and Hawaiian, which is when she began incorporating the African prints.
     “I’ve done well over 50 fashion shows throughout the United States, including in Texas, New Orleans, L.A., and New York,” said Lexi. “I have closed my store at the Outlet Mall, but I do have an online shop, a home shop where I go, and where I am able to host private shopping experiences for those who wish to come by.”

     Lexi has recently stepped into another role, this time as a competitor for the Ms. Black USA pageant as Ms. Black Mississippi 2024. Lexi is the current Ms. Black Mississippi now competing for Ms. Black USA. She was the first Ms. Black Gulf Coast and was appointed Ms. Black Mississippi, which is also a first for the coast, and is now preparing to compete on the national stage for Ms. Black USA. The National Title pageant competition, which will be held in Washington, D.C., will take place on August 3, 2024.
     “Since becoming the first Ms. Black Gulf Coast in 2023, I have been shown at LAFW, Phoenix Fashion Week, as a special guest in New Orleans for their first Ashe African Program, and on the cover of Gulf Coast Woman Magazine,” said Lexi. “I have been given the Gulf Coast Wide Juneteenth Lloyd Croutch Service to Culture Award, and I have walked in Accra Fashion Week in Accra, Ghana, and have dressed many international celebrities since I was crowned.”
     The Lloyd Croutch Service to Culture Award is presented to an outstanding community member who exhibits the dedication and perseverance to preserving the African American community in Gulfport throughout various forms of service. The recipient should reflect a devotion and heart for service in Gulfport.

     Another extraordinary milestone for Lexi on her journey to the crown was when a Mayoral Proclamation was made by Mayor of Gulfport Billy Hewes on February 26, 2024, proclaiming the day as Ms. Black Mississippi USA Day and encourages all citizens within the city limits of Gulfport, Miss., to recognize and participate in its observance and reflect on the importance of diversity, empowerment and the role of African American women in shaping our community and nation. Lexi was recognized for her achievement in not only a personal triumph but also marking her as the first Ms. Black Mississippi USA from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, whereas the day also establishes an opportunity for our community to celebrate diversity, encourage young women to pursue their dreams, and acknowledge the contributions of African American women to our state and nation. The Mayoral Proclamation also recognizes Lexi for exemplifying outstanding leadership, community service, and becoming a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for young women across the state and nation. Also in the Mayoral Proclamation, it is stated that the “Ms. Black Mississippi USA title is a prestigious honor that celebrates the achievements, beauty, and cultural heritage of African American women in the State of Mississippi, whereas the titleholder of Ms. Black Mississippi USA serves as a role model and ambassador, not only for the African American community but for all citizens, showcasing grace, intelligence, and social responsibility.”

     Competing for Ms. Black Mississippi 2024 is Lexi’s second pageant competition after the previous year when she had seen that they were accepting applications for the local pageant title of Ms. Black Gulf Coast 2023. She then discussed the venture with her daughter, Laila, who was graduating that year, to compete with her, as both would compete in their respective age group but at the same time.
     “This would have been the last little thing we did together before Laila went off to college, but with everything she had to do to get herself ready, she decided not to compete,” Lexi said. Nonetheless, Lexi found her confidence and forged ahead to join the competition with a mission to encourage others to never stop dreaming.
     “I figured what better way to show my daughter and the Gulf Coast that it’s never too late to do something for the first time,” Lexi said. “Being crowned the first Ms. Black Gulf Coast and the inaugural Ms. Black Mississippi from our vibrant Gulf Coast fills me with immense pride and responsibility. It’s not just about the crown; it’s about the representation it symbolizes. For too long, our voices, stories, and struggles have been sidelined, but now, I stand as a beacon of hope and possibility.
     “Representation matters profoundly, because it tells every little girl from the hood that dreams are valid, regardless of where you start. It’s about showing them that no obstacle is insurmountable, and every setback is an opportunity for a comeback. My journey is a testament to resilience, my platform is meant to empower those grappling with child loss and miscarriage, and ‘Live Your Life in Color’ is more than a slogan; it’s a promise. It’s a promise to shine light on the shadows and to remind them that within every challenge lies the seeds of strength and growth. I stand here not just as a titleholder, but as a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that every little girl, regardless of her beginnings, can paint her own vibrant future.”
     Why Ms. Black USA: “One out of four women suffer from miscarriage and child loss, and unfortunately, I account for one of them,” Lexi said. “During my healing journey, I faced limited resources and immense difficulty, particularly in Mississippi, where there were no spaces tailored for women of color to find solace during their healing process.”
     Lexi’s platform as Ms. Black Mississippi is called “Live in Color: Empowering Childloss and Miscarriage Awareness and Resilience.” With “Live in Color,” her mission is to illuminate the often-silenced experiences of miscarriage and child loss to foster a world where individuals and families navigate this challenging journey feeling seen, supported, and empowered. Through education, advocacy, and compassionate outreach, she strives to create a safe space where individuals like herself can find solace, share their stories, and reclaim hope amidst their journey of healing.

     “As the next Ms. Black USA, I am committed to leveraging my platform to break this silence, offering a beacon of hope and resilience,” said Lexi. “Through “Live in Color,” I am aiming not only to bolster the safe spaces I’ve established in Mississippi but also to extend community, culture, and color to others seeking hope amidst their grief.” 
     Lexi has a passion for helping women navigate child loss and miscarriages and offering them resources, as she understands first-hand what these women and mothers are experiencing. “Being the mother of an Angel baby, I understand the pain and feeling of inadequacy that comes with child loss,” Lexi said. Lexi’s willing heart and compassion to serve others proves why she is worthy of such an honor to compete for Ms. Black USA. Her willingness to serve as an advocate for mothers who have experienced child loss makes Lexi a perfect candidate for the mission. 
     Lexi is filled with excitement when speaking about competing for Ms. Black USA. Founded in 1987 by CEO Karen Arrington, the organization aims to showcase the essence of being a woman of color and to empower women to engage in their creative self-worth of being a black woman with a voice. The pageant system crowned its first ever Ms. Black USA on December 3, 2016.
     “You could imagine my face when I found out I was going up against 27-year-olds. Not only are our experiences different, but our body shapes are too.” 
     As a mental health advocate, Lexi knows that you must prepare for a pageant competition in many ways and become mentally ready. “When I started Aloha Glamour, it was really for my mental health. I lost my daughter in November 2015. Then in December 2015, my divorce was final, and in January 2016, I had to move with my two children, who were about ages 8 and 10 years old. We had to relocate from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Mississippi. So, those were three life-changing events that happened all within 90 days.”

     Lexi’s co-workers and leadership didn’t understand why she was crying constantly or the emotions she was experiencing, so she decided to do something for herself.
     “It was literally driving me crazy, and I felt like it was going to take me out. So, Aloha Glamour helped me gather my thoughts and process what happened. I found that sharing my story has really helped me heal, because I have had so many women come to me who have read my story or purchased from me in the most random places telling me how they have read my story.” Lexi’s story helps others open up about their stories and helps them become encouraged in their low places. Lexi is a two-time international bestselling author, and she has been featured in two anthologies sharing her story and the importance of mental health.
     “It really makes me feel a certain type of way to know that my story has unlocked so many women from their mental prison and that they feel vulnerable enough and comfortable enough to share their story with me,” Lexi said. “I feel like I had nobody because, in American society, we don’t talk about child loss, especially in the black community. It’s just ‘pray about it.’ And I was praying, and I knew I needed prayer, But I knew I also needed something else. So, prayer and talk therapy really helped me get through.”
     This year, Lexi kicked off the inaugural Bereavement Mother’s Day Brunch. The event was held on May 4 and is something she describes as “close to my heart.”      
“Creating safe spaces is not just a passion of mine; it’s a calling.
     “Mother’s Day can be an especially difficult time for those who have experienced child loss or miscarriage. I want them to know they are not alone, and they are still mothers, deserving of love and recognition. This brunch isn’t just a one-time gathering. It’s the start of an annual tradition. It is a beacon of hope and healing for those navigating the complexities of grief. It’s about creating a sanctuary where stories can be shared, tears can be shed, and hearts can find solace in the company of others who understand their pain.”

     Additionally, Lexi said the group’s annual walk in October for Child Loss/Miscarriage Awareness is “another opportunity for us to come together, to walk side by side, and to honor the precious lives that have touched ours so deeply. With the support of social workers and women of faith, we create a nurturing environment where healing can take root, and where the memory of our children can be cherished and celebrated. These events are more than just gatherings. They are lifelines for those seeking comfort and understanding. Together, we walk laps, share stories, and hold space for each other’s pain and triumphs. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light, and in our shared experiences, there is strength.”
     The pinnacle of this entire experience for Lexi has undoubtedly been the journey itself; starting pageantry at the tender age of 39 and being crowned a 40-year-old queen.    
     “It’s shown me, and hopefully others, that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, regardless of age or circumstance,” Lexi said. “In a category spanning from ages 28 to 45, being a 40-year-old queen holds profound significance for me…It’s about embracing every stage of life and proving that dreams have no expiration date. This journey has taught me that true beauty and strength come from within, from the courage to pursue what sets your soul on fire, no matter how unconventional the path may seem.”
     Donations to help with expenses are still being accepted for the National competition with a deadline of July 27, 2024. For booking or to learn more about Lexi and her journey, reach out to her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/msblackgc or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/msblackgulfcoast, or email her at alohaglamourcouture@gmail.com. 

Ashley Prima

Author, Public Speaker, Multimedia Journalist, Publisher, Writing Consultant, Blogger, and Podcast Host.