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Arthur Court Designs Sea Horse Twisted Seagrass Placemats – set of 4
Arthur Court Designs Sea Horse Twisted Seagrass Placemats – set of 4
TALKING TO THE DEAD : RELIGION, MUSIC, AND LIVED MEMORY AMONG GULLAH/GEECHEE WOMEN
TALKING TO THE DEAD : RELIGION, MUSIC, AND LIVED MEMORY AMONG GULLAH/GEECHEE WOMEN
GULLAH HOME COOKING THE DAUFUSKIE WAY: SMOKIN’ JOE BUTTER BEANS, OL’ ‘FUSKIE FRIED CRAB RICE, STICKY-BUSH BLACKBERRY DUMPLING, AND OTHER SEA ISLAND FAVORITES (PAPERBACK)
GULLAH HOME COOKING THE DAUFUSKIE WAY: SMOKIN’ JOE BUTTER BEANS, OL’ ‘FUSKIE FRIED CRAB RICE, STICKY-BUSH BLACKBERRY DUMPLING, AND OTHER SEA ISLAND FAVORITES (PAPERBACK)
MASTER PIECE LESSONS GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
MASTER PIECE LESSONS GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
GULLAH CULTURE IN AMERICA (PAPERBACK)
GULLAH CULTURE IN AMERICA (PAPERBACK)
35″ X 35″ GULLAH GEECHEE CONJURE WOMAN BY SYNTHIA SAINT JAMES CANVAS ART PRINT – MASTERPIECE ART GALLERY
35″ X 35″ GULLAH GEECHEE CONJURE WOMAN BY SYNTHIA SAINT JAMES CANVAS ART PRINT – MASTERPIECE ART GALLERY
Safavieh Noely Coastal Writing Desk
Safavieh Noely Coastal Writing Desk
Set of 4 Woven Striped Placemats – Frontgate
Set of 4 Woven Striped Placemats – Frontgate
Set of 4 Natalya Ikat Stripe Placemats Gray – Ballard Designs
Set of 4 Natalya Ikat Stripe Placemats Gray – Ballard Designs
Drew Rose Designs Ceramic Woven Trim Planter
Drew Rose Designs Ceramic Woven Trim Planter
AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE IN THE GEORGIA LOWCOUNTRY: THE ATLANTIC WORLD AND THE GULLAH GEECHEE (RACE IN THE ATLANTIC WORLD, 1700–1900 SER.)
AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE IN THE GEORGIA LOWCOUNTRY: THE ATLANTIC WORLD AND THE GULLAH GEECHEE (RACE IN THE ATLANTIC WORLD, 1700–1900 SER.)
MASTER PIECE CHASING SENSE GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
MASTER PIECE CHASING SENSE GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
Doric Upholstered Wingback Arm Chair Red Barrel Studio Body Fabric: Skylar Antique Blue
Doric Upholstered Wingback Arm Chair Red Barrel Studio Body Fabric: Skylar Antique Blue
‘Inspirations’ Sheer Scarf by Jonathan Green
‘Inspirations’ Sheer Scarf by Jonathan Green
Goddesses by Synthia SAINT JAMES Canvas Wall Art 3 Piece
Goddesses by Synthia SAINT JAMES Canvas Wall Art 3 Piece
Stratton Home Reddish Brown Tulum Woven Lantern Stand
Stratton Home Reddish Brown Tulum Woven Lantern Stand
Sweetgrass Kite Earring
Sweetgrass Kite Earring
MASTER PIECE GATHERING GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 30X40
MASTER PIECE GATHERING GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 30X40
MASTER PIECE JOOK JOINT GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
MASTER PIECE JOOK JOINT GULLAH ISLANDS WALL ART, 35X35
ColorBird Stripe Tassel Tablecloth Cotton Linen Dust-Proof Table Cover for Kitchen Dinning Tabletop Decoration (Rectangle/Oblong, 55 x 120Inch, Blue)
ColorBird Stripe Tassel Tablecloth Cotton Linen Dust-Proof Table Cover for Kitchen Dinning Tabletop Decoration (Rectangle/Oblong, 55 x 120Inch, Blue)
Woven Wicker Rattan Wall Decor, Round Seagrass Boho Kitchen Decor, Minimalist Rattan Chargers & Placemats for Dining Table & Wall Art, Rattan Wall Decorative Basket
Woven Wicker Rattan Wall Decor, Round Seagrass Boho Kitchen Decor, Minimalist Rattan Chargers & Placemats for Dining Table & Wall Art, Rattan Wall Decorative Basket
GROWING UP GULLAH IN THE LOWCOUNTRY (PAPERBACK)
GROWING UP GULLAH IN THE LOWCOUNTRY (PAPERBACK)
Gullah Spirit: The Art of Jonathan Green
Gullah Spirit: The Art of Jonathan Green
Finnhomy Sideboard Buffet Cabinet, Kitchen Storage Cabinet with Rattan Decorated Doors
Finnhomy Sideboard Buffet Cabinet, Kitchen Storage Cabinet with Rattan Decorated Doors
Woven Bamboo Placemats, Set of 4 By Anthropologie in Blue Size SET OF 4
Woven Bamboo Placemats, Set of 4 By Anthropologie in Blue Size SET OF 4
‘Inspirations’ Note Cards by Jonathan Green
‘Inspirations’ Note Cards by Jonathan Green
Mud Pie Rattan Serving Utensils
Mud Pie Rattan Serving Utensils
Estaugh Ikat Black/Gray Indoor / Outdoor Area Rug Union Rustic Rug Size: Rectangle 8′ x 11′
Estaugh Ikat Black/Gray Indoor / Outdoor Area Rug Union Rustic Rug Size: Rectangle 8′ x 11′
Lenox Watercolor Horizons Microwave Safe Blue 12-Pc. Dinnerware Set, Service for 4, Created for Macy’s
Lenox Watercolor Horizons Microwave Safe Blue 12-Pc. Dinnerware Set, Service for 4, Created for Macy’s
GULLAH GEECHEE HERITAGE IN THE GOLDEN ISLES (PAPERBACK)
GULLAH GEECHEE HERITAGE IN THE GOLDEN ISLES (PAPERBACK)
THE JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE: MAKING GULLAH: A HISTORY OF SAPELO ISLANDERS, RACE, AND THE AMERICAN IMAGINATION (PAPERBACK)
THE JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE: MAKING GULLAH: A HISTORY OF SAPELO ISLANDERS, RACE, AND THE AMERICAN IMAGINATION (PAPERBACK)
carol&frank Josie Indigo Pillow
carol&frank Josie Indigo Pillow
Gullah Spirituals – by Eric Sean Crawford (Paperback)
Gullah Spirituals – by Eric Sean Crawford (Paperback)
Kouboo 1110141 Manhattan 2-Tier Console, Natural Rattan End Table, Brown
Kouboo 1110141 Manhattan 2-Tier Console, Natural Rattan End Table, Brown
Suzanne Kasler Greek Key Sham – Ballard Designs
Suzanne Kasler Greek Key Sham – Ballard Designs
GULLAH DAYS: HILTON HEAD ISLANDERS BEFORE THE BRIDGE 1861-1956
GULLAH DAYS: HILTON HEAD ISLANDERS BEFORE THE BRIDGE 1861-1956
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GULLAH NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (HARDCOVER)
RING SHOUT GULLAH ISLANDS – UNFRAMED PRINT ON CANVAS WORLD MENAGERIE
RING SHOUT GULLAH ISLANDS – UNFRAMED PRINT ON CANVAS WORLD MENAGERIE
Willow Row Multi Colored Ceramic Coastal Decorative Jar – Set of 2
Willow Row Multi Colored Ceramic Coastal Decorative Jar – Set of 2
Yaheetech Set of 2 Weave Arm Chair Mid-Century Metal Dining Chair Y-Shaped Backrest Hemp Seat, Black
Yaheetech Set of 2 Weave Arm Chair Mid-Century Metal Dining Chair Y-Shaped Backrest Hemp Seat, Black
BLACK BORDER : GULLAH STORIES OF THE CAROLINA COAST
BLACK BORDER : GULLAH STORIES OF THE CAROLINA COAST
Whitewash Wood Draped Bead 4 Light Chandelier by World Market
Whitewash Wood Draped Bead 4 Light Chandelier by World Market
Lowcountry Rice Culture Note Cards
Lowcountry Rice Culture Note Cards
MAMA DOONK’S GULLAH RECIPES (PAPERBACK)
MAMA DOONK’S GULLAH RECIPES (PAPERBACK)
35″” x 35″” Juneteenth by Synthia Saint James Canvas Art Print – Masterpiece Art Gallery
35″” x 35″” Juneteenth by Synthia Saint James Canvas Art Print – Masterpiece Art Gallery
Quilted Patchwork Cotton Throw Blanket – Indigo Blue Shibori Dye Indian Decorative Super Soft & Warm Blanket for Sofa and Couch 50 x 60 Inches
Quilted Patchwork Cotton Throw Blanket – Indigo Blue Shibori Dye Indian Decorative Super Soft & Warm Blanket for Sofa and Couch 50 x 60 Inches
‘Southern Imagery’ Notecards by Jonathan Green
‘Southern Imagery’ Notecards by Jonathan Green
MY KIND OF NET ART PRINT BY GULLAH LIVING SERIES BY SAMANTHA CLAAR – X-LARGE
MY KIND OF NET ART PRINT BY GULLAH LIVING SERIES BY SAMANTHA CLAAR – X-LARGE
Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes from the Matriarch of Edisto Island
Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes from the Matriarch of Edisto Island
GULLAH CUISINE: BY LAND AND BY SEA
GULLAH CUISINE: BY LAND AND BY SEA
G IS FOR GULLAH
G IS FOR GULLAH
Handmade Gullah Sweetgrass Drink Coasters . Traditional Hand Crafted Folk Art . Natural Woven Home Decor . Made in the USA
Handmade Gullah Sweetgrass Drink Coasters . Traditional Hand Crafted Folk Art . Natural Woven Home Decor . Made in the USA
GULLAH IMAGES: THE ART OF JONATHAN GREEN
GULLAH IMAGES: THE ART OF JONATHAN GREEN
Asheville’s Appalachian Food Culture
Family Travel Guide to Asheville
Celebrating Asheville’s Appalachian Folklife and Unique Culture
Black Heritage Travel in the Outer Banks
Junteenth Family Travels
Asheville’s Appalachian Food Culture
Family Travel Guide to Asheville
Celebrating Asheville’s Appalachian Folklife and Unique Culture
Black Heritage Travel in the Outer Banks
Junteenth Family Travels
Asheville’s Appalachian Food Culture
Family Travel Guide to Asheville
Celebrating Asheville’s Appalachian Folklife and Unique Culture
Black Heritage Travel in the Outer Banks
Junteenth Family Travels

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Ruling Beyond The Crown: Janet C. Pugh

Ruling Beyond The Crown:  Janet C. Pugh

What is your definition of a Black Southern Belle?

A woman with creativity, yet class in her style and taste buds that enjoy home-cooked style food. She respects her past and lives for the future.

Janet C Pugh has a passion for food and cooking

What was your experience being involved and awarded in Miss America and Miss USA Organizations?

You know I love rollercoasters. The thrill, the height, the speed, being unexpected in every turn? That’s what my pageant experience was, a roller coaster. I’ve competed in The Miss USA Org. for one year winning Congeniality and overall Interview award and the Miss America Organization (including the Outstanding Teen Program) for over 10 years total; 8 in Alabama, 2 in Oklahoma. I held two local titles (Miss Clay-Chalkville 2013, Miss Cahaba Valley 2019) and two local titles in Oklahoma during my undergraduate studies at Oklahoma Christian University (Miss Oklahoma State Fair 2017 and Miss Frontier Country 2018). During my reigns, I’ve won numerous awards- mostly talent; but never placed in the Top 12 and 15 on the state levels. With a record like that, you have to have tough skin when God tells you being Miss Alabama/ Miss Oklahoma was not in my plan for you. But I will say, my impact will last longer than any physical crown. 

Another part of a roller coaster that’s not as fun are the drops. 

In lieu of a historic year of pageantry, seeing all the major pageant titles held by women of color, it’s a firm reminder that representation matters. I’m told all the time, “They are great women, why bring up their race?” My advice to the pageant community is this, “Maybe if the lineup of STATE titleholders were as diverse as the state they represent, people wouldn’t have to bring up their race.” I’ve seen so many women before me get so close to representing the great state of Alabama but never did. You can have the best talent, creative fashion style, super-serve your community, and even have a ‘fit body type,’ but it has NEVER been enough. If Black women do exactly what the organization asks of us, why are there only TWO women of color that have represented the state of Alabama in 90 years?! That’s not a coincidence, that’s a concern.

My advice to judges is this, “Don’t choose a Black woman just BECAUSE she’s black; choose her because she’s the right woman for the job. But also, if she encompasses everything the organization requires of a queen, her skin tone, body size, hair texture, etc. should not be the reason why she’s NOT good enough.” It’s a love/hate rollercoaster that I don’t regret riding. It only made me stronger.

Janet C. Pugh Pageantry
Janet C Pugh participated in Pageants from 2013 2019

What message do you want to spread?

Never stop serving God. You CAN be successful in a career that you love. Don’t be afraid to try something new within your talents. It can lead you to your dream career. 

What would you tell another Black Southern Belle who is interested in getting involved in Miss America or Miss USA Organizations?

Prepare to succeed beyond pageantry. Come twice as prepared because the playing field is not level. Ask former black queens for coaching advice; we’ve been there, we know. Do NOT change for other people’s standards of a queen. You’re there to be relatable, encouraging, inspiring, and have fun, not just to win. Tough skin comes with the game. Treat everyone with love; it will take you far. 

With her Family

What is next for you?

I want to be able to use ALL of the talents God has given me and make an impact through each one. So here we go:

  • I would love to host and produce a Traveling Soul Food Tasting show on the Food Network (maybe win awards for it). 
  • I want to sing background for Kirk Franklin, Jill Scott, Stevie Wonder, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Beyonce, etc. 
  • Tour the world with an uplifting and fun gospel album.
  • Speak and also host conferences geared toward young women empowerment. 

What radio or podcasts do you enjoy listening to?

School of Life Podcast, The 85 South Show, Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Sybil Wilkes Headlines (YouTube), Pretty Big Deal

Eagle Angle News at Oklahoma Christian University
Janet support system is her friends and family
Food Home cooking is an important part of a Black Southern Belles life
Janet C Pugh loves to sing

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