HBCU student, pageant queen passes away at 22

Former North Carolina Central student and Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett has passed away at the age of twenty-two. Her family announced her passing on social media on Monday, and North Carolina Central also released a statement confirming the news and honoring her life. Everett passed away on Sunday, April 5, after a battle with cancer.

Everett was from Seattle, Washington, and majored in vocal performance at North Carolina Central; she was on track to graduate in 2027. While a student at North Carolina Central, she made history by becoming the first Miss North Carolina to have attended an HBCU.

In an interview with CBS 17, she spoke about how she wanted the moment to open up the possibilities for representation for HBCU students to become pageant queens.

“I can be the first but not the last. I want young women from all over the state and throughout the country attending HBCUs that this opportunity is for them.”

In a letter released to the university community, North Carolina Central Chancellor Dr. Karrie G. Dixon spoke about Everett’s North Carolina Central legacy.

“A native of Seattle, Washington, Carrie will be remembered as a trailblazer who shared her inspirational talent and leadership with so many. As a sophomore in 2024, she became the first current HBCU student to be named Miss North Carolina. Her platform, We Need Equity to Build Communities, sought to make pageants more accessible to young people. Her work to recruit young women who may not consider pageants due to the expensive entry fees and wardrobes was commendable. Carrie selected NCCU because of the university’s music program – she enjoyed singing gospel music – and regularly graced NCCU occasions with her beautiful singing voice. Her ambition, grace, tenacity and talent will be deeply missed.”

Former North Carolina Central student and Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett has passed away at the age of twenty-two. Her family announced her passing on social media on Monday, and North Carolina Central also released a statement confirming the news and honoring her life. Everett passed away on Sunday, April 5, after a battle with cancer.