A Farewell and Thank You to Cheslie Kryst

This last week has been devastating for the family, friends and long time supporters of Cheslie Kryst. 

On Sunday, January 30, 2022, Cheslie Kryst died by suicide. She was 30 years old. 

But, this is not where her story ends, nor is it the story any of us should tell. We will never know her most intimate thoughts, and we will never fully comprehend the pain she was feeling and we will not be able to answer the “why” to this tragedy. So, because of that, I believe it’s unfair to craft think pieces or share controversial opinions about her death. 

Instead, we get to honor her and celebrate the life she lived and the impact she made. 

Long before she graced pageant stages and our TV screens, Cheslie ran track and completed her undergraduate degrees at the University of South Carolina. Soon after completing, she worked her way to earning a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from Wake Forest. 

Brilliant doesn’t even begin to describe her mind. She excelled in education and in people. Those who knew her can attest to the fact that she remembered people, their small things and celebrated their wins. It was part of the Cheslie charm. 

Her pageant career started well before she made it to Miss USA. Truly, her journey to the national competition was one of perseverance and obedience. She lost more times than she won, and was on the verge of aging out before getting the chance to represent the state of North Carolina. And yet, in her last year of eligibility, she won.

Cheslie took nothing for granted. Before even making it to Miss USA, she completed over 50 appearances while working full time as a civil litigation attorney in Charlotte, NC. Her passion was service, the epitome of servant leader. She approached each person, each event and every leader with humility and kindness.  

When she made it to compete alongside 50 other women, it has been said that you were never competing against her, you were competing with her. That her very presence made you feel alive and special, which is something I can confirm. 

Cheslie proudly wore her state across her chest, with her natural curly hair. It was mesmerizing. It was like seeing a Hercules muse walk down the stage—jaw dropping and ethereal. Though she physically looked stunning, I believe she won because of the answers to her onstage questions.

Specifically saying “Glass ceilings can be broken wearing a skirt or pants.”

It was almost revolutionary, a pageant girl had finally picked a side to stand on without wavering. It was in this moment I believe people saw the heart of Cheslie Kryst.

That’s the heart I want to see live on. Where we forever talk about her character before we talk about her accomplishments. I want to continue to live in a world where we celebrate women, especially Black Women for embracing the most natural and beautiful parts of them. I want young girls to be encouraged to study, and be well informed so they can pick sides and feel confident in their opinions. 

As we talk about her legacy and find ways to move forward, I hope we talk up her philanthropy, and her confidence in changing her mind. As I think of ways to honor her, I keep coming back to making sure my friends never feel forgotten by me. For she was notorious for making sure you knew that you were still on her mind. 

To me, Cheslie embodied her icon, Maya Angelou. She lived and walked in a kind of freedom people struggle to find. It breaks my heart to know she suffered so deeply with depression. Though we have kept the narrative of “check on your strong friends” alive and well, I want to challenge you to do more. Cross boundaries for the friends who need you. Don’t just check in, but call and pull up if you have to. 

Cheslie, there is no one like you, and there will never be anyone like you again. Thank you for what you gave to this world. I thank you for your call to social justice and change, for your commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters and your passion for helping women dress for their best self. Thank you for being fearless by wearing your curls on stage and for speaking your mind. Thank you for serving others and the community for 557 days as Miss USA, the longest reign to date. You are history. You are Black History. But more than that, you are Cheslie Kryst, daughter, sister, friend and mentor. 

We love you and we miss you. 

In honor of Cheslie, her family is asking that you consider making a donation to Dress For Success, an organization she held close to her heart.
If you are reading this and you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, or you know someone who is, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255. Remember you are not alone and your presence in this world is needed.