70-Year-Old Dazzles in Brooklyn’s Inaugural All-Ages Beauty Pageant
In a dazzling display of talent and tenacity, 70-year-old Denise “Mistah” Coles has made history as the winner of Brooklyn’s first all-ages and all-genders beauty pageant, held on February 27. While the world often focuses on youth, Coles—an accomplished playwright known for her off-Broadway works—reminds us that age is just a number, not a barrier. “I have a lot to offer,” she asserted, flipping the script on stereotypes often associated with aging.
Organized by Simone Tetteh and Thomas Tomczak as a fundraiser for the Brooklyn Community Kitchen, the event aimed to reflect the rich diversity of the local community. “We wanted to do something that felt really inclusive and of course really fun,” Tetteh explained, showcasing the organizers’ priority of community engagement over conventional fundraising methods. With over 200 attendees, the event surpassed expectations, leaving organizers scrambling for extra seating—a true testament to the community’s spirit.
Coles wowed the crowd not only with her performance of “I Know Where I’ve Been” from *Hairspray,* but also with a stunning transformation on stage. She started in a masculine outfit complete with a faux beard, only to end up in a glamorous red dress and wig, leaving the audience in awe and earning a standing ovation. “Believe it or not, I got a standing ovation,” she shared, a moment that Tetteh described as emotionally charged, with audience members visibly moved.
The Brooklyn Community Kitchen, the beneficiary of the event, plays a vital role in the borough by serving meals to the unhoused and those in need, often utilizing surplus food from local businesses. Their mission highlights the importance of community support and shared resources, especially in a city where food insecurity remains a pressing issue.
Coles’ participation in the pageant serves as a beacon for older individuals, encouraging them to embrace their identities and contributions. Her sentiment, that older adults are not “put out to pasture” but rather brimming with potential, resonates deeply in a culture that often sidelines the elderly. This event not only celebrated beauty in all its forms but also championed inclusivity and resilience in the face of societal norms. As Coles continues to sing her powerful anthem, she leaves us all with a reminder: the spotlight is not reserved for the young. It’s a stage for everyone, regardless of age.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, New York Post, Brooklyn Community Kitchen
Image Credit: Title: Untitled, Author: No author info, License: [‘cc_attribute’, ‘cc_nonderived’, ‘cc_publicdomain’]
