5 Benefits of Being Crowned Okra Queen

I’m all about wanting people to stand in their power by not putting others on pedestals.  I don’t believe in asking people to bow down to me or any other human.  But some of y’all might want to practice your curtsies.  You too ladies!

Believe it or not, I’ve been nominated to wear the coveted crown of the Okra Queen.  Actor, comedian, writer and soon-to-be “actorpreneur” Steve Peterson tossed my name into the ring.  Steve is a strong believer in the importance of building supportive communities.  In fact, he is in the process of establishing a for-profit organization called Scathingly Brilliant Creative.  It is where artists, entertainers, writers and other creatives will be able to connect with financing to produce and promote their art.

We recently featured Steve in our Community Spotlight because he believes dreamers can do more than dream.  I have a hunch he nominated me as her highness because he wanted to reciprocate.

Like Steve, I believe all the world is a stage.  I’m convinced Steve’s background as a stage managers for Equity shows makes him just as qualified to produce pageantry as anyone.  For those of you who believe acting is a part-time job to hold you over until you can get a full-time position waiting tables, Equity is the stage actors union.

Steve said he forwarded my application packet to the National Okra Federation.  Now before you get excited about that, there’s a problem you should understand.  There is no Okra Federation.  But don’t worry.  We believe Scathingly Brilliant Creative will help one of you form such a federation to feed the world with love, imagination and art.  My getting the crown depends on it.

I’m excited about that because my monarchy wants to use this vegetable to create a greener planet.  Here are five life-enhancing examples of what I can accomplish for you. You probably have not had time to consider them. Now is your opportunity.

#1 I will be a monarch who insists that you rule your own life.

I believe one of the problems of choosing life within the status quo is people tend to settle.  They tend to conform to demands by others.  I believe it is the spiritual birthright of each of us to think for ourselves, listen to our hearts and be who we came to Earth to be.

I contend we do not have the right to make decisions for others, and others don’t have the right to rule over us as individuals.  Well, technically in a capitalistic society, your boss can boss you around.  But you always have the right to say “No” if it means saying “Yes” to you.

I will use my okra-shaped scepter to insist you take charge over your life.  It is your life, so you will do a much better job than I would.  Plus, I’m lazy.  I’d rather lounge around consuming okra gumbo.  You can criticize me for that, but gumbo is pretty tasty.  My job is to create opportunities.  It is your job to take responsibility for you.  I would say I don’t have time to hold hands. But as queen, I would need one hand to wave to y’all on the parade route. I would need the other to clutch my scepter.

#2 I would reign over something that is actually good for you.

For decades, okra has been considered a vegetable for poor people.  Okra was introduced to the Southern United States in the 1700s by slaves shipped in from Western Africa.  Because of local mindsets, Okra wasn’t viewed as the superstar it is in the nutritional world.

It took off as a staple when the slaves demonstrated that slicing the veggie made it slimy enough to thicken soup, making heartier meals for the haves and have-nots living on the plantation.  Scientists now contend okra has major health benefits.  It’s rich in vitamins A, B and C.  The fat-free pods are loaded with calcium, iron and dietary fiber.  Some folks also contend okra helps alleviate diabetes.

#3 Okra can help one stay fried while dealing with status quo slime.

Being reared in Texas, I grew up believing okra was a staple that distinguishes the men from the boys.  Children seem to prefer their okra fried while adults in my family love boiling it with potatoes and tomatoes.  The boiling process makes okra slimy and kind of gross in my opinion.

But as far as vegetables go, okra could be the queen of slime.  The more you cut it, the more slime it produces, which makes it popular as a thickening agent.  Okra is still a major ingredient in Creole cuisine, which I find utterly delicious. 

#4 Being the Okra Queen will raise my status within the status quo.

I’m not that great at conforming, so I don’t fit in amongst the status quo.  That’s how I ended up in left field.  I got shoved there.

Conformists at the bottom of the totem pole of clout are not known for original ideas.  In fact, they often need to ask permission from propagandists to listen to someone not on the preferred distinguished list.

If they do listen to non-conformists, they listen half-way because they’ve been taught people who think differently are wrong.  Steve Peterson, who is sponsoring my monarchy candidacy, acknowledged most people listen half-way.  The left half tends to listen to what is said.  The right side listens from perspective. 

Steve, who knows all about voice projection from his stage experience, said failure to fully listen can cause confusion.

“When they announce that you are Queen Okra, your royal subjects are going to hear Queen Oprah,” Steve insisted.  “Oprah has clout, darlin’.  That mistake will raise your status throughout the world.  No one will know the difference. Afterall y’all look alike because you’re both over 30.”

#5 I will bring Southern hospitality to the royal family.

Most of you probably jumped to conclusions and landed in England when you read that last sentence, which proves how quickly most of us are at passing judgment.  I didn’t capitalize Royal Family, so I wasn’t indicating I was talking about Cousin Chuck or his son with the controversial wife.  I was talking about the Okra Queen’s family. 

If I am crowned Okra Queen, I vow to make the world a better place one okra pod at a time.  I intend to serve it with love and a smile - and an extra fork so I personally can make sure the okra is cooked to perfection. 

If you personally don’t like okra, I don’t have a problem with your choice.  You can take that matter up with Steve Peterson.  Click on his name to checkout Community Spotlight and scroll down to read what makes Steve qualified to create pomp and circumstance that definitely entertains. And check back often as we’ll update where and when you can see his work.