“I promise if you keep your eyes on me, you will enjoy the show.”Patrick Carriere, biological sciences junior and Mr. Imani 2009, promised a full house a good time as the hosts, Ray James and Paige Payne, introduced him Wednesday night at the 2009 Mr. and Miss Imani Pageant in the Student Union.The theme for this year’s pageant was “What lies behind me helps create the beauty within me.”The contestants participated in five different categories that invoke moments of black culture, beginning with the Harlem Renaissance and ending with the present day.”There’s no talent or swimsuit category,” said Niya Blair, coordinator of the African American cultural center. “That’s two of the things that makes it different from other pageants on campus.”The opening scene invoking the Harlem Renaissance began with music by Etta James.The business wear scene commemmorated civil rights.Contestants came on stage with posters depicting phrases like “Racism” and “Peace 4 ALL.”The casual wear category was a lively dance that introduced rap and hip-hop. The audience strongly reacted with cheers of encouragement and loud clapping.During this category, the hosts made known the contestants’ involvement at the University.Contestants’ activities include the student activities board, Tiger Band, Volunteer LSU and Wish Upon a Tiger.The final dress category was formal scene that celebrated the present day.The judges also considered the confidence and articulation contestants expressed when answering their onstage questions. Winners of the Imani pageant exhibit leadership, scholastic achievement, commitment to community and faith, Blair said.The pageant focuses on inner beauty and personality, said Andrea Kelley, Miss Imani 2008 and English and African-American studies senior.”The pageant represents the social as well as black intellectual that we have on LSU’s campus,” Kelley said. “It’s more about the mind than the body.”Carlton Miller, first runner-up and political science sophomore, said the most important part of being Mr. Imani is to be active on campus. The winner should be “sombody who can embody everything the Imani pageant stands for,” said Aaron Phipps, Mr. Imani 2008 and general studies senior. “Someone that has faith and represents black culture on campus.”Kelley said giving her crown to Ebony Mitchell, psychology junior and Miss Imani 2009, was bitter sweet.Mr. and Miss Imani each won $300 scholarship money.First runner-ups were Miller and Britani Fields, human resources management junior.They each received $150 scholarship money.The judges were looking for contestants who could speak well and display cultural values, said Shassity Stevenson, Imani pageant judge.Imani is the swahili word for “faith”, which is one of the seven Kwanzaa principles.”I’m going to have the deepest faith possible,” Carrier said.Mitchell also said she wants to encourage people who lose faith to stay strong.    ——Contact Victoria Yu at [email protected]