The LSU African American Cultural Center and Black History Committee hosted the annual Mr. And Miss Imani Pageant Sunday, February 25th.

Imani is the Swahili word for “faith” which focuses on honing the best of our traditions and teaches us how to draw upon the best in ourselves.

It helps strive for a higher level of life for humankind by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.Imani is one of the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa.

This year’s theme, the evolution of ebony, celebrated both the past and future of black history.

The nine contestants were: Erika Grant, Mackenzie Dixon, Regan Patterson, Asia Jones, Morgan Crier, Jacquari Self, Jude Bontemps, Quentin Phillips, and Jaylon Bond.

The contestants competed in 5 categories: “By Any Means Necessary” (the Introductions), “You know I Ain’t Scared” (Dress to Impress), “Wade in the Water” (Swimwear), “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems” (Business Attire) and  “Black Invitational” (Formal Attire). 

Contestants Makenzie Dixon and  Jacquari Self were interviewed before the show.

“Essentially the winners of Mr. and Miss Imani serve as representatives of the black LSU Community,” said Dixon.

“We first interviewed for the pageant last semester, but we started practicing at the beginning of this semester. So, the whole practicing has been about a two month journey and it is has been long and tedious but nonetheless enjoyable,” said Self.

“After participating in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Miss Black and Gold Pageant, I really found a knack for performing on stage and pageants. So when I saw that there was an opportunity for another one, with such high credentials, I jumped at the opportunity,” said Dixon

“For me, winning the pageant would be the icing on the cake, of course. It will be like my name is forever stamped on the black LSU community. I would live to be apart of LSU’s history by winning this pageant,” said Self.  

“Being Miss Imani would be an honor because I truly am still getting comfortable at LSU, but being able to represent black women and men at LSU will be something I cherish for the rest of my life,” said Dixon.

The 2018 Mr. and Miss Imani First-Runner Ups were Makenzie Dixon and Jacquari Self.

The 2018 Mr. and Miss Imani were Erika Grant and Quentin Phillips.