The Nu Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity awarded sociology senior Tashanti Tezano with the honor of being Miss Black and Gold 2002 “Queen of the Pharaohs” Tuesday night in the Union Royal Ballroom.
It is Alpha week for Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and it was the host of Tuesday’s pageant. The pageant was a function for the University community aimed toward promoting scholarship for women.
“I feel very excited … I like being in front of a lot of people,” Tezano said before the pageant began. “I think I have a good chance of doing well, but this is a good group of girls, and I believe we all have good chances.”
The other contestants were Christy Bartholomew, a mass communication senior, Johvanna Dabney, an accounting sophomore, Makisha Dillon, a mass communication junior and Rebecca Cola, a secondary education sophomore.
All the young ladies said they had faith in themselves and each other that the pageant would be a success. They were queens no matter the end results.
However, the winner, Tezano, received a $250 scholarship used to promote academics. Alpha Phi Alpha holds academics high in its organization.
“We want Miss Black and Gold not only to hold beauty but intelligence also,” said Darrel Celestine, second vice-president of Alpha Phi Alpha and chairperson of Miss Black and Gold pageant.
The contestants went through five phases: achievements and projection, swimwear, creative and performing arts, poise and appearance and oral expression.
There were other performances given throughout the pageant such as a dance selection by Brandi Julien, a poetry selection by Jonathan Riley and a musical selection by Nick Marshall.
During the oral expression, judges asked the contestants the same question: “Do you think it was important for African Americans to cast their votes today? Why or why not?”
The majority of the audience thought Dillon gave the best response.
“I think it is important black people vote; but on the other hand, I do not believe people should vote for people just because they are black or a woman. So I hope people vote and did so knowledgeably,” Dillon said.
After the oral expression and acknowledgements, Danielle Broussard, Miss Black and Gold 2001 gave her farewell prelude. All the contestants received a certificate and a white rose for participating .
Bartholomew received Miss Congeniality, and Cola received first runner-up.
“I was surprised, very surprised. I am so happy. It is good to represent a wonderful group of young men,” Tezano said.