“Draped in Ebony, Fortified in the Purity of Gold” was the theme for the 2007 Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant, which was presented by the Delta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.The Delta Sigma Chapter has continued its tradition of success for the last 55 years on the campus of Grambling State University, and the night’s event served as an example of this tradition as nine young ladies representing beauty, academics and elegance, vying for the coveted title of Miss Black and Gold.
Aside from being one of the most elegant affairs of the academic year, the pageant is also one of the most anticipated and exciting.
The hosts for the night were Colondra Dupree and William Moses.
The pageant was opened with the contestants introducing themselves to the audience and judges. Next, Joseph Buchanan, president of the Delta Sigma Chapter, greeted the audience with a warm welcome.
After the greetings, the daywear competition followed with the contestants wearing business casual. Franklin Wilson, secretary of Alpha Phi Alpha, provided entertainment by singing a song for his mother, “You Are So beautiful.”
The swimsuit competition was up next, and the ladies showcased their elegance in their swimwear. Members of The Entourage, Trey Trapp and Charterria Bowie singing “Spend My Life With You” provided the next entertainment. Jarrod Hill followed the two by serenading the crowd, playing his guitar and singing “Beautiful Surprise” By India Arie.
Next was the talent competition. Tiffany Wells, a marketing major from Flint, Michigan, got the audience’s attention with her poem entitled “Too Black.” Arnecia Wilson, a Mass communication major from Alexandria, Louisiana sang “Beautiful Love” but it was Tiana Phillips from Lancaster, California, who really impressed the crowd by reciting a poem in Italian.
Following the talent competition was the introduction of the judges, which included Tanisha Cousby, a well-known Gramblinite whose credentials include an active member of both the Favrot Student Union Board and Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority.
After the introduction was the evening gown competition where the contestants showcased their poise in their formal gowns. Following the evening gown competition was the Question and Answer segment, where the contestants were asked various questions that dealt with the university, city of Grambling, and even the world.
The objective of the Questions and Answers period was to see if the contestant could answer the question with the best quality.
The farewell walk was up next. The outgoing Miss Black and Gold, Jenelle Miller, is the daughter of Retired Senior Chief James and Charlotte Miller. She was born in Alexandria, Va., but has lived in many places because of her father being in the Navy. She is a senior majoring in mass communication with an area of concentration in public relations.
As the president of Phi Beta Lambda business fraternity, Miss Miller prepares students of all backgrounds to enter the business world after graduating from college. She is also a member of the Earl Lester Cole Honors College.
Now, to the question on everyone’s mind: “Who is the new Miss Black and Gold?” Starting with second runner up, Miss Gold – Tiana Phillips. She is a member of the Speech Club and a staff member at The Gramblinite.
In the future, Phillips would like to establish a non-profit organization that will help young girls build self-esteem, teach the girls to deal with personal issues, and help plan their future.
The first runner up, Miss Black, is Nyomi Little, a 20-year-old education major from Cincinnati. Little’s talents include vocal performance, mime of praise, and sign language.
Her philosophy in life is “in order to succeed, one’s desire for success should be greater than one’s fear of failure”, a famous quote by Bill Cosby.
Finally, the 2007-2008 Miss Black and Gold Pageant crown was given to Ashley Enoch a native of Burlington, N.C. She is an 18-year-old Biology major.
Her philosophy in life is “to be original and to leave this earth with a purpose.”
Although Enoch is Miss Black and Gold for the Delta Sigma chapter, she will be given the opportunity to travel to other schools and compete for other various titles.