Valencia A. Chaffold was crowned Miss Black and Gold 2009-10 on Nov. 5. She also earned the talent, Miss Congeniality and swimwear titles. Misty L. Powell earned the Miss Black title (1st runner-up), and Saskia Frederick is Miss Gold (2nd runner-up). Powell also won the evening wear and day wear competitions. Keshawn R. Roberts received Miss Academic Excellence honors.
Chaffold wowed the audience and judges with her performance of the popular poem “I’m Not Giving Back My Black.”
Chaffold’s mother, Alisa, said that she was surprised when her daughter decided to enter into the pageant.
“She is very shy, more of a person in the background, not the forefront. I am surprised, speechless. She stepped out on faith, and God did the rest.” Alisa said that Valencia’s cousin Shalenthea was her inspiration.
Chaffold said that she decided to enter the pageant because she wanted to come out of her shell. Because of this same reason she chose the platform Self-Esteem: Build Your Own Team.
She said, “I know that many young people today are struggling with their self-esteem. Sometimes I am self-conscious and struggle with my self-esteem.
“I have learned that everybody has issues. By implementing my platform, I hope that I can help to change the lives of young ladies and men and come out of my shell.”
Chaffold plans to host seminars on campus and in the local communities.
First-time pageant attendee Terry McGill said this pageant inspired him to attend others.
“It was a night of elegance. I enjoyed the evening wear portion best. The winner well deserved the crown,” said the freshman business major from New Orleans.
The pageant, held in Grambling State University’s T.H. Harris Auditorium, was sponsored by the Delta Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The theme for the pageant was The Birth of a Goddess-The Story of Isis.
Entertainment was provided by Miss Black & Gold 2008-09, Qwanelia Williams, Deron James and Branden Finklea. As Williams took her final walk, she was serenaded by Keishon Ireland, who sang, “You Are So Beautiful.