11 contestants compete for title, scholarship in Miss Black and Gold Pageant

The bar for the Miss Black and Gold Pageant is set high.

The scores are based on poise, community service, grade point average, fundraising and talent.

“We look for distinguished females who do service and are involved in school,” said junior Veldez Joshua, coordinator of the pageant and president of the Gamma Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, which sponsored the event. “They are good role models. This pageant is not based on beauty, but merit and qualities.”

As a former Miss Black and Gold winner, judge Virginia LeBlanc knows firsthand that the winner of the pageant must represent the chapter organization in further competitions. The winner will go on to a district competition in February and possibly regional and national competitions.

“This evening, Miss Black and Gold Pageant will be showcasing 11 of the most graceful and sophisticated women on Indiana University’s campus,” pageant host and senior D’Juan Wilcher said before the contestants entered the stage.

First, each participant introduced herself and explained her aspirations. The women who participated in the pageant had goals ranging from attending Harvard Law School to becoming a dentist.

The women in the pageant all had various reasons for why they wished to give back to their community.

“I feel that I have been very blessed in my life, so I have an internal pride to work hard and be a positive and productive member of my community,” contestant Alex Williams said. Williams received first place in the competition.

Participants then completed a private interview, introductions, talent competition, evening gown competition and a question-and-answer session.

Two pageant participants shared their inspirational stories through spoken word.

Contestant Jasmine Starks’s personal spoken word was titled “Strong.” She said her mother is her inspiration and strength for her hard work and dedication, which includes being an Indiana Memorial Union Board director and president of the Tau chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

“Mommy, I want to be you,” Starks said with tears in her eyes. “I strive to be like you.”
Starks’s spoken word fit with the message of the pageant, which is to uplift women.
“For every story not written, I want to write you strong,” Starks said.

Contestant Toyia Maxey gave a performance of spoken word in a piece called “Misinformed.” She gave her perspective of how people are ignorant of prejudices toward women, African Americans and Muslims. She is a member of all three communities.

The women who competed in the Miss Black and Gold Pageant sought not only to represent their communities and themselves, but also IU’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter.

“You are not just representing yourself, you are representing your chapter’s organization,” LeBlanc said. “It’s not about you. Beauty is superficial – it’s about substance.”