Students shine in Miss Black and Gold Pageant

Winner goes on to represent Sigma Delta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in NC Pageant

Virginia Galvez / A&E Editor

The Sigma Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. sponsored the Miss Black and Gold Pageant Sunday evening in McKinnon. The pageant, which had been popular in the early '90s, has just recently started up again on a regular basis with last year's winner Diamond Bridges. The competition is a product of Alpha chapter's tradition of choosing outstanding ladies to serve as chapter sweethearts.

The contestants for this year's pageant were Francine Pennachio, Morgan Robinson, Dionne Eleby, Kelci Flowers, Eden Esters, Valencia Smith, Valronica Scales, Dominique Derbigny and Evelyn Massey.

The winner, Eden Esters, received a trophy and sash along with a $200 scholarship and is being sent to represent the Sigma Delta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. in the Miss Black and Gold North Carolina Pageant. The first runner-up award went to Dominique Derbigny and Kelci Flowers received the award for second runner-up. Derbigny also won the award for Miss Congeniality as well as Miss Sigma Delta, which recognized her as having the highest freshman score.

After the initial interest meeting, the eight contestants had from early March on to prepare for the swimwear, talent, formal wear and question portions of the pageant. According to contestant Evelyn Massey, for her, the most exciting part of the pageant was the talent portion. "Everyone had such a great talent," Massey said.

Acting as mentor to the contestants and hostess for Sunday's event was last year's pageant winner Diamond Bridges. "The most important aspect of this experience is that it has allowed me as a person to grow in character," Bridges said. "Given the opportunity to fellowship with other individuals has provided me with different perspectives of how I perceive and appeal to diverse individuals. As for my presence with contestants, I absolutely adore all of them."

According to the Miss Black and Gold 2005 program, the first national Miss Black and Gold Pageant was held in 1976 in New York City. The pageant was then deferred following the first event to be reinstated during Alpha Phi Alpha's 1982 General Convention in Los Angeles.

This year's pageant featured the Negro National Anthem by Latwoia Abotts followed by a dance performance showcasing the contestants, choreographed by April Holloway. The event filled most of McKinnon Hall and was estimated to have a turnout of over 100 people. "These different activities and programs have allowed me to meet new students, while increasing the knowledge of multiculturalism at Elon," Bridges said.

"It's an experience everyone should have," Massey said.

Eden Esters will be representing Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. as she competes in the Miss Black and Gold North Carolina Pageant Nov. 11 in Fayetteville.

Contact Virginia Galvez at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.

Photo courtesy of Damon Ogburn

The winners of the Miss Black and Gold Pageant (above) from left to right: Kelci Flowers, second runner-up, Eden Esters as the pageant winner and Dominique Derbingy, first runner-up and Miss Sigma Delta.