On Friday, April 4, the Greek Senate and Alpha Phi Alpha hosted the Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant at the Wilkins Theatre from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The night was filled with talented young ladies competing to be the next Miss Black and Gold.  

This scholarship pageant began in the 1970s and aims to acknowledge and celebrate the intelligence, grace, and achievements of young women in colleges and universities. With each category, the young ladies were able to highlight their personality and prove why they deserve to take home the crown.  

Many who attended came to support their fellow Greek members, friends, and family.  

Amari Banks, an Elementary Education major and senior from Hackensack, stated why she decided to attend the pageant.  

“[I came] to have D-9 unity and support my Neo, who is participating today. I’m looking forward to seeing everybody’s talent and what they bring.” 

The pageant created an environment of support for the ladies competing and excitement for what they all had to offer. 

Kayla Buchana, a Psychology major and sophomore from Greenwich, Connecticut, also came in support of her fellow sister. 

“I decided to come because I wanted to support my fellow sisters that are a part of the pageant. I’ve never been before, so I thought it would be a good time.” 

The pageant began with the ladies making their first impression on the judges and audience with the Grand Introduction. The ladies showed poise and elegance with their dancing and clever introductions. The Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant presented several categories like business attire, swimwear, talent, and evening gown.  

The business attire segment featured the young women in professional attire who displayed their personal style for the workplace. The talent portion highlighted the contestants’ ability to sing, dance, recite poems and monologues, and perform self-defense.  

The Elegance Walk featured the young ladies in beautiful evening wear to end the night. As the ladies lined up, they were all required to answer a different question relating to the future, their hopes for the world, and why they deserved to win the Miss Black and Gold crown.  

Although all contestants did an amazing job displaying their talents, intelligence, and grace, only one could win. Lauren Green, a Psychology major with a minor in Criminal Justice at Kean University, was crowned Miss Black and Gold. Her authenticity and ability to capture the audience persuaded the judges.  

Congratulations to all the ladies who participated!