Miss Black and Gold, hosted by the ice-cold men of Alpha Phi Alpha incorporated, is not your typical pageant. Every practice we (the contestants), hear: “This is not Miss Kansas”, and this is said as a point of pride.
This pageant, unlike other pageants that tend pit women against each other for arbitrary goals, has made me a better person.
1. This Pageant is Truly About Women’s Empowerment
Everything we have learned is with the goal to benefit ourselves (even the swimsuit portion!). Public speaking, poise, projection, confidence, team work, everything is applicable beyond the pageant. We have been supported every step of the way. Men of the fraternity, previous contestants, and university staff have all come together to empower us to let our inner radiance shine outward. I have never heard a derogatory or rude comment this entire pageant, but what I have heard, is “you’re beautiful”, “you’re stunning”, “you got this”, and many more notions of faith and encouragement.
2. Women of COLOR!
It is rare to see so many women of color in one setting working together to break the glass ceiling. Quite often, we are taught that we, by nature of our skin, are not worthy or beautiful enough to even compete on the same level with white women. We are taught that we will never be good enough or sexy enough, so why even compete?
With this pageant, we are showing everyone in the audience that no, we are not on the same scale. We are higher. We are taking ourselves to places that we’ve never reached before. You are going to want to be in the audience to witness the magic. You’re going to want to watch us transcend social norms and what was once thought of as fact. Witness us shine like rare diamonds
3. The Confidence
This pageant has given the confidence to put myself in front of others, and know that I am beautiful. And as awkward as it feels to type that sentence, I’m going to keep it there. Throughout the countless hours that I’ve spent every Sunday working on myself with my pageant sisters.
4. It is going be an excellent show.
Opening number (dancing!), introductions of each of the contestants, swimsuit show offs, talent by each contestant, and finishing the evening with gowns and Q&As. There are only a few women that can take home the scholarship money. Even though there are nine different titles that one can win, this is not a pageant that gives participation prizes. One girl can take home every single title if she performs to the standard.
5. We are competing for scholarships!
Show your support! We need the ticket sales so that regardless of who wins a title or a sash, each of us can have some funds to help with the burden of school. Tickets are $10 for community members, $7 for students. If you need a ticket, I got you! Paypal me at talbanuelos@gmail.com, or SquareCash, at $tbanuelos14.
6. The Audience is the second-best part
Aside from the ladies competing in the show, the audience is what makes this show grand. This is what differs us from Miss Kansas. You can scream and shout the entire time. You can bring signs and you can let the entire audience know if Contestant #7 is the one you think should win. This is a black pageant. This means that we are going to show up and show OUT. Let loose and let out your inhibitions.
7. Contestant #7
That’s me! Support your campus leader, campus radical, and community supporter. Need to see a copy of my resume? You got it. I’m competing in this pageant for women like me. Women who do not fit Eurocentric beauty standards. Women who do not wear a size 2. Women who have been told that they are not good enough. Show your support.
The show will take place this Wednesday, Nov 9th, at 7:06 pm, in RSC Beggs Ballroom. There are a few seats left and we need a packed house! You know what to do.
