Video Story By: Franchette O'Neal
Nine candidates competed in the very first Miss Black GSU pageant at the Russell Union Ballroom on Sunday, Nov. 17.
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For the first time in Georgia Southern University’s history, a pageant solely catered to black women was created. Sophomore education major Chandler Williams, a candidate, said the pageant was “created by women, for women to empower women on campus and give women confidence.”
The pageant had three sections: talent, swimsuit and interview in evening wear. Each candidate also had a platform they represented on stage.
Some of the platforms included helping moms, dedication to children’s education and representing plus size women. The hosts said that prior to the event, competitors raised money for their causes.
Sophomore public health major Alexus Geanas, a candidate, said her platform was on confidence which centered around “encouraging women to be comfortable in their own skin.” Geanas’s talent, which was poetry, reflected her platform on confidence.
According to freshman event agent Monique Edwards, multiple organizations came together to make the event, with the top contributors being Minority Advisement Program, Women’s Collegiate 100, National Council of Negro Women and business co-ed fraternity Delta Sigma Pi. The hosts said the organizers have arranged for the winner to compete in Miss Black America next year.
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Myriam Polynice, a bio-chemistry pre-med sophomore, volunteered to be an agent for the event. She said she wanted to support other black women and to witness history since it’s the first Miss Black GSU, adding that she might compete next year.
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The event’s judges consisted of three black pageant winners from other schools and GSU’s Student Government Association President Juwan Smith. The event provided food and entertainment during the intermission before the evening gown portion.
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Miss Black GSU, First and Second Runners-Up, Most Photogenic, and Highest GPA were some of the awards given at the end of the night. The hosts said the event received a good turn out with audience full of supportive family and friends even if it is the first GSU black pageant.