Spring Break
AACC Crowns Mr., Ms. Black UConn
Katherine Hannafin
Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: Focus
The decision for which contenders would be crowned seemed like a near-impossible feat at the end of the talent acts. The question-and-answer segment was the final and most challenging part of the pageant. The thought-provoking questions diffused a more serious and anxious atmosphere while the contestants had to quickly think of intelligent answers to difficult questions. The questions mostly pertained to the issues and barriers that African-Americans face today, as well as concerns of the objectification of women and political matters.
The contest ended after the question-and-answer segment, and a brief break ensued for the judges to tally up their points and conclude the two winners - Mr. and Ms. Black UConn. A submission essay prior to the participation of the pageant, the modeling of casual and formal wear, talent and quality of answers during the question-and-answer portion were the four major parts of the pageant in which the contestants acquired points.
The judges decided on Latortue, a self-taught pianist who played a compilation of classical music on the piano for Mr. Black UConn. Oyeniya was selected as Ms. Black UConn after she sang a fun, audience-involved version of Toni Braxton's "Another Sad Love Song."
All participants were humble and happy to see the two win the crowns. Price made the closing remarks and profusely thanked students Christina Sutton and Daphney Joseph for their incredible jobs coordinating the pageant.
"It's free, just for fun and to show off our students that are so gifted, talented and well-spoken," Price said.
Price also made note of the common misconception that only African-American students are allowed to enter the competition. The pageant is open to all UConn students and often a diverse group of students participate.
The hosts for the evening, students Sutton and Ali Langston, kept the crowd entertained during wardrobe and scene changes with jokes and short stories, while giving deserved praise to every participant multiple times.
Individual Lip Sync performances introduced the four men and three women competing for the titles and comically started off the event, followed by a group step dance.
The African-American Cultural Center put on a good show with fun, talent-filled acts and ended the night on an inspiring note for all attendees. The AACC hopes that even more will take part in the pageant next year.
Contact Katherine Hannafin at
Katherine.Hannafin@UConn.edu.
The contest ended after the question-and-answer segment, and a brief break ensued for the judges to tally up their points and conclude the two winners - Mr. and Ms. Black UConn. A submission essay prior to the participation of the pageant, the modeling of casual and formal wear, talent and quality of answers during the question-and-answer portion were the four major parts of the pageant in which the contestants acquired points.
The judges decided on Latortue, a self-taught pianist who played a compilation of classical music on the piano for Mr. Black UConn. Oyeniya was selected as Ms. Black UConn after she sang a fun, audience-involved version of Toni Braxton's "Another Sad Love Song."
All participants were humble and happy to see the two win the crowns. Price made the closing remarks and profusely thanked students Christina Sutton and Daphney Joseph for their incredible jobs coordinating the pageant.
"It's free, just for fun and to show off our students that are so gifted, talented and well-spoken," Price said.
Price also made note of the common misconception that only African-American students are allowed to enter the competition. The pageant is open to all UConn students and often a diverse group of students participate.
The hosts for the evening, students Sutton and Ali Langston, kept the crowd entertained during wardrobe and scene changes with jokes and short stories, while giving deserved praise to every participant multiple times.
Individual Lip Sync performances introduced the four men and three women competing for the titles and comically started off the event, followed by a group step dance.
The African-American Cultural Center put on a good show with fun, talent-filled acts and ended the night on an inspiring note for all attendees. The AACC hopes that even more will take part in the pageant next year.
Contact Katherine Hannafin at
Katherine.Hannafin@UConn.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
W.T. Frasure
posted 2/25/08 @ 12:36 PM EST
Is there a Mr. & Miss UConn White pageant? Oh, that's right, of course not--because that would be racist...what royalty those "opressed" minorities actually are. (Continued…)
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