Miss Black & Gold

It was at 7:06 pm on Sept. 13 in K.R. Williams Auditorium that it was time to begin Miss Black and Gold competition. As the night concluded, and all the segments came to an end, Ashley Blacktree was named Miss Black and Gold 2004-2005. The title of Miss Gold and Black is sacred to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. “She is like our version of Miss USA and she is also a role model for other girls,” said Eric Smith who crossed Alpha in spring of 2004. “We want to choose a girl who is dedicated to society and community…like Alpha Phi Alpha, but in a female form,” Smith said. The process of looking for the right lady that fits the criteria was not easy. An interest meeting was held and after the interest meeting the hopefuls filled out an application. This was followed by a one on one interview that discussed the goals and aspirations of the women who wanted to vie for the title. Last, but not least, there was a meeting with the past Black and Gold court. Although fifteen girls showed interest, only five were picked to be in the pageant. Those five were: Ms. Ashley Blacktree, Ms. Jasmine Rascoe, Ms. Janell Lewis, Ms. Chandra Richards, and Ms. Ariel Goodman. The girls had four segments in which to compete: talent, business attire, swim wear, and formal wear that consisted of a ‘Q and A’ portion.”The talent portion was my favorite because sign language was something that I had never done before, and I learned it specifically for the pageant,” said Blacktree. “I wanted to do something that I have never seen anyone else do.” A variety of talents were brought to the stage, including: poetry, a Jamaican culture skit, a song, and a comical skit. The contestants felt the ‘Q and A’ portion was the most nerve-racking. Blacktree said, “The question and answer portion was the worst for me. We got the questions at five o’clock and only had two hours to think about them. It was something that all the contestants stressed over.” Although Blacktree won the official title, there were also second and third place winners as well as a Miss Congeniality who was determined by the contestants. Janell Lewis, second runner up, won Miss Beta Iota and Jasmine Rascoe, third runner up, won Miss 1906. Ariel Goodman was Miss Congeniality. The advantages of being Miss Black and Gold do not stop at the recognition. There is an opportunity to compete in a regional pageant, and possibly go on to Miss Black and Gold Nationwide. A major advantage is the chance to receive scholarship money. The duties of Miss Black and Gold are to represent and support the chapter, and give back to the community. When asked about receiving the title, Blacktree, reigning from Upper Marlboro, MD, a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., said, “I am very content with the title, but the best part was the overwhelming support I received from my line sisters.” Realizing that she now upholds a very important title, Blacktree is now more aware of her actions and ready to take on more responsibility as Miss Gold and Black 2004-2005.