Miss Black EIU A Journey to Remember A

Miss Black EIU: … A Journey to Remember

…A look at the Past • Living in North America, African Americans faced troubled times. • Racism, prejudices and biases were prominent during the 1960’s. • In 1971 Eastern Illinois University’s Black Student Union decided to give back to the hard working young women on the campus. • They wanted to embrace, encourage and inspire the African American women; promoting heritage, culture and education along the way. • That year was the first annual Miss Black EIU Scholarship Pageant!!

The 41 st Queen? ? The audience roared as the curtains revealed four lovely contestants! • Caterpillar #1– Ashley Bell, a senior • Family Consumer Science major. Also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and “The Crowd’s Favorite”. She displayed confidence throughout the entire process sure that she would be crowned Miss Black EIU 2012! Caterpillar #2 - Brittany Carr, a junior Biology major. A transfer student from Texas Southern University who was always seeking guidance from the 40 th Queen and this year’s event coordinator. She grew out of her shell in this process and so did her confidence. • • Caterpillar #3 - Keiyanna Franklin, a senior Special Education Major. She started her own RSO at EIU, she was extremely humble throughout the entire process although she had a rocky start in the beginning. She triumphed through until the end! Caterpillar #4 - Destiny Winford, a Sophomore Psychology major. She was such a delight to have during this process. She continued to be humble and cheerful throughout the entire process. She dared herself to take the stage and she completed her task successfully!

…And the winners are…? ? ? • All of the contestants!!! • Each contestant put up strong efforts throughout the pageant competition. Remembering that the Miss Black EIU Scholarship Pageant IS NOT a beauty pageant but an event catered to uplift and inspire the young women of EIU’s campus. • Although every contestant disserved to be crowned, only one could be the Queen…. • And the 41 st Miss Black EIU 2012 is….

Miss Keiyanna Franklin…!

Words From the Queen!! • THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! It has taken me by surprise. The competition was phenomenal. Every contestant did extremely well. It is truly an honor to be crowned Miss Black EIU 2012! I humbly accept the title and I am here to continue serving you EIU!! Your Miss Black Queen Keiyanna Franklin