It was an evening where elegance, intelligence and poise shined as six young women took the stage to compete in this year’s Miss Black and Gold pageant. Showcasing their talents and charisma, these six women all hoped to claim the prize for themselves, but it was Keturah Green, a senior communication major, who was named the winner.

The pageant, held in the Student Union Theatre on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., was hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and was organized by Ricky Richard, a junior nursing major and secretary for Alpha Phi Alpha. The purpose was to find a woman who could represent the fraternity’s principles and let themselves shine through to the crowd and judges. At the end of the night, it was Green who won the pageant and took home the crown.

“I am extremely elated to be Miss Black and Gold and represent Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated,” said Green. “It is an honor. I love everything they stand for. Scholarship, service and I just look forward to representing them going on to the next phase at district.”

Green is a native of Baton Rouge, La. and went to Family Christian Academy. She is 21 years old and is a resident assistant on campus. Other winners included first runner up Lacey Robbins, an 18 year old majoring in early childhood education, and Miss Congeniality Kellie Wallace, a 20 year old majoring in nursing.

The contestants were scored on a number of criteria, including swimwear, poise and appearance, along with the creative and performing arts. As the winner of the title of Miss Black and Gold, Green received a crown, a sash, a scholarship and the responsibility of representing the fraternity at the district level of competition.

For the creative and performing arts section of the competition, contestants had to perform a talent for the judges. Wallace performed an interpretive dance to “Someone Like You” by Adele while Robbins sang a medley of her favorite gospel songs. Green performed an original monologue that touched on the subject of race, ethnic relations and social relationships between men and women.

“As a communication major, I knew I wanted to do something profound so I started researching. I went to the drawing board. That’s what we do as communicators so I looked up what the Alpha principles were. I looked up who Alphas were,” said Green when asked about her inspiration for the monologue. “I wanted to preach to my women, mentor to my men and just show love.”