The DeKalb chapter of SIMBA/SISMA hosted their first cultural pageant Sunday evening in the Duke Ellington Ballroom.

Safe In My Brother Arms and Safe In My Sister Arms were founded in 1992 as an after school program for young African-American children.

NIU royalty was present to hand out awards to the pageant participants that made up three different age groups ranging from eight to 18.

Chris Jenkins, the 2008 Homecoming King, and Miss Black and Gold 2008 winner Monique Hickman were just a couple of notable NIU students attending the event.

“The pageant has been a great transformation for the children and me,” Hickman said. “It’s been a great experience helping to better these childrens’ lives.”

Chapter leaders Anthony Chatman, Sr. and his wife LaMetra Curry-Chatman organized the event with high hopes for the children performers.

“The pageant is an attempt to help these children build self-confidence and self-awareness, just not for them but for the community as a whole,” Chatman said.

The couple proved their community-first approach to be effective as volunteers and spectators filled the ballroom. Viewers were treated to the NIU Black Choir, Annointed Purpose Mime Team, dancing, poetry, and other acts.

Eight-year-old Nevaeh Nicole Mitchell, who dressed as the sun, was a crowd favorite with her rendition of “Let It Shine.”

In addition to the talent portion of the show, performers modeled authentic clothes from Mali, Uganda and many other African nations.

DeKalb resident Dawn Gavin was one of the many volunteers who got their families involved. While she and her husband greeted guests, their daughter prepared to perform in the pageant.

“The Chatman’s and our family are close friends,” Gavin said. “The passion Anthony and LaMetra put into the organization is extraordinary. I felt it was our duty to pitch in.”