Despite a cold room, the atmosphere was hot at the fourth annual Miss Big and Beautiful awards.

From a field of five contestants, Brianna Dark, a sophomore corporate communication major, was judged 2008’s Miss Big and Beautiful. Dark, a member of EBONY Women, said she would like to some day own her own marketing firm.

Dark performed “Proud Mary” in a song and dance routine during the talent competition. Dark, her fellow contestants and other performers electrified a full house with an opening Unity dance, an evening gown and swimsuit competition.

Dark spoke about the atrocities occurring in Zimbabwe during the issues in Africa portion of the contest.

“Those are my people over there being tortured,” she said. “I share this because we should care.”

Dark said she was happy with her win and thanked Delta Sigma Theta sorority for hosting the pageant. She said she wished to thank her fellow contestants for competing against her.

“I just had a lot of fun with this pageant and I think that it was all about that in the end anyway, having fun,” said Dark.

Entertainment during intermissions was performed by Anointed Purpose, Denton Harris and the Envy Dance Troupe.

Reniece Threat, a junior psychology major was named both runner-up and Miss Congeniality.

The Miss Big and Beautiful pageant is hosted annually by Delta Sigma Theta sorority. It is open to women of size 16 and larger. Sharita Corbin, the sorority’s vice president-elect said the pageant is held to celebrate the fact that big women can be beautiful and to smash stereotypes.

Delta Sigma Theta Inc. is a sisterhood organization that performs community service.