A new role model for black women has been chosen to represent the NIU community.

Nicole Richmond, a sophomore community health/administration major, was crowned Miss Black NIU Saturday night. Before the pageant she said, “As a contestant, I can ultimately express my individual feelings regarding renewed strength in our black communities, stress the importance of self-improvement and promote academic confidence in black sisters and brothers.”

The judges chose the new Miss Black NIU based on the criteria of poise/grace, African garment (display and modeling), individual talent, expression/creativity and oratorical skills and projection.

ichmond and the other candidates had been preparing for the pageant since October. She said the contestants attended various workshops where they discussed issues currently facing the African-American community and prominent African-American women. The workshops also addressed their feelings about the university and the unity between African-American women on campus.

Van Amos, programming coordinator for the Center for Black Studies, said Richmond was chosen “because the judges felt she was the best qualified all-around candidate.”

Richmond said the title “is a very strong compliment to my character and I would like to see it respected as such.”

Amos said as the new Miss Black NIU, Richmond’s responsibilities will include speaking on issues that affect the African-American community, organizing programs of cultural importance and serving as spokeswoman for the African-American community, especially when addressing women.

Richmond said she would like to arrange forums addressing various issues facing all women, not only African-American women.

She said she would like to focus on several issues including how women at NIU relate to one another, sororities and other female campus organizations.

“I feel a woman with this title should represent strength, humility and possess the ability to conform to any given situation in a positive manner,” she said.

As the winner of the title, Richmond was presented with a plaque, crown and trophy. Amos said, “This is not a monetary pageant, it’s designed to promote positive images of black women at NIU.”