Unlike other pageants, the focus of the Miss Black NIU Cultural Pageant was not on competitive talent and beauty.

Instead, the focus was on paying homage to the many nations on the continent of Africa while appreciating the rich culture at NIU.

“The purpose of the pageant is cultural education and to bring black women together and present positive images of black women,” said Van Amos, program coordinator for the Center for Black Studies.

The theme of this year’s pageant was unity. Hagar Allen, Miss Latina NIU 2002, helped emcee the show.

“I feel that being culturally aware is important as well as exposing African culture to NIU,” she said

“I drove an hour from the South Side of Chicago because I felt honored that my niece was in it,” said Celisa Gardner, the aunt of contestant Nikkita Gardner. “I wish luck to all the contestants and no matter who wins, all black women are queens,” she said.

The pageant started off with the members of S.I.S.T.E.R.S. reciting the African pledge.

Each contestant started by modeling business attire to the song “Independent Woman Part 2” by Destiny’s Child. Next was the evening wear portion of the show. The participants elegantly modeled evening gowns to the song “Femininity” by Eric Benet. This was followed by the talent portion of the show – many of the participants performed original drama pieces.

By the end of the pageant, Sharanda Crowder, a senior psychology major, was crowned 2003 Miss Black NIU Queen Mother.

“I am very excited that I won, and all the girls did well,” Crowder said.

She received a standing ovation and humbly accepted the award.

“All the girls did a beautiful job, and each one shined like the moon,” she said. “I love all of them; each one of them is a queen to me.”