Felicia Gooch, a junior corporate communication major, was named “Queen Mother” Sunday at a Miss Black NIU pageant in which the audience was treated to complimentary trips around the African continent.

Runner-up DeWanna Mason, also a junior corporate communication major, is NIU’s new “Princess Regent” after the 16th annual Afrikan Cultural Pageant at the Duke Ellington Ballroom. Naima Nash placed third, and Meagan Shade fourth.

Before the final announcement of the winner, Mason and Gooch grasped hands in anxious anticipation.

Tears and thank-yous followed as the pageant closed.

“This is all kind of overwhelming,” Gooch said. “I was not expecting it. I just see it as I did this for the sisterhood, the bond, and I am glad it is over.”

Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya and the Congo were visited earlier in the show through the eyes of the four contestants.

Donning elaborate Afrocentric garb, the women gave dedications to each destination through soliloquies. Gooch spoke of cultural riches of Zimbabwe, while Shade described wedding rituals of Nigeria. Mason spoke of the liberation of Kenya in the 1960s and Nash reflected on Congon spiritual beliefs.

The descriptions were a key part of the proceedings toward naming a campus “queen” for Black Heritage Month.

“The main component of the pageant is to give reverence back to the continent of Africa, and it really takes the focus away from being glittery and keeping a crown on,” said Jessica Norwood, last year’s Miss Black NIU.

The crown carries important responsibilities, Norwood said.

“The queen has to go outside every day and present themselves to the community by helping,” Norwood said. “They have to get in and continue to do work throughout the year.”

Last year’s four pageant contestants served as emcees Sunday.

“Looking back on my time as Queen Mother, it was one of the most unique experiences I could have ever gained,” Norwood said. “It taught me a lot about the dedication and spirit it takes to be a black woman in college.”

Reactions to the pageant were positive.

“I felt like it was a really nice experience,” junior psychology major Jennifer Lee said. “It allowed for beautiful black women to come out and show their talents. I’m very proud of my good friend Dewanna Mason for winning Princess Regent and Felicia Gooch for winning the title of Queen Mother.”

One complaint was that the pageant was not long enough.

“I think that it could have had more sections to show the intellect of the women,” senior undecided major Eddie McDuffie said. “I also think that next year they should add more sections to make it lengthier.”

The pageant’s tone satisfied many audience members.

“It was a pageant about culture and not just about beauty,” junior finance major Roshanda Williams said.