Alpha Phi Alpha stages semester’s only Greek pageant

The 2021-2022 Beta Nu Royal Court. Pictured from left Jordan Paige, Jania Davis, Alleana Jacobs, Jada Richard, Hailey Smith, Rayonne Mctoy. Photo courtesy Destini Jones

The men of Florida A&M’s Beta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha now have a 2021-2022 royal court.

Sixteen female students graced the stage in Lee Hall Auditorium Wednesday for the annual Miss Black and Gold pageant — and left it all on the stage.

This was the only fraternity to hold a pageant this semester. A member of the fraternity and current Mister FAMU, Kaleb Laverity, served as the pageant co-chair.

“The Beta Nu pageant is a true representation of how African American girls show women empowerment,” Laverity said. “They all showed tenacity by never giving up.”

The pageant process began with an interest meeting, proceeded with interviews, and from there the “sensational 16” were selected.

From roller skating to praise dancing, contestants gave the audience a show.

Jania Davis, who ultimately won the title of “Miss Black,” busted out her moves in roller skates and also performed a cheer routine.

Another contestant whose performance ended in a standing ovation was Marching 100 band member, Amiyah Crenshaw. She performed one of the Marching 100’s exciting halftime shows to the famous bop, “Have Mercy,” by singer Chloe Bailey while her fellow band members in the crowd played their instruments along with her.

Another part in the pageant where contestants were able to showcase what made them unique was the personality scene.

Contestant No. 4, Alleana Jacobs, wowed the audience in a sparkly cowgirl hat with matching boots repping her hometown, Port Arthur, Texas.

In the end, Jacobs won the highest title of the court, “Miss Black and Gold,” and her friends were ecstatic.

Destini Jones, a third-year business administration major, was proud of her friend for winning the crown.

“I feel so proud of her,” Jones said. “All of the hard work and dedication she’s put into this, she is very deserving of the crown.”

Jacobs, a third-year computer engineering major, shed tears while she was being crowned.

“I feel like this is kind of unreal,” Jacobs said. “I cannot wait to represent as Miss Black and Gold for the 2021-2022 academic year.”

Participating in this pageant was one of Jacobs’ goals while being at FAMU, and she did just that.

From the opening scene to the very end, the auditorium was filled with cheers. The audience screamed contestants’ numbers, their names, and even made-up chants.

It seems as if Alpha Phi Alpha has delivered students just what they needed before the fall semester ends, another great pageant.