This is the story all about how the new Mr. Beta Alpha King got his crown!
Monday night, the Beta Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (BAAKA) sorority held their scholarship pageant boasting thirteen contestants all fiercely competing for the title of the Fresh Prince of BA.
The contestants were various male students from multiple areas of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. Many of which were looking to provide service in more ways than one.
“I decided to participate in the Mr. BAAKA pageant because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone,” stated Malik Grant, contestant number five in the pageant. “[I wanted to] be a part of a prestigious sorority where I would be able to use my platform to help be a service to all mankind.”
The purpose of the pageant is for young men to showcase their unique talents for a chance to win scholarship money. Over the course of the months leading up to the pageant, contestants are exposed to community service opportunities, professional skills and a chance to network with brothers on campus.
The pageant’s theme referenced the popular 90’s sitcom television show “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air” which was a great way for the audience to really connect with the contestants and engage in the pageant. The theme allowed for the contestants to get into character and win the hearts of the crowd. The strategy was a success as the students nearly filled Lee Hall to capacity.
“The pageant overall was groundbreaking, legendary and cultivating,” said Kobe Buggs, contestant number two in the pageant. “This pageant was done during the 90th anniversary of The Original Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. to know that me and my pageant brothers made history by being the first male pageant done in Lee Hall and having sold over 700+ plus tickets is really inspiring to say the least.”
When asked what the hardest part of the pageant was, a spring 21 initiate and this year’s pageant mom. pageant mom Hanna Triplett gave her opinion.
“The hardest part would have to be realizing that it was coming to an end and that all of them couldn’t win,”Triplett said. “Everyone worked and progressed tremendously so once it all came together, I wished they all could win. After spending hours together, we truly started to feel like a family. I knew I would miss spending every day with them.”
The event began and ended with applause and praise from students attending with most dubbing the pageant one of the best pageants yet.