Alexys Z. Lynn after being crowned as Ms. Young, Gifted, and Black for
the 2018-2019 academic year. | Photo credit: Courtesy of Alexys Z. Lynn
The Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated hosted the Miss Young, Gifted, and Black Scholarship Pageant in Lee Hall Auditorium on Sunday evening, Jan. 28 to showcase and empower women.
The Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, at Florida A&M University (FAMU) is dedicated to representing the legacy of “Sisterhood and Service” and
“Excellence with Caring.”
Ila Wilborn, a member of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, said the scholarship pageant was established to give freshmen women an opportunity to showcase their talents.
“The purpose of the pageant was to give FAMU freshman women the opportunity to showcase their talents in intelligence, dance, and fashion,” Wilborn said.
The pageant opened with a 90s-themed introduction of 10 contestants who effortlessly performed their talent, expressed their dreams and aspirations, and flaunted their evening wear.
Destiny R. Bryant, who was contestant number seven, is a first-year pre-nursing student from Miami. Destiny said since the Miss Young, Gifted, and Black Scholarship Pageant was her first time in a pageant, the process made her feel overwhelmed.
“The preparation process was ok. It was a lot of stuff to do, but at the end of the day it’s the best opportunity for me,” Bryant said.
Bryant won two separate recognitions, second runner up for the title of Miss Young, Gifted, and Black and Miss Congeniality. The Miss Congeniality award is given to the contestant who displays the best personality throughout the entire pageant process.
“Winning the title of Miss Congeniality made me happy in all honesty and thankful that all my pageant sisters voted for me.” Bryant expressed.
Dymin Cannon before going on stage for the opening 90s dance theme for the
Ms. Young, Gifted, and Black Scholarship Pageant.
Photo credit: Erica Barnes
Dymin Cannon, who has participated in several pageants during high school, is a first-year broadcast journalism student from Saginaw, Michigan. Cannon described her involvement in pageants in high school stating that she was anxious in each process with her nervousness at an all-time low.
Cannon said that the Miss Young, Gifted, and Black Scholarship Pageant was a “great experience to bond with individuals who differed in their majors and personalities; so, if she could she would do it all over again.”
First-year biology student and Miami native Nadine Belony said that she enjoyed the pageant experience because she was able to step outside of her comfort zone. “I liked the experience being able to meet new people and helped me to step out my comfort zone and build more confidence in myself,” Belony said.
In the end only one can wear the crown. The evening concluded with Alexys Z. Lynn being crowned as the Miss Young, Gifted, and Black for the 2018-2019 academic year.
The Tallahassee native, majoring in broadcast journalism said she enjoyed building connections with her pageant sisters and is blessed be chosen as Miss Young, Gifted and Black.
“As I look back and reflect I am truly blessed to have selected in the Miss Young, Gifted and Black Pageant and taking away the title as Miss Young, Gifted and Black is a true blessing. I will wear my crown humbly at all times.”