Photo courtesy: Beta Nu DreamGirls Scholarship Pageant
On Thursday night, the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Incorporated, hosted their annual scholarship pageant in Lee Hall. The pageant was themed the award-winning African American musical “Dreamgirls.”
The movie accounts the journey of a music trio named the Dreamettes. The movie features names like Beyonce, Jenifer Hudson, and Anika Noni Rose, a Florida A&M University alumna.
14 dream girls took the stage of the auditorium at 6:06 p.m. stunning the crowd with their beautiful sparkly dresses, shiny pantyhose and melanated skin.
The show displayed each girl in five different categories, contestant introductions, business wear, talents, swimwear and formal wear, with questions and answers.
Emaraa Milhomme, a transfer journalism student shared her thoughts on attending her first pageant on the hill.
“I really enjoyed the pageant and a lot of it was super entertaining,” Milhomme said. “I love the movie ‘Dreamgirls,’ so I thought that this would be an amazing event to attend. As a transfer student, I truly enjoyed the atmosphere of the pageant. Seeing all the family and friends come out and support the contestants really showed me that FAMULY love and support.”
Tiaura Robinson, a graduating senior from Miami says she enjoyed the formal and q&a section of the pageant.
“With this being my first women’s pageant on campus I’ve attended, the overall production of the event really wowed me! The formal/ q&a section of the pageant really allowed me to get to know each contestant on a deeper level,” Robinson said. “Each girl shared information on the fraternity, their planned initiatives, and personal attributes.”
Robinson spoke about her Jewels, Incorporated sister Nia Turner’s performance in the pageant.
“I am so proud of Nia for stepping out of her comfort zone and having the courage and confidence to give it her all on the stage,” she said. “Although she didn’t take home a crown, she took home the award of most fundraised, which I know took a lot of hard work and dedication.”
Amece Williams, a third-year psychology student loved seeing the production come to life.
“I overall loved the pageant, especially its theme, because ‘Dreamgirls’ is such a classic and nostalgic movie,” Williams said. “The girls were beautiful in every scene and seeing black young women showcase their personalities, aspirations, and talents is forever beautiful to see.”
Later, the Beta Nu brothers crowned six of their newest Royal Court Members.
Madison McNealy took the top spot of Miss Black and Gold, Tamia Williams, Miss 1906, Braelynn White, Miss 1932, Miss Beta Nu Kalis Mathis, Miss Black, Zayla Bryant, and Miss Gold, Latanya Herbert.
Congratulations to each contestant for a job well done!