Brook Gillies / NT Daily [Click to enlarge]

Scholarly, beautiful and talented: these are the qualities of she who will be crowded Miss Black and Gold 2003.

The former Miss Black and Gold 2002, Keisha Howard, passed her crown down to this year's winner, Katricia Linthecum, Dallas senior. Linthecum excelled in all the four stages becoming Miss Black and Gold.

"I'm thankful that I won because I really didn't think I would win, but I'm thankful that I did," Linthecum said.

"I don't know how to feel because I really didn't expect to win. I just wanted to walk away knowing that I gave it 110 percent and put my best foot forward."

The theme for this year's pageant was "Queens of Egyptian Elegance.

" The nine contestants at the pageant Thursday night in the Lyceum were dressed in all black and African sashes as they danced to the India Arie song "Video."

The contestants from NT and TWU introduced themselves to the audience stating their majors and future goals.

To become a contestant, the women had to go through a selection process that included an interest meeting, a written application and an interview.

Then, the hard work and effort began and lasted up to the night of the pageant.

"The contestants really work together," said Dallas senior Cedric Brown, president of Alpha Phi Alpha.

"They have a lot of social activities outside of the pageant, so they can get together and know each other. It's about building relationships and friendships with one another, and this is a chance for the ladies to present themselves in front of an audience to showcase their hard work."

The contestants went through four stages Thursday before knowing who the winner was.

They included the introduction, talent showcase, swim suit competition and question-and-answer session in evening gowns.

There was a variety of talents showcased from ballet and singing to a traditional African dance, poetry and a classical piano piece.

After National Association of Black Accountants members tallied up the scores from the judges, it was time to announce the new winner of the Miss Black and Gold pageant.

"The pageant was really nice; I'm glad I had a chance to be involved," said Carl Sheffield, assistant track coach and one of the judges.

"This is the first time I have been to this pageant. It was very expressive, and they have a variety of good talent."

nlw0001@unt.edu

Article Tools