Bent Tree News

On November 30, 2007 at 7:06 PM in the University Center Commons, the Tau Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. presented the Miss Black and Gold theme: Nefertiti’s G.O.L.D. With the lights turned low and soft music in the air, the hosts, Ms. Takeeia Williams and Mr. James Duval, took the stage to set the scene for the pageant. The contestants would later enter in the opening Fanfare.

Contestants were evaluated on overall demeanor, their responses to questions, general conversation, and the overall attractiveness, poise, personality, and expression as the contestant introduced herself to the audience. Categories included the swimwear competition, talent, and evening gown competition. The winner received a $500 scholarship, Crown, Sash, First Place Trophy, and the chance to compete in the Georgia Miss Black and Gold in Albany, GA on January 12, 2008 at 7:06 PM.

The participants included Contestant #1, senior Miss Atawanna Royal, Contestants #2 and 3 juniors Ms. Princess Herron and Keyanna Simpson, Contestant #4 senior Fana Allaway, Contestant #5 sophomore La Donna Williams, and Contestant #6, freshman Shayna Bishop.

After the evaluations were complete, the ballots were tallied, and the crowd eagerly waited the results, Fana Allaway was crowned Miss Black and Gold 2007 and also received the academic award. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Management and plans to focus on Domestic Violence against men in her community. To prepare herself for Miss Black and Gold, Fana focused on increasing her physical strength and endurance by beginning a fitness workout and changing her eating habits.

She was inspired to compete in the Miss Black and Gold pageant after participating in the Tau Epsilon fashion show. Fana humbly accepted her new crown and only wished that her parents were there to see it. Though her confidence has grown as a result of participating in the competition, she is still the same friendly and positive person she was before. She strongly encourages other young ladies to gain this experience as well by participating in future Miss Black and Gold competitions. She also wants your support at the regional Georgia Miss Black and Gold 2008 as her first step in claiming the National title.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York on December 4, 1906. The Fraternity was founded by seven African-American men with a vision to provide a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. Alpha Phi Alpha’s principles exemplify scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity. On April 23, 2002 the Tau Epsilon Chapter was chartered, making it the first undergraduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to be chartered in Georgia in over 10 years.

Specifically, Miss Black and Gold is a National competition that originated within Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The first Miss Black and Gold Pageant at Clayton State was in 2005. The purpose of the pageant is to uplift women, particularly but not limited to, African-American women. The Miss Black and Gold Pageant emphasizes interviewing, leadership, and public speaking skills and on-stage experience to help women achieve a higher level of confidence, discipline, and a winning attitude. Clayton State’s Miss Black and Gold winner will compete at the regional level, and if she wins that will continue in her pursuit to claim the National Crown.

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