Meet the 2016 Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant Candidates

The Brothers of Eta Gamma and Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are pleased to present the 2016 Contestants in the 30th Annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant, set for February 5 in the Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium at Prairie View A&M University.

In addition to the titles, the young women are competing for scholarships and prizes and the opportunity to represent the chapters in the Texas District Miss Black and Gold and participate in events throughout the year.

Last year Adibisi Adeniji Adele (Miss Eta Gamma) and Kierra Hooey (Miss Epsilon Tau Lambda) were contestants in the Miss Black and Gold Texas Pageant and Adibisi was crowned Miss Black and Gold Texas, with Hooey winning the First Runner position.  Adibisi went on to win the Miss Black and Gold Southwest Region 2015.

Tickets for the pageant are $7 for students and $10 general admission.  For more information or to reserve tickets, write: missblackandgold2016@gmail.com.

The pageant is being produced and directed by Frederick V. Roberts, Ivan Butler, Lynn Smith, Keenen Middlebrook and Sean Lewis, and choreographed by Emerald Walker of the Classic Dance Ensemble.

2015-16 Black and Gold Pageant Contestants – Black Butterfly

1. JA’MAIYA LEE is a 19-year-old, sophomore nursing major from Dallas, Texas. She is an active member of the Prairie View A&M Student Nurses Association, the Prairie View A&M Cheer Team, Mentoring Incoming Freshmen, and the Purple Jackets Service Organization. Her platform is Beautifully Made, Beautifully You, which focuses on bringing awareness to the importance of self-confidence and inner strength. She enjoys indulging in movies and music from a variety of artists and actors. Ja’Maiya aspires to become a nurse specializing in pediatric oncology. Her talent is Dance.

2. BROOKE GRADY is 20-year-old sophomore education major from Gary, Indiana.  She is a member the Prairie View Productive Poets,
Collegiate 100, Chi epsilon Alpha, O.F.F. Ministry, and L.O.V.E. Ministry. She also hosts her own radio show on the campus PVUKO Station as well as being a frequent contributor to the Panther Newspaper. She enjoys writing in all forms. She aspires to become a Principal. Her talent is Spoken Word

3. KAYLA ROBERT is a 19-year-old sophomore Electrical Engineering major from Houston, Texas. She is on the Dean’s List as well as a Prairie View A&M University Distinguished Scholar. She is a former Miss University College as well as an active member of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers. In her spare time she volunteers with on campus organizations as well as with Habitat For Humanity building homes. Kayla aspires to become an Applications Engineer as well as obtain her MBA. Her Platform is Build YOU! And it focuses on developing oneself to their highest potential. Her talent is Dance.

4. MICALA CLAY is a 19-year-old sophomore Biology major from Texas City,

Texas. She is an active mentor and tutor at Jones Elementary School and Arnold Middle School as well as a frequent volunteer at the House of Help in Hempstead, TX. Micala aspires to become a pediatrician. When no volunteering, she enjoys dancing, shopping, and watching various television shows. She admires Misty Copeland, Oprah, and President Barack Obama. Her Platform is Enlighten & Inspire, which aims to shine a light on Sickle Cell Anemia and its prevalence and effects within the Black Community. Her talent is Dance.

5. TAYLOR SMITH is a 20-year-old sophomore Chemical Engineering student from McKinney, Texas. She is a recipient of various awards from Prairie View A&M University, and she serves as Miss College of Engineering. She is the Secretary for the National Society of Black Engineers, a Senator within Student Government Association, and a member of the Purple Jackets. Taylor aspires to become a professional engineer. She admires Michelle Obama and enjoys baking. Her Platform is Too Blessed to be Depressed which seeks to bring awareness and encouragement to those suffering with depression. Her talent is Spoken Word.

6. PRECIOUS OKE is a 20-year-old junior Nursing major from Houston, Texas. She volunteers with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and as a Mentor at Higher Dimensions Church. She is a member of the National Student Nurses Association. Precious aspires to become a Nurse Practitioner and own her own medical practice. Her favorites are Wizkid and Davido as well as enjoying Rice and Stew with Plantains. Her Platform is Increasing Community Involvement in Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Her talent is Dance.

7. JOCELYN EUSERY is a 20-year-old junior Marketing Major and Accounting Minor from Cypress, Texas. She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society, and serves as the Service Vice-President of her Chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She aspires to pursue a career in Marketing and Communications. In addition to volunteering with her Sorority, she volunteers at Second Baptist Church, Christ Restoration Tabernacle, and with Alex’s Lemonade Stand. She admires Aurelia Spalding, Sanaa Lathan, and Ne-Yo and enjoys Dance, Speaking, and Family. Her Platform is Raising Awareness of Lupus. Her talent is Dramatic Interpretation.

8. CHRISTINA BALTAZAR is a 19-year-old sophomore Education student from Houston, Texas. She is the Sophomore Homecoming Queen and an awarded member of the Student Leadership Institute. In her spare time, she volunteers with many on campus activities including Tour De Pink, Panther Preview Day, and PAWS – Panthers at Work and as an active member of PALS. Christina aspires to become a teacher. She admires Afeni Shakur, Lena Horne, Marcus Garvey, and Warren Buffet. She enjoys reading, watching television, and seafood. Her Platform is F.O.C.U.S. - Following Our Callings and Uniting Students. Her talent is Dance.

9. DESTINY BURCH is a 20-year-old senior in Nursing major from Arlington, Texas. She is a member of the Prairie View A&M University Student Nurses Association. She volunteers at the Lois Lodge Women’s Shelter. She aspires to become a registered nurse. She admires Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and Sanaa Lathan. She enjoys seafood and shopping. Her Platform is Ministry and Empowerment. Her talent is Mime/Praise Dance.

10. JASMINE HAYLES is a 19-year-old sophomore Nursing major from St. Louis, Missouri. She is an active member of Club Chic and the Prairie View A&M University Student Nurses Association. She volunteers with Campus Cleanup as well as at Food Shelters. She aspires to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She admires Maya Angelou and enjoys listening to poetry, visiting art galleries, swimming, running, and shopping. Her Platform is Love Your Life which seeks to show ladies the importance of self-confidence and self-worth.  Her Talent is spoken word.

11. BRIANNA BEACHAM is 19-year-old sophomore Education major from Allen, Texas. She is an honor student and member of the Prairie View A&M Cheer Team. In her spare time, she volunteers with PV Go Green. She aspires to become a Special Education Teacher. She admires Beyoncé and enjoys shopping and traveling. Her Platform is Mentoring Our Future Panthers, which seeks educate youth on the impact of attending an HBCU. Her Talent is Dance.