2022 Miss Black EIU by EIU Student Life

2022

MBEIU Scholarship

Pageant Ad Booklet

Empow HER Fifty Shades of Her

MBEIU 50th Anniversary

Black National Anthem Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring Ring with the harmonies of Liberty Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies Let it resound loud as the rolling sea Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won

Song by J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson

2022 MBEIU Scholarship Pageant Program BSU WELCOME MS. SHARIAH CAMPBELL & MR. TARVE’A DURANT UNITY GOSPEL CHOIR Singing of the National Anthem MS. HANNAH LAWRENCE + MR. TYUS SMITH Mistress/Master of Ceremonies WE’RE BACK! 2022 MBEIU Contestants Opening Number INTRODUCTIONS 2022 MBEIU DIistinguished Judges

Creative Expression CATEGORY #1

African Garment / Heritage Speech CATEGORY #2

Talent

CATEGORY #3

Evening Wear / Impromptu Questions CATEGORY #4

MS. MIKAYLA SANFORD Final Walk of MBEIU 2020 SPECIAL RECOGNITION MBEIU Legacy Awards

2022 Miss Black EIU Scholarship Pageant

2022 MBEIU Pageant Personnel Dr. Yolanda V. Williams 2022 MBEIU Pageant Co-Coordinator Ms. Shariah Campbell 2022 MBEIU Pageant Co-Coordinator Mr. Tarvea Durant 2022 MBEIU Pageant Graduate Advisor Ms. Ceci Brinker 2022 MBEIU Pageant Advisor 2022 MBEIU MASTER/MISTRESS of CEREMONIES Mr. Tyus Smith Ms. Hannah Lawrence 2022 MBEIU PAGEANT JUDGES Candice Collins MBEIU 2009 Assistant Director of Residence Life Illinois Central College Mr. Dionte McWillis Sr. Logistics Manager Schneider National Ms. Raven Gant MBEIU 2018 Entrepreneur Patient Care Technician Gottlieb Hospital Ms. Marisol Gamboa EIU Police Chief Mr. Alejandro Ariza Associate Resident Director Eastern Illinois University MBEIU SCORE TABULATOR Mr. Shawn Hammers – SLO Graduate Assistant MBEIU PAGEANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ms. Thalia Rouley

SPECIAL TRIBUTE 2022 MBEIU Pageant Co-Coordinator

As one of the 2022 MBEIU Pageant Co-Coordinators, it has been my GREAT honor and pleasure to work with such a beautiful group of young ladies. These hardworking women are going to blow you away with their unique display of beauty, intelligence and cultural pride. I personally consider it a blessing to be a part of their journey to the title of Ms. Black EIU 2022. Kymoni, Promise, Brianna, Jaedah and Faith... YOU ARE GOING TO BE BRILLIANT! That said, I want to take this time to say “Thank You” to several other wonderful individuals who assisted me in this year's MBEIU Scholarship Pageant. First and foremost my MBEIU 2022 Pageant Co-Coordinator Ms. Shariah Campbell (my soror, my Cl2b, my friend) I truly say “Thank You”! Your wonderful attitude and humor made these past couple of months more of a joy than a task. To Ceci Brinker, the Director of Student Life and the TRUE QUEEN! Thank you for keeping this AWESOME TRADITION and LEGACY of Ms. Black EIU alive. You are appreciated! Thank you, Kayla Carr and Alana McNeely my choreographers/sorors - "When Zeta calls, We Answer One and All". I thank you for answering my call and making my girls look stunning in their MBEIU Opening Number performance. A Special Thanks goes out to Tarvea' Durant, Yaree Wilson, DD Patterson (Baby Shariah) and Maylia "Juice" Wesley my MBEIU Production/Tech Team for coming in and pulling it all together behind the scenes. I appreciate all of your hard work that got us to tonight's show. To all the MBEIU committee chairs/members, Graduate Assistants, BSU members, the "extras" and everyone else behind the scenes. Your hard work was appreciated, as well. Lastly, a personal THANK YOU to my wife-to-be, Melba Goliday for making dinner every night and keeping our home afloat while I was with the “Pageant Kids". I Love You Babe. To those I didn't mention please charge my head and not my heart cause I thank you and appreciate you too. Sincerely

Dr. Yolanda Vivian Williams 1995 MBEIU Queen 2022 MBEIU Pageant Coordinator

History of Miss Black EIU

Scholarship Pageant Since its inception in 1971, the Black Student Union at Eastern Illinois University has been the proud sponsor of The Miss Black EIU Scholarship Pageant for over four decades. Annually, the Miss Black EIU Scholarship Pageant has been the most celebrated cultural tradition on the campus of EIU held in celebration of AfricanAmerican Heritage Month in February. The Miss MBEIU Scholarship Pageant promotes and celebrates African-American heritage, culture and experiences, within the EIU community. Many women have accepted the call and few have been chosen to compete for the crown and honor of representing Eastern’s African-American community as Miss Black EIU. Through the years 50 young women have proudly worn the crown of MBEIU culminating in the crowning of Miss Black EIU 2022.

1999 Miss Liz Halbert 1971 Miss Debbie Miner 2000 Miss Rashida M. Garrett 1972 Miss Martha Palmer 2001 Miss Ashonda Simmons 1973 Miss Valda Christmas 2002 Miss Kia Gowder 1974 Miss Valda Christmas 2003 Miss Angela Beard 1977 Miss Constance Duper 2004 Miss Tracey Wayne 1978 Miss Audrey Hawkins 2005 Miss Jennifer Ether 1979 Miss Jerry Johnson 2006 Miss Ebone Ashford 1982 Miss Claretha Coleman 2007 Miss Amber Hazzard 1983 Miss Almetris Snulligan 2008 Miss Chandra Golden 1984 Miss Melloney Brown 2009 Miss Candance Collins 1985 Miss Kwan Cox-Bey 2010 Miss Vionka Leal 1986 Miss Charlene Hines 2011 Miss Timery Jackson 1987 Miss LaRhonda Washington 2012 Miss Keiyanna Franklin 1988 Miss Stephanie Davis 2013 Miss Alaysia Mitchell 1989 Miss Yolanda Shepherd 2014 Miss Alexis Lambert 1990 Miss Katherine Moses 2015 Miss Tionna Alderson 1991 Miss Karen Adkins 2016 Miss Julianne Adegoriolu 1992 Miss Rhonda Cylle King 2017 Miss Fudia Jalloh 1993 Miss Kimberly Carter 2018 Miss Raven Gant 1994 Miss Ebony Sherman 2019 Miss Latricia Booker 1995 Miss Yolanda V. Williams 2020 Miss Mikayla Sanford 1996 Miss Shameco Moore 1997 Miss Tawanda Lawrence 1998 Miss Heather Tyler 2022 -

Who Will Be Next?

Miss Black EIU 2020

Mikayla Sanford

2020 MBEIU Queen’s Farewell Given the opportunity to reign as the 2020 Miss Black EIU has been nothing short of amazing! Over the past two years, I have grown as an African-American woman and have had numerous opportunities to be an advocate for the African-American community at EIU. Being a voice for the minority EIU student body allowed me to improve my communication skills, fight for minority student rights, and explore ways to bring the community together. Due to the ongoing pandemic and my graduation from EIU, I was unable to fulfill my duties as the 2022 MBEIU Pageant Coordinator. However, I am so grateful to two women who took over the reins of coordinating this year’s MBEIU Scholarship Pageant - Miss Yolanda Williams and Miss Shariah Campbell. You both did an outstanding job! To the lovely 2022 MBEIU Pageant Contestants, I you wish all the best as you compete for the crown of MBEIU 2022. You all are such rays of light and words cannot describe how PROUD I am of you and all that you have accomplished. No matter what happens tonight, remember that you are all winners. To the campus of EIU, thank you for crowning me your Miss Black EIU 2020. It has truly been an honor, and I am extremely excited to have the opportunity of crowning your next Miss Black EIU 2022! With Love, Ms. Mikayla Sanford - Miss Black EIU 2020

Pageant Categories and Judging Format

Empow HER Fifty Shades of Her

MBEIU 50th Anniversary Contestants in the Miss Black EIU Scholarship Pageant 2022 are judged by a panel of pageant judges comprised of EIU faculty, staff, alumni, community members and special guests. Pageant Contestants showcase their inner abilities, beauty, poise, character, talents, and intellect of the African-American woman in fulfilling criteria in the (4) Pageant Categories of competition: Creative Expression, African Garment/Heritage Speech, Talent, and Evening Wear/ImpromptuQuestioning. Judging will be on a “Total” Points accumulated scoring system with each category scored: Creative Expression – 30%, African Garment/Heritage Speech – 30%, Talent – 25% and Evening Wear/Impromptu Questioning – 15%. Category “Ties” will be honored for special recognition awards. In the event of a TIE for MBEIU 2022, the MBEIU Pre-pageant Interview score will be used to break the tie. Tie shall be determined by the addition of “Bonus” points from each MBEIU Contestant’s Pre-Pageant Interview.

Contestant’s Pre-Pageant Interview

The 2022 Miss Black Scholarship Pageant - Contestant’s Pre-Pageant Interview is an opportunity for the MBEIU Pageant Panel of Judges to get acquainted with MBEIU contestants prior to the competition. MBEIU pageant contestants display their poise, charm, selfconfidence, and ability to articulate in an interview setting. Pageant Contestants are given the opportunity to make a “first impression” on pageant judges while showcasing their personal skills, commanding presence; dynamic personality, inner beauty; values and aspirations.

Pageant Categories and Judging Format Creative Expression

(30% of Total Score) Contestants perform a dramatic dialogue, creative characterization and self-expression of their own experiences, values, convictions and aspirations in real life. The Creative Expression presentation will be limited to 5-7 minutes.

African Garment/Heritage Speech

(30% of Total Score) Contestants display “Afro-centric” expressions of their cultural appreciation, understanding, and ties to their ancestral heritage, history and heroes as reflected in their African- American experience. Contestants are featured reciting heritage speeches and modeling modern Afro-centric dress attire. The African Garment/Heritage Speech presentation will be limited to 5-7 minutes.

Talent

(25% of Total Score) Contestants display their natural abilities, aptitude, skills in an highly entertaining format that is artistic, theatrical, musical or otherwise unique in nature.

Evening Wear/Impromptu Question

(15% of Total Score) Contestants demonstrate a unique display of charm, poise, and elegance in evening wear while accompanied by an escort. Contestants are presented with an impromptu question that reflects their insight and ability to articulate with minimal preparation or thought. The Evening Wear/Impromptu Questioning presentation will be limited to 5-7 minutes.

Pageant Special Awards and Recognition The MBEIU Legacy Special Recognition Awards were established in recognition and tribute to the MBEIU Pageant Contestants past, present and future. The MBEIU Legacy Special Recognition Awards provide special recognition and monetary support to the MBEIU Pageant Contestants who demonstrate excellence be awarded as 10 monetary MBEIU Pageant “Special Recognition” Awards. President’s Choice Award – recognizes the pageant contestant who “Best” represents by her example the importance of cultural awareness, understanding and valuing diversity within the EIU community. Judge’s Choice Award – recognizes the pageant contestant who best demonstrates during the MBEIU Contestant’s Pre-Pageant Interview process, communication, interpersonal skills, commanding presence; charisma, inner beauty and the ability to articulate her life’s aspirations and experiences. People’s Choice Award – recognizes the pageant contestant selected by the pageant audience popular vote via social media. The pageant contestant is recognized as the “people’s” favorite to become MBEIU. Miss Scholarship Award - recognizes the pageant contestant who has maintained the highest cumulative GPA and a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence throughout preparation for the pageant.

Pageant Special Awards and Recognition Miss Enterprise Award – recognizes the pageant contestant who has excelled and exceeded advertising sales for the Miss Black EIU Pageant Ad Booklet. Miss Ebony Award – recognizes the pageant contestant who captures the true essence of her African American Heritage and Culture throughout preparation for the pageant. Miss Togetherness Award – recognizes the pageant contestant who demonstrated exceptional planning, time management and organizational skills throughout preparation for the pageant. Miss Congeniality Award – recognizes the pageant contestant as selected by her peers whose best known attributes include – being friendly, agreeable, positive and getting along with others among the pageant contestants. Miss Photogenic Award – recognizes the pageant contestant who best radiates her “Photogenic” qualities expressed through her photos - natural attractiveness, visual appeal, photo quality, creativity and composition. Queen’s Choice Award – recognizes the pageant contestant who best demonstrates attributes of leadership, elegance, empowerment, and culture throughout her preparation in the pageant.

Meet the 2022 MBEIU

Scholarship Pageant Contestants

Left to Right – Jaedah Franks, Promise Anderson, Brianna Hull-Dennis, Faith Johnson, Kymoni Dixon

MBEIU Queen A Woman of African Heritage Kissed by the Sun And Imbued with the Magic to Succeed and Persevere Against Anything That Stands in Her Way Without Dropping Her Crown

Ms. Kymoni Dixon Contestant #1 Junior Chicago, IL Exercise Science Physical Therapy

Miss Kymoni Dixon is the daughter of Deana and Zederick Dixon. She is originally from Chicago, Illinois. Kymoni is a Junior majoring in Exercise Science with a concentration in Physical Therapy at EIU. Kymoni’s career aspirations include owning her own physical therapy practice in Chicago, Illinois. Her extracurricular activities include Couture Modeling, Kinesiology Sports and Recreation Club and the Black Student Union. Kymoni would first like to thank God for this opportunity and helping make her vision come to life. She would like to give a BIG thanks to her family and friends for supporting her unconditionally. A specials thanks to everyone who contributed to her financially. She would like to thank her MBEIU Pageant sisters for being open and displaying good sportsmanship. Kymoni would also like to thank her MBEIU Pageant Coordinators for putting all this together. Her personal motto to live by is – You Must Be the Change You Wish to See in the World …

Ms. Kymoni Dixon Contestant #1

In Every Woman There is a Queen! Kymoni, I am so proud of you! You amaze me with your confidence, your brilliance and your talent. Continue to let your light shine! I love you forever! – Mommy

Ms. Kymoni Dixon Contestant #1

Sister, It is so AMAZING and ADMIRABLE to see you doing everything that I would not do. You inspire me every day! Continue to be yourself and let your drive and ambition guide you. You have so much to offer the world and I am always proud of you. You are the epitome of courage and strength! I love you a thousand times over. - Kaylah

Kymoni So Proud of You! Continue With All Your Hardwork! - Shaunte Davis

Ms. Kymoni Dixon Contestant #1

Moni, Your Beauty Shines Most From Within and Could Never Be Judged in the Pageant of Life. You Will Always Be a Winner! I’m So Proud of You! Daddy Loves You, keep shining Poo Poo 2. - Zedrick Dixon

Ms. Kymoni Dixon Contestant #1

Go for the Win! Best of Luck Kymoni you Got This! I Love You. From Dr. Ronnie

Lucbene Realty Supports Kymoni!

We Wish You the Best of Luck! LUCBENE- “When It Matters Most” Residential Sales * Property Management * General Contractor Serving the Chicagoland Area 312-380-5806

Ms. Kymoni Dixon Contestant #1

Congratulations to My God Daughter Kymoni! We Are So Proud of the AMAZING Woman That You Are! You Are a Star! Your God Family Loves You! - Laquetta Johnson

Ms. Kymoni Dixon Contestant #1

We Love You Granddaughter! We know You Can Do It! - Mamie “BeBe” Henderson & Reddene Leonard

Ms. Promise Anderson Contestant #2

Senior Chicago, IL Business Management

Miss Promise Anderson is the daughter of Lavondra Hinton and Mark Anderson. She is originally from Chicago, Illinois. Promise is a senior majoring in Business Management at EIU. Promise’s career aspirations are to start her own non-profit assisting single parents with childcare and household necessities. Promise’s extracurricular activities include involvement in ACTS Campus Ministry, Unity Gospel Chair and Lincoln Hall Council where she serves as Hall Council President. Promise would like to acknowledge God, Family, Friends. She would personally like to thank her MBEIU Pageant Sisters and MBEIU Coordinators for believing in and supporting her. Her personal motto to live by - If God is all you have, then you have only what you need…..

Ms. Promise Anderson Contestant #2

Pooh Pooh! I Love You So Much! I Am So Happy You Decided to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Compete in the Miss Black EIU Pageant. I know You Got This! I’ll be in the Crowd Cheering You On! We Are Coming Home with the Crown! - Dad

Ms. Promise Anderson Contestant #2

MY POOH POOH! I’m so extremely proud of the beautiful woman you’re becoming. I can’t wait for the world to see what I already do! A God -fearing, smart, classy, funny, sweet, SPECIAL individual. You lead effortlessly and everything you’ve worked hard for has prepared you for this moment. To the BEST sister in the world and the Future Miss Black EIU, Congratulations! - Vonna

Ms. Promise Anderson Contestant #2

GO PROMISE! Congratulations to such an AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL being! You bring so much joy and light up every room God allows you to enter. I am so proud of you my darling. I’ve watched you grow into such a humble, soft, beautiful, strong God-fearing young woman. You encourage. You motivate others with your kindness and dare to be different. You deserve all that greatness that God has in store for you. You are already a success! Go Get It! – Lavondra Hinton

Ms. Promise Anderson Contestant #2 Promise I am soooo proud of you girl! Thank you for everything you’ve done for me! You are beautiful, smart, funny, wise, outgoing and more. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you in the future! Bring the Crown Home! – Re’gente

Hey Prom Prom! You are one of the nicest people I have met in college, and you are such an outstanding person. You have grace and style that no one else can match and you are a wonderful friend. I believe in you Promise and hope you win this. – Diamond M. Promise To my beautiful best friend, this past month I’ve seen the dedication and passion you’ve put into this pageant. I know when the day comes you will perfectly execute your performance and bring home the crown - Angela Promise, You Got This Future Miss Black EIU! Bring Home The Crown!! - Friends

Ms. Promise Anderson Contestant #2

HHD SALON at the Union (217) 581-7148

Tuesday - Friday...........10am-4pm Saturday...............by appointment

Hair Styles for Kids, Men & Women - Text Jewel @ (217) 317-1469

EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY MLK Jr. Union – Hair Salon HAIRSTYLIST - MS. JEWEL HARBIN

GOODLUCK PROMISE! in the 2022 MISS BLACK EIU SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT

Ms. Promise Anderson Contestant #2 Martin Luther King Jr.

UNIVERSITY UNION

www.eiu.edu/union/

Campus Scheduling/Business Operations www.eiu.edu/union/campus_scheduling.php Union Bowling Lanes www.eiu.edu/union/bowling.php Union Bookstore www.eiubookstore.com/home Panther Print & Copy Center www.eiu.edu/union/pantherprintandcopycenter.php Union Ticket Office www.eiu.edu/union/bus_ticket_office.php Panther Pantry www.eiu.edu/union/panther_pantry.php Hair Salon (317) 581-7148 or (217) 317-1469 for info.

The Staff and Students of the University Union wish Good Luck to all the contestants for Miss Black EIU!

Martin Luther King, Jr. University Union

EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY MLK Jr. University Union PROMISE BEST of LUCK! in the 2022 MBEIU SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT

Ms. Brianna Hull- Dennis

Contestant #3 Junior

Homewood, IL Political Science Pre-Law

Miss Brianna Hull-Dennis is the daughter of Andrea and Kirk Charleston. She is originally from Homewood, Illinois. Brianna is a Junior majoring in Political Science, Pre-law with a minor in African Studies at EIU. Her career aspirations include plans on becoming a lawyer for domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Brianna’s extracurricular activities include involvement in the Pre-Law Society, Black Student Union, Political Science Association and EIU Student Government. Brianna wants to personally thank and acknowledge her parents Andrea and Kirk for making this special night possible. Her personal motto to live by – If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it….

Ms. Brianna Hull- Dennis

Contestant #3 “In Loving Memory”

Always Loved, Never Forgotten, Forever Missed…

GOODLUCK BRIANNA! You Were Created to Be CROWNED! ANDREA CHARLESTON

Ms. Brianna Hull- Dennis

Contestant #3 DR. FRANKIE SWOOPE

Ms. Brianna Hull- Dennis

Contestant #3

BRIANNA GOODLUCK ON BECOMING MBEIU 2022! RAVEN McKAY

BRIANNA BE THE QUEEN YOU ARE

Shout Out to Daddy’s Girl! You are a Queen and you Deserve Everything You Desire I Love You!

Ms. Brianna Hull- Dennis

Contestant #3

BRIANNA YOU GO GIRL! Your BEST Is Yet To Come! - Love TT

BRIANNA Keep Using Your Voice to Speak for Those Who Can’t Breathe!

#BLACKLIVESMATTER #YOUMATTER

Ms. Brianna Hull- Dennis

Contestant #3

GOODLUCK BRIANNA!

Your Light and Energy is Unmatched! Much Love, Deja

Ms. Brianna Hull- Dennis

Contestant #3

BRIANNA YOUR CROWN AWAITS!

BEST of LUCK IN THE 2022 MBEIU PAGEANT!

Ms. Brianna Hull- Dennis

Contestant #3

Pre-Law Society Meeting Times Alt. Thursdays at 7:00 - Coleman Hall #2210 Zoe G. Bowers - President Constance L. Young - Vice President Brianna C. Hull-Dennis - Secretary Abby M. Rupnow - Treasurer Karen B. Swenson - Advisor

BRIANNA GOOD LUCK IN MBEIU & ALL YOU DO! Calvin Bright

Ms. Jaedah Franks Contestant #4 Sophomore Hazel Crest, IL Biology Pre-Medicine

Miss Jaedah Franks is the daughter of Tiffany Aldridge and Brian Franks. She is originally from Hazel Crest, Illinois. Jaedah is a Sophomore at EIU majoring in Biology Pre-Medicine. Jaedah’s career aspirations are to become a OBGYN and open her own medical practice around the world starting in Chicago.’’ In addition she plans to open her own non-profit for young girls of color who cannot afford adequate healthcare. Jaedah’s extracurricular activities include a member of the EIU Cheer Team, Weller Hall Council Secretary and the Black Student Union. A proud accomplishment of Jaedah’s was becoming EIU HC Royalty the 2021 EIU Homecoming Princess. Jaedah wants to acknowledge and thank her parents, friends and family for their endless support. A special thanks to those who provided her financial support. Lastly, Jaedah would like to personally thank her MBEIU Pageant Sisters and the MBEIU Coordinators for their support and encouragement to always go above and beyond in preparation for the MBEIU Pageant day. Jaedah’s Personal Motto is –Do Whatever Makes You Unique, Even If It Makes Others Uncomfortable….