Seven black women competed in the Miss Old Gold and Black pageant from the Iota Eta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. on Saturday in Toney Auditorium. Taliyah Battle '27 took home the first-place award on a night that judged contestants based on their presentation, their charitable platform and their overall message.
Chapter president Micah Scott ‘27 said each contestant competed for the position of Miss Old Gold and Black, Runner Up #1 Miss Iota Eta and Runner Up #2 Miss 1974 through a point-based system.
The contestants were judged in the introduction and opening presentation, a talent portion, evening wear, and on-stage question, as well as a private interview with the judges themselves. Each contestant also had a platform about helping their community.
“Iota Eta wants to recognize leaders on this campus, and it's always good to cultivate and serve the minds of young women and help them get their platform out there,” Scott said.
Battle, who said a close friend of hers recommended the pageant to her, will now represent the chapter at the district level competition.
“I've always been a tomboy all my life, and I would have never imagined being in a pageant or winning it,” Battle said.
Scott also said Battle will help with chapter events and receive a scholarship until a new queen is installed next year.
Battle said her platform is called “Crown with Knowledge” and focuses on the education of children, especially Black children, with learning disabilities.
Kimora Williams ‘29 was crowned Miss Iota Eta with a platform called “Passion Promoting Purpose” which provides resources for youth to succeed in their academic and personal potential.
Williams said she heard about the pageant prior to coming to Mercer, and it has always been a dream of hers to be able to compete and collaborate with the Iota Eta chapter.
“I'm truly grateful for even being given the opportunity to be crowned as Miss Iota Ada because it is a privilege, and they could have chosen any other girl, but they saw me as fit,” Williams said.
Brianna Elicin, who was crowned Miss 1974, platformed under the “White Coat Effect," which encourages young Black girls to enter healthcare, a field where they’re historically underrepresented. Elicacin said she heard about the pageant through the “Stroll Like an Alpha” event.
“Towards the end, it was honestly a surprise,” Eliacin said. “I was so excited that I got Miss 1974, and I feel super accomplished right now because I really put myself out there to even be on the stage.”
