The Michigan Times

Issue date: 11/9/09 Section: Local News

Media Credit: Christopher Jones Kristin Warren, a Kettering University mechanical engineering junior, was chosen Miss Black and Gold for 2009. [Click to enlarge]

The audience went into a jubilant uproar as the crown descended upon the head of Kristin Warren. The junior Kettering student with a major in mechanical engineering, after a long night of introducing herself, dancing, and answering questions, was crowned (and sashed) "Miss Black and Gold" of 2009.

"I thought it'd be a good chance to be in a real pageant, and meet people with similar interests." Warren said earlier that day.

The Black and Gold Pageant took place at the McKinnon Theatre on the second floor of Kettering's Academic Building. The fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, sponsored the event. It started at around 6 p.m. and ended at 9:30 p.m. The contestants were UM-Flint students Alexandria Mitchell, Kiera Wright, Divina McBride, Jerrica Taylor, Marshelle Craighead, Marjani Abdur-Rahman, Ashley Edwards, and Kettering student, Kristen Warren.

"I'm here for the experience." said Alexandria Mitchell, a freshman studying journalism.

"I've never been in a pageant before and I thought it would be fun." said Kiera Wright, a Nursing freshman.



"I'm here to not work and meet new people." said Ashley Edwards, a major in communication and also a freshmen.

The program consisted of an introductory dance after which each of the eight contestants introduced themselves. Following that a swimsuit segment to show off their physical form and confidence, and a talent segment to display something unique about them. The pageant ended with the traditional evening gown and the question about current social events, in this case whether or not President Obama deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. Occasionally, fraternity brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha did their steps dances in between events.

The sash for Miss Talent was awarded to Jerrica Taylor, a sophomore majoring in political science and criminal justice, for her stupendous saxophone performance. Miss Black was awarded to Divina McBride, a sophomore in interdisciplinary studies; and Miss Gold was granted to Marjani Abdur-Rahman, a sophomore studying psychology.

"I like meeting new people," said Marjani, "It's a win-win situation."

The fraternity will be giving every contestant a free scholarship for participating in this event as a thank-you for a wonderful night.

Christopher can be reached at cwijones@umflint.edu.

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