Orionna Brumfield
MC Contributor/Staff Writer
The Delta Psi chapter of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Ic., chose six ladies to represent their chapter in hopes of becoming the new Miss Brown, Miss Gold, and Miss Iota.
The six contestants: Tyshon Porter, Nikyta Wilkins, Yazmine Brown, Aelicia Thomas, Marquesha Davis, and NaTosha Devon showcased their different styles in the pageant while enjoying the experience the entire time.
Difference is the key to this pageant. Even the categories: hitting the red carpet, talent, formal wear, and question and answer were interpreted differently compared to traditional pageants.
The president of the fraternity along with his brothers, enjoy doing things out of character.
“We believe in being different, that’s what we like to do. We believe in being unique and we want to do something everybody hasn’t done before, and that is how we try to do every event,” said Quvorris Harris, a senior criminal justice major from Vicksburg, Miss.
Three ladies were chosen to represent the various titles of the Iota’s Royal Court.
Nikyta Wilkins won Miss Brown and Miss Congeniality, NaTosha Devon won Miss Gold, and Yazmine Brown to the overall crown as Miss Iota 2015-2016. All three ladies captivated the audience with their different personalities and are excited to execute their platforms.
“I’ve always had courage and a big personality. It feels good to be acknowledged for both of those,” said Nikyta Wilkins, a senior mass communications major from Chicago, Ill. “My platform is Individuality: Be yourself at all times.”.
Wilkins was not the only one who stepped outside of the box to do something different. “I have been through so many odds and been against so much as far as accomplishments I want to receive, and this was very overwhelming for me because it was unexpected. I feel like I have more courage to speak in front of a room full of people,” said Yazmine Brown, a senior biology/pre-medicine major from Chicago Ill.
Brown, now the 2015-2016 Miss Iota, wants her platform: M.O.D.E.L- Making Outstanding Determined Evolving Leaders, to serve as an opportunity for children and her colleagues to lead and learn their civil rights through workshops and different events.
Natosha Devon, a senior speech communications major, from Chicago, Ill., plans to execute her platform: Educating People on Sexual Abuse.
“I feel like people get raped every day, and nobody wants to report it. Or if it gets reported, nothing happens. My plan is to change all of that,” said Devon.
Erica G. Gladney, the first Miss Iota from Chicago, Ill., was impressed with the beauty, talent, and brains all the contestants exemplified. She enjoyed judging the pageant from two different perspectives.
“Before the event, I was able to take the label off of being a judge and be able to put my crown back on as a fellow black queen and give them some words of wisdom and encouragement. I was then able to sit in the judge’s seat and be amazed at how gorgeous, talented, and educated black women are who are representing Thee Jackson State University, Mississippi’s premier University,” said Gladney.
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