University of Kentucky Hosts Empowering Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant Celebrating Advocacy and Community

Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter hosted the annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center on December 4, coinciding with the fraternity’s Founder’s Day. This event, part of a long-standing national tradition among Alpha Phi Alpha chapters, aimed to empower contestants through a platform for advocacy and scholarship.

Contestants from various backgrounds showcased their talents, passions, and platforms, which centered on significant social issues, including equitable healthcare and disability advocacy. The event was emceed by Myles Fields, the chapter historian, alongside Zoie Saundars, the previous year’s titleholder. Saundars described her return as a “full circle moment,” emphasizing the joy she hoped to share with participants and the audience.

“This is a scholarship pageant,” said Pierre PetitFrere, the chapter president and pageant chair. “But also just an opportunity for young women to show the world who they are and shine bright in their life.” The scholarships awarded not only recognize the winners but also equip them to serve their communities alongside the fraternity members.

Stephanie Fischer, the event’s “pageant mom” and an accommodations specialist with UK’s Disability Resource Center, highlighted the importance of advocacy, noting that contestants were able to communicate their causes to a broader audience. “This gives them an opportunity and platform to reach people they wouldn’t reach before,” Fischer explained.

This year’s pageant also marked a significant shift in location. The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center is considered a more inclusive space than the previous venue, UK’s Memorial Hall, which features a mural that Adair described as “degrading” to the community. “This is the most diverse space you can be in that’s more welcoming and loving than anywhere else,” Adair said, pointing to the theatre’s commitment to inclusivity.

At the conclusion of the event, Trinity Cardell, a sophomore majoring in pre-med psychology, was crowned the new Miss Black and Gold. Cardell expressed her enthusiasm for the experience, stating, “I love these girls. This has been a really good experience.” During her reign, she aims to advocate for minority mental health and contribute positively to the community.

With this event, the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter not only upheld its commitment to scholarship but also fostered a sense of community among participants, exemplifying the powerful blend of tradition, advocacy, and empowerment in the lives of young women at the University of Kentucky.