Lexington Hosts Empowering Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant Celebrating Young Women and Community Engagement

Lexington Celebrates Annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant

Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter hosted its annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant at the historic Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center on December 4, 2023. This prestigious event is a nationwide tradition among Alpha Phi Alpha chapters, aimed at empowering young women while providing scholarships and recognition.

This year’s pageant featured a variety of contestants competing not only for the title but also for the opportunity to represent the University at the district level, with hopes of advancing to the national stage. Participants showcased their *talents*, *passions*, and *academic achievements*, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated community involvement.

Event Highlights and Activities

The pageant was hosted by Myles Fields, the historian for Alpha Phi Alpha, along with Zoie Saunders, the reigning Miss Gold. Saunders reflected on her return to the event, calling it a “full circle moment.” She expressed her desire for the pageant to be a joyful experience for everyone involved, emphasizing the warmth and camaraderie shared among contestants.

As part of their presentations, contestants shared their platforms, which addressed various issues ranging from *equitable healthcare* to *disability advocacy*. Stephanie Fischer, the *event’s pageant mom* and an accommodations specialist at UK’s Disability Resource Center, highlighted the importance of giving contestants a broader audience to present their causes. “This pageant allows them a platform to reach people they wouldn’t reach otherwise,” Fischer stated.

Empowerment and Community Engagement

Alongside the platform presentations, contestants participated in various segments, including athletics, talent showcases, and formal wear. Pierre PetitFrere, president of the Alpha Phi Alpha chapter and pageant chair, noted that the event serves as a confidence booster for young women. “This is a scholarship pageant but also a chance for them to shine,” he said.

The pageant’s significance is amplified by its timing, held on the fraternity’s Founder’s Day, a date that commemorates their establishment in 1906. The new venue, the Lyric Theatre, offered a representation of a more inclusive and celebratory environment compared to the previous locale, UK’s Memorial Hall, which has a mural criticized for misrepresenting history.

A Celebration of Achievement

Christian Adair, the executive director of the Lyric Theatre, who is also a former Alpha Phi Alpha chapter member, expressed pride in the recent change in venue. “The Lyric is a community space that welcomes everyone. It focuses on love and diversity,” Adair explained.

As the celebration reached its conclusion, Trinity Cardell, a sophomore pursuing a major in pre-med psychology, was crowned as this year’s Miss Black and Gold. Reflecting on her experience, Cardell expressed her admiration for her fellow contestants and excitement for her new role. “I love these girls. This has been a really good experience,” she said.

With her title, Cardell plans to advocate for *minority mental health* throughout her reign, aspiring to be a positive influence within the community. “I want to serve as a beacon of light and make lasting changes,” she affirmed.

The Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant not only rewards excellence but reinforces community bonds, allowing young women to advocate for important issues while paving the way for future leaders.