The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Eta Gamma Chapter (Prairie View A&M University) and Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapters, hosted its 39th Annual Miss Old Gold and Black Scholarship Pageant on January 26, 2024, which featured 18 of the most academically talented, ambitious and progress women at Prairie View A&M University vying for one of two crowns.
After seven-rounds of competition Miss Jocelyn Dorsey was crowned Miss Old Gold and Black - Eta Gamma Chapter and Eniyah Watson - Miss Old Gold and Black - Epilon Tau Lambda. Both young women will represent the chapters at the Miss Old Gold and Black Pageant at the 60th Texas Conference of Alpha Chapters set for February 8-11 at the Westin Mariott in San Antonio, Texas.
The eighteen contestants selected from the field of forty-five applicants are Serina Alderson, Allonah Lee Ashworth, Christen Austin, Carrington Brice, Jocelyn Denyce Dorsey, Anaya J. Evans, Ashlei Sade Hunter, LaNiya Lawson, JaiRenee Mccoy, Amarys Royal, Teja L. Taylor, Saratha Thiam, Jyllian Walker, Eniyah Sanaa Watson, Courtnie P. Welch, Ajah White, Kennedy Janae Williams, and Ennissa Wright.
Other winners are Allonah Ashworth was named First Runner-up. In addition to the title, Jocelyn was the winner of the Evening-wear, Onstage Interview and tied with Eniyah for second place in the Scholarship Competition; Saratha Thiam won the Personal Interview, Serina Alderson won the Projection and Talent Competitions and Kennedy Janae Williams won the Fitness and Lifestyle Competition.
Jocelyn is a junior Vocal Performance student from Houston, Texas. She aspires to be a Contemporary Christian Artist, Entrepreneur and a Broadway Star. She lives by Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Her platform is "Let your Real light shine: Excellence, Authenticity and Community; Inspiring students and my HBCU to pursue excellence in their studies and goals while learning to be their authentic selves and paying forward to their community through service. Some of her achievements include Tommy Tune Award Winning Best Actress, TMEA All-State Women's Choir and National Opera Association 2nd Place (first HBCU to place). She is a member of the University Concert Chorale and the PVAMU Singers. Her civic and community engagement include volunteering at the Houston Food Bank, Congresswoman Sheila Jacksoon Lee Toys for Tots, Arts Mentorship and Vocal and Acting Coach. Among her favorits are Chandler Moore and Beyonce' (singers); Boiled Seafood; Dreamgirls, Love & Basketball and Elementals (movies); Dogs (she owns a pup); Bible and the Book of Ruth. When asked her reason for competing, Jocelyn stated, "I have been eagerly waiting for an opportunity such as this. Being Miss Old Gold and Black would provide me with the opportunity to inspire, cultivate and pay it forward to my community and my beloved HBCU. I want to be a voice for the voices that are overlooked and counted out, I want to provide a fresh new perspective to the student body, as well as being an active role model of what it means to walk in authenticity, excellence and grace.
Eniyah is a junior Pre-Nursing student from Tyler, Texas and aspires to become a registered nurse. Her experiences in leadership positions include being a certified Medical Assistant and Cosmetologist. Her civic and community engagement finds her volunteering for Back to School Drives, Salvation Army, Wyld Life, Young Life, and the Houston Foodbank service. At the university she is the Captain of the Panther Dolls Dance Team which provides entertainment throughout the year, particularly the half time show at the Basketball games. If she was to give a high school address, Eniyah stated that she would address the importance to never give up on your dreams, no matter if is going to college, getting a job or any sort of career. She would emphasize the point that eventhough life has its bumps you should always strive for something whether it’s a big or small goal. When asked why she wanted to become Miss Old Gold and Black, she said, "I wish to be Miss Old Gold and Black to represent what ‘Striving Against the Odds” looks like. Being able to help, comfort, and uplift those students around me. Having the chance to be an act of service in the school and to the community while also showing who I am while also making a positive impact on others. Miss Watson would love to invite Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King to her fantasy dinner because of the leadership, commitment to civil and equal rights and their powerful movement to help others.
The pageant was coproduced and directed by Frederick V. Roberts, Javari Simmons and Terrance Bolton under the theme "Visions of the Golden Reignaissance and opened to a rousing rendition of Beyonce's Renaissance.
Pagent officials expect a repeat win at the TCAC Competion, which was won by Chloe Nyree Tolbert, Miss Old Gold and Black - Eta Gamma who represented the district at the Southwest Region Convention, held in Fort Worth, Texas in March 2023. Gabrielle Orji, Miss Old Gold and Black - Epsilon Tau Lambda. Past chapter winners include Coy Henderson Hooey, Brandi Byers and Destiny Jefferson.
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