Matthew Griffin, University College freshman, was declared the inaugural Mr. Black OU on Thursday night at Sooner Theatre.
Griffin was one of eight students who competed for the crown in the Black Student Association’s pageant.
“I hope to be a leader, and stand out as a leader,” he said.
The pageant was divided into five categories, including interviews, talent, formal wear, athletic wear and an onstage question.
The panel of judges included Jillian Whitaker, Miss Black Rose State, and Avery Moore, Mr. Langston University. The main qualities they looked for in the contestants were personality, excitement and courage, Whitaker said.
Supporters said they also wanted the same qualities in a winner.
Christina Blakely, psychology junior, said she rooted for no one specifically, but hoped Griffin would stand up and make a change on campus.
“Guys are here to change the world as well. This allows us to say we appreciate our guys, and we need good guys to stand up and be leaders in our community,” Blakely said.
The event began with a dance performance to a medley of Michael Jackson songs, in accordance with the pageant’s theme of remembering historic black American achievements.
The reigning Miss Black OU, Kenisha Lloyd, welcomed the contestants to the stage, where they introduced themselves and presented their platforms.
The contestants showed off their athletic wear first, each representing a different sport.
Most of the candidates chose to demonstrate their musical, theater or dance abilities in the talent portion.
Audience members could vote for their favorite contestants for the People’s Choice winner during a brief intermission.
The contestants then competed in the formal wear and onstage question portions.
The men also participated in a photo shoot prior to the pageant. The pictures taken were used to choose the winner of the Mr. Photogenic title, said committee member Chylloa Jackson, mechanical engineering junior.
Another title, Mr. Industrial, went to the contestant who sold the most ads for the program.
First, second and third place winners all received monetary prizes, and Mr. Photogenic won a professional photo shoot.
Mr. Black OU will be responsible for holding various events according to their platform, as well as participate in community service events, Jackson said.
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d054106 2 years, 1 month ago
Correction: Kim Holman is the current Mr. Langston University. Avery Moore is an alumnus from the Univeristy of Oklahoma. Both served as judges for the inaugural Mr. Black OU. Dezz Lewis served as a judge for the pageant.
bernardog 2 years, 1 month ago
I'm very proud of the win for Mr.Griffin and hope he has a great year.