One of the events students can look forward to during Pan Afrikan Week is the Mr. and Ms. Pan Afrikan Scholarship Pageant. This year’s contestants are preparing to showcase their best talents and put in work for the coveted title.
“The pageant is a chance for anyone at N.C. State to get a chance to win scholarship money, as well as the title of king and queen,” Black Students Board chair Dechia Adesegun said. “It also allows people to step out of the box and get a chance to showcase themselves as a person, a student on campus, and also an African American who is involved.”
In addition to being prepared to show off their talents, the six contestants are required to attend seven out of the 10 practices, answer questions thoroughly from judges, and put forth their best effort for the scholarship money.
I had the pleasure of meeting this year’s contestants and see how they live their everyday lives
Miss Pan Afrikan Contestants
Breanna Kristina Powell
Classification: Sophomore
Major: Social Work
Reason for Participating in the pageant: “I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and do something on my own.”
Ideal image of Miss Pan Afrikan: “Someone who is involved in the community, particularly the African American community, but one who is also willing to branch out.”
Honors and Activities: Member of Uninhibited Praise Gospel Choir (UPGC), University Ambassador, Ambassador for African American Cultural Center, University Scholars Program, soon-to-be member of National Society of Leadership and Success
Most anticipated Pan Afrikan Week event: The Migos Concert. I’m a “sophisticated ratchet.”
Interesting Fact: “My alter ego is ‘Breyonce’—she is not much different from me. I’m really dramatic, over the top, and fun. Breyonce brings that out permanently!
QuiAnne Holmes
Classification: Sophomore
Major(s): Psychology and Spanish
Reason for Participating in the pageant: “Once they opened the application to underclassmen, I figured this would be a great opportunity [to take advantage of] since I’ve never been in a pageant.
Ideal image of Miss Pan Afrikan: “The winner should embody leadership in the community and take on the responsibility that everyone is watching you because you are the forefront.”
Honors and Activities: University Scholars Program, Issues Initiative Committee-West Campus, Resident Advisor, Read to Lead, Boys & Girls Club Volunteer
Most anticipated Pan Afrikan Week event: “I’m looking forward to the step show. My dad was a ‘Q’ and I like to see other fraternities step.”
Interesting Fact: “I want to be a bilingual psychologist.”
Jaci Bradley
Classification: Senior
Major: Sociology
Reason for Participating in the pageant: “Being a senior, my time is limited to leave my mark. This [allows me to] step outside the box and [take advantage] of a new experience since later is not an option.”
Ideal image of Miss Pan Afrikan: “The winner should speak the true essence of what Pan-Afrikan is. With the theme, they should know where they came from, know our history, and know how things have transformed over time for our culture.”
Honors and Activities: Historian for SAC, American Sign Language Club, NAACP Mentorship, Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society
Most anticipated Pan Afrikan Week event: “The Day Party and DJ’ing at the Carnival.”
Interesting Fact: “I can do sign language and move my ears.”
Mr. Pan Afrikan Contestants
Christopher Michael Belton
Classification: Senior
Major: Business Administration
Reason for Participating in the pageant: “I wanted a chance to show other people my legacy unchained, as well as express what it means to be an African American in society today and how hard we’ve worked.
Honors and Activities: Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., Ambassador for African American Cultural Center, University Ambassador
Most anticipated Pan Afrikan Week event: “Other than this pageant, the Mirage party link-up.”
Interesting Fact: “I like to play the piano by ear in my spare time.”
Ryan Robinson
Classification: Senior
Major: Business Administration
Reason for Participating in the pageant: “I had no clue I had signed up for it. I got an email and figured I’d give it a shot.”
Ideal image of Mr. Pan Afrikan: “The winner should represent unity within the [Black] community, [as well as] joining forces with different minority groups on campus
Honors and Activities: NC State Club Track Team, Black Business Students Association
Most Anticipated Pan Afrikan Week event: “The step show. I haven’t been since sophomore year.”
Interesting Fact: “I was recruited to attend the University of Miami but decide to come to NCSU instead.”
Stephen Jerel Williams
Classification: Senior
Major: Sociology
Reason for Participating in the pageant: “It gives me an opportunity to join other African American students. It also allows you to be involved in Pan-Afrikan Week in general.
Ideal image of Mr. Pan Afrikan: “Someone who is respected, positive, approachable, represents this school well. They should also be seen as an optimistic person that can be a role model for others.
Honors and Activities: Grains of Time a capella, NC Sate Club Basketball Team, supervisor for competitive sports, lead evaluator for basketball officials
Most anticipated Pan Afrikan Week event: “Since the winner gets to host the concert, that’ll be fun to host. Also the step show.”
Interesting Fact: “I love to laugh, cook, and meet new people.”
The Scholarship pageant will select a king and queen, both being rewarded $750. In addition to the scholarship money, Mr. and Ms. Pan Afrikan will have the opportunity to host the Migos concert.
The Mr. and Miss Pan Afrikan Scholarship Pageant will take place on Monday, March 31 at 7pm in Talley Ballroom.
