ESU organization promoting unity with Ms. Umoja Pageant

The Emporia State University Black Women's Network is promoting unity on the campus with their annual Ms. Umoja Pageant.

According to pageant coordinator and BWN Vice-President Hilari Smith, Umoja is Swahili for Unity.

"As ESU students, we believe that unity is something that is needed among students, faculty, staff and the community," she said. "This pageant is a way for us to promote this unity."

The Ms. Umoja Pageant will be held Nov. 12 in the Memorial Union Ballroom at 7 p.m.

"This pageant is designed for young ladies, of all races, to demonstrate why they should be crowned Ms. Umoja through a competition that includes dance, talent, and a question and answer portion," Smith said. "Contestants will be judged on their overall performance."

The Ms. Umoja Pageant is an annual event that began in 2001. In addition to the Ms. Umoja title, there will be a 1st and 2nd runner-up.

This year's contestants and their hometowns are: Ashley Cheffen, Kansas City , Kansas ; Doneshia Crowder, Wichita , Kansas ; Shyanna Freeman, Traci Hildebrant, Kansas City , Kansas ; Kelley Jones, Manhattan , Kansas ; Savannah Williams, Kansas City , Kansas ; and Selma Williams, Kansas City , Kansas . Me'kel Johnson, of Kansas City , Kansas is the pageant dance coordinator.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Hilari Smith at 913-206-6050 or by email at hilari_s@hotmail.com .

The purpose of Black Women's Network is a chance for women on the campus to come together with positive attitudes, to network with one another, to experience personal growth and get involved with campus activities. BWN does many activities on the campus such as: "Girls Day Out," Miss Umoja Pageant and a fashion show.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>