Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Program and Leadership Summit on Black Males Set for April 1-2

The Mr. Collegiate African American Pageant is back! Black male college students, primarily from historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) and other universities across the nation are invited to compete in the 2011 Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant, set for March 31 - April 2 in Prairie View and Houston, Texas, with the finals on April 2 at 7:00 p.m.

The pageant, the first of its kind for men in the world, was created in 1990 for Black men between the ages of 18-30 who are enrolled in four-year American colleges and universities. The pageant is being held in conjunction with the National Leadership Summit on Black Males, set for April 1-2.

When we think of pageantry in America, we think of sequin gowns, swimsuits and talent. Well, the producers of the Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant (MCAASP) has been dispelling this imagery since 1990 with programs to empower Black college men and to counteract the negative imagery of the them as perpetuated in the society.

When asked why a pageant for males, Pageant Director Frederick V. Roberts stated that "pageantry has no gender." In fact, the early Egyptians used pageantry as a ceremony of ascension and coronation. W. E. B. DuBois also produced the "Star of Egypt" pageant which ran on Broadway back in the early 50'to highlight achievement among Black men and women.

Using the principles of character, self-esteem, positive role modeling and services, the MCAASP) hopes to grow the next generation of African American male leaders. The goal of the pageant is to dispel the myth that one has to be a product of a negative environment by creating a model of excellence for a positive belief in oneself and race, and encouraging individual and group achievement in the pursuit of excellence.

The goal of the program is provide a model of excellence for Black males for a positive belief in oneself and race, and to encourage individual and group achievement in the pursuit of excellence.  We must dispel the myth that one has to be a product of a negative environment and can be a catalyst for change and achievement. We will be intentional with our programs that highlights issues and concerns which shows that Black men matters in the community.

The Mr. Collegiate Pageant, the first of its kind for Black men, was created in 1990. However, the first pageant was not staged until April 1992 and Charles Clemens of Lincoln University was selected as the first Mr. Collegiate.

Since then, other winners include Steven Daniels, 1993-94 (Alabama State), Stacey O. Washington, 1994-95 (Virginia State), Christopher Sanders, 1995-96 (Kentucky State), Adoris Turner 1997-99 (Jackson State) and Damany Mayfield 2001-2002 (Virginia State).

The candidates compete for more than $10,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes, and the opportunity to represent the national program throughout the world. Candidates compete in a private interview with Judges, personal platform (oratory), talent, formal attire and onstage interview and question.

Deadline for application is March 8, 2011. For application, write to: The Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Program: P. O. Box 2906, Prairie View, TX 77446-2906; 979-221-8430, email: mrcollegiateafricanamerican@gmail.com.