When we think of pageantry in America, we think of the beautiful and talented women in sequin gowns, swimsuits and talent. Well, the producers of the Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant (MCAASP) has been dispelling this imagery since 1990 when the pageant was created to empower Black college men and to counteract the negative imagery of 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 back in the early 50's. 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 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 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 $8,000 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.
The pageant winners will receive some $5,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes and the opportunity to represent the program at special events, visits to K-12 and colleges around the country.
The pageant is in its Twenty-sixth year and is opened to Black men 18-30 years of age who are enrolled in four-year colleges and universities. The program is being sponsored in conjunction with the National Leadership Conference on Black Men, set for November 10-11, 2017 at PVAMU. The summit will focus on helping to create the next generation of leaders in the likes of President Barak Obama, Dr. Cornell West, Mark Morial, the Honorable Louis Farrakhan, Benjamin Chavis, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Eric Holder and Colin Powell, etc.
Application Deadline is: September 30, 2017 .
For an application and other information, please contact: The Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Program: P.O. Box 5433, Prairie View, TX 77446-5433. Email: mrcollegiate@yahoo.com
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