Leyanis Diaz takes the crown for 2015 ‘Miss Black and Gold’

By: Krystal Pugh
Staff Writer

Leyanis Diaz was crowned Miss Black and Gold 2015 on Sunday night, March 29 in the Graham Center Ballrooms at the MMC campus.

After two and half months of rehearsals, late nights and photo shoots, the time had arrived.

There were six contestants selected to compete in the Miss Black and Gold 2015. Andrew Jones, vice president of the Tau Delta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity directed the pageant this year.

“I wanted to take this opportunity and try something new and see how I can use leadership skills in a new way,” said Jones.

There were well over 30 applicants but only six women were selected to participate. These women were selected as a result of their GPA, school and community involvement and embodiment of true womanhood, not just physical attributes.

“Thats why we chose the girls we chose, we are very particular,” Jones said. “My favorite part of the pageant was meeting new people, it was a bunch of girls getting together every night practicing walking, laughing and interacting with other personalities,” said Jazzmine Folston, contestant number one.

Since 2004, the Tau Delta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha has allowed this pageant to be a platform to highlight and foster the structure between success and etiquette within young women. This highlights women’s poise, confidence, communication skills, intelligence and beauty. Throughout the pageant, academic success is stressed as a result of the fraternity providing the winner with scholarship for financial obligations for post secondary education.

Andrew Jones and Camille Gayle, former Miss Black and Gold 2014, hosted the entire pageant. There was a judge panel of four Luther Pierre 2010, University graduate and the first jewel to the Tau Delta chapter, Keba Williams 2011 Miss Black and Gold and singer/songwriter entrepreneur, Allen Pierre-Louis registered nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital North, Brianna Meneses Sullivan current pre-med junior at University of Miami and former 2013 Miss Black and Gold.

There was much support in the crowd from many other fraternities and sororities. As well as the various queens on campus such as Miss FIU: Torya Whittaker, Miss Caribbean Student Association: Keenya Fleary and Miss Woman of Excellence: Chanelle Porter.

They wore their crowns and showed great support. The pageant began with an opening prayer. To follow, the six contestants barefoot dressed in white and gold goddess gowns graced the stage and performed a choreographed dance. Followed by the swimsuit competition. The contestants presented a wide variety of talents—spoken word, piano playing, singing and many different genres of dance styles.

During intermissions, the audience received performances from singing duo “Karma” and solo performance by singer Giovanna Joseph. Later during the evening gown segment, each contestant was asked the same question from a judge, “What is your stand in race relations in the United States and do you think there is anything that can be done about it?”

“I believe there is a lot wrong when it comes to racial relations in the United States and many things can be done such as different social reforms to help make this country a better place,” said Whitney Joseph, contestant number two.

After the talent and formal wear segments, the Former Miss Black and Gold 2014, Camille Gayle, graced the stage one final time with her crown.

“I cannot thank the Tau Delta chapter enough for giving me this opportunity. So much has happened in my life and one thing that remained constant was their support and love for me,” said Gayle.

The hosts were ready to crown the new Miss Black and Gold 2015. All of the contestants were presented with appreciation plaques. Second runner up was contestant number three, Briana Rojo and first runner up was contestant number five.

Tatyana Brown also won Miss congeniality and best talent. Miss popular was contestant number four, Leyanis Daiz, who was also crowned Miss Black and Gold 2015.

“I didn’t expect to win, I wanted to win of course, but after the show I felt like I was going to be third or second place,” said Diaz.

Diaz is a senior broadcast journalism major who plans to get a master’s in Spanish-language journalism from the University at receipt of her undergraduate degree this year.

Diaz is a proud member of Phi Mu sorority and has been since fall 2012.

“Aside from school, I don’t really do anything because I’m always doing something school related. However, I do enjoy movies and hanging out with friends,” said Diaz.

Diaz wooed the crowd with a confident opening message introducing herself. Next for swimsuit competition, she wore an elegant all black two piece bikini with a black shawl for her entrance onto the stage.

Merely a split second after hitting the stage, Diaz drops the shawl and struts the stage with a candid smile the entire time. For a talent, Diaz put her best foot forward in a modern hip-hop/Caribbean dance routine.

During the dance routine, Diaz had a wardrobe malfunction, and the DJ played the wrong song for her performance. However, she fixed it right away and continued her performance gracefully.

“I just laughed about it and was actually more upset about the song being wrong,” said Diaz.

Diaz shared her thoughts on the whole event.

“I enjoyed working with the other ladies and this overall was a great experience  –very special I will hold on to it,” said Diaz.