The Delta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. presented the 2025-2026 Miss Black and Old Gold Scholarship Pageant on April 13th at 5:00 pm in the James L. Bolden Campus Union Ballroom. The purpose of this event was to celebrate excellence, scholarship and the empowerment of young women.
The event began with an introduction of all six contestants: Jada Lewis, LaNise Chilton, Mekhyia Smith, Tynia Killingsworth, Kennedi Cook and Jimerya Johnson.
Once the contestants left the stage, the Alphas opened with a powerful step performance, setting the tone for the event. The fashion segment of the pageant followed, where each contestant took to the stage in their business attire while hosts Student Government Association President 2025-2026 Avantavis Carter and former Miss Black and Old Gold 2024-2025 Oniyah Robinson described their looks to the audience.
The Alphas returned with a lively stroll that led into the talent portion for the contestants. Lewis sang “Stay” by Rihanna. Chilton performed “Too Hard Not To” by Tina Campbell, Smith delivered a spoken word she wrote herself titled “Get In The Field”, Killingsworth performed a monologue called “God’s Black Child”, Cook presented a cheer along with a dance to Destiny’s Child’s “Lose My Breath” and Johnson gave a graceful dance performance to “Amen” by Amber Run.
After a brief intermission, the final segment challenged contestants with questions about how they would make a positive impact on campus. The event concluded with all six contestants returning to the stage to receive certificates for their participation.
In the final crowing moments, Tynia Killingsworth earned the title of Miss Delta Kappa and Kennedi Cook was crowned Miss Black and Old Gold 2025-2026.
