Many students came out to support Miss North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Tanisha Shavonne Fordham, as she presented her showcase for the September 23-28 Atlanta, Georgia National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Queen’s Competition. The program was held in Harrison Auditorium on Sunday, September 21, 2008 and began with an excellent welcome by Miss Junior and Miss Freshman, Jaleeza Kent and Nicole Reynolds. The purpose of the event was delivered by Dr. Judy Rashid, pageant advisor to Miss A&T. Dr. Rashid began by saluting student leadership. She let it be known that A&T received the invitation to the National Black College Hall of Fame 18 years ago. She said that the university has not attained the title since 1990 by Miss A&T then, currently Dr. Jenkins. She added that 30-42 queens come to Atlanta to compete. She knows Tanisha will do well because Tanisha told her that in order to win, she will do what Dr. Jenkins did. Dr. Rashid closed by saying, “In my humble opinion, I already know that she is a winner.” Miss A&T’s background was given by Miss Senior, Emilee Christopher. It was presented in the question, “Who is Miss A&T?” Some of the information she presented included that Miss A&T started a monthly publication, Enlightening Visions, writes for the school paper, and hosts her own talk show. Tanisha’s phrase for the evening was, “Look how far the Lord has brought us.” As Tanisha presented the oratorical performance showcase she would be presenting in Atlanta, she began by saying, “I am not ego-trippin.” Her oratorical may have been the most enjoyable presentation that evening. When she concluded, she received a standing ovation. Sydney Snow, junior Public Relations major said, “The event was awesome! I’m so proud of Tanisha, my favorite part was her oratorical piece but the entire event was excellent! I really enjoyed it and I know she will do great in the pageant! After her showcase, I decided to go to Atlanta to see her!” Following the oratorical piece, the award winning gospel choir presented a tribute to Miss A&T. In their lively performance, they sang “Great is the Lord,” “The Joy of the Lord is My Strength” and “The Lord is High and Lifted.” The “Talented Queen” presentation was presented as an entertaining monologue. Miss A&T began her talent by saying, “Don’t you ever let anybody have the last word if you know you’re right.” Tanisha presented her monologue as she would in Atlanta.

After the monologue, questions from the queen were directed to the audience. Some of the questions were, “McDonald’s or Burger King, why?” and “What is the difference between rap and hip-hop?” Members of the audience answered these questions according to their personal opinions. Following the questions was the poise and projections, formal wear presentation. Miss A&T presented the evening gown she would wear along with poise, and eloquently answered questions presented to her by Miss Sophomore, Carla Saunders. Out of the five questions that were asked, one of the questions was, “How do you feel you can best serve the community?” To answer this question, Tanisha sang “This Little Light of Mine” and said, “To show the light that Jesus put inside of me and let it shine through me to others.” Concluding the showcase, presentations from the crowd, family and friends were given to Tanisha. As she closed she thanked everyone who came out for supporting her. “I feel so blessed. This year students at A&T are bleeding blue and gold. A renewed sense of Aggie Pride is evident…I am here to celebrate Aggie Pride, not Tanisha Fordham.”

It was evident that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the closing. Lenithia Bishop, sophomore Criminal Justice major said, “I really enjoyed the event and my favorite part was Tanisha’s closing remarks. Not only did she prove that she deserves to be Miss A&T but she showed that beyond that, she is a student and an individual just like the rest of her classmates.

I feel that is why so many can relate to her and love her. She has a beautiful soul and I am excited for her to go to Atlanta and bring back the title.”Miss A&T sent out a blessing to all Aggies, and ended by saying, “When the crown is received, it belongs to Aggies.”

• Whitney Dickens