The Natural Hair Club held its first annual Natural Hair Pageant Tuesday night in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom in the Smith Brown Memorial Union.
The six contestants went through the making of any typical pageant; swimsuit, talent, and formal portions.
Since the theme of the pageant was “I Love the 80s,” the contestants also showcased their 80s style.
Heather Renee’ Henderson, a junior Apparel Merchandise and Textile major from New Orleans, LA.
Henderson was escorted by Mr. Dorian Decuir and said she is very grateful for this opportunity to be a part of this great organization and pageant.
Mariah Tereze Parker, a criminal justice major from Baton Rouge, LA, was the second contender.
After graduation, Parker plans to attend Southern University’s Law School and take up malpractice law.
Escorted by the 2013-2013 Freshman Class President Tyler Fitzgerald Riley, Ashley Nicole Jacobs, a freshman Music Performance major from West Monroe, Louisiana was the third contestant.
Jacobs’ has been natural for a year, and aspires to be a successful music producer.
Nia Imani Williams, a freshman fashion merchandising major from***, was escorted by her grandfather W. T. Winfield.
Williams is a Southern University Legacy; her mother, uncle, and grandmother are all Southern University alumni.
New Orleans, LA native Sage Edgerson, a fashion merchandising and textiles major, was escorted by Adrian Steib.
After graduation, Edgerson plans to become an entry level assistant buyer and stylist for various boutiques, creating her own photography company, creating her own fashion line, and owning her own vintage clothing boutique.
The final contestant, Tashaneka Coleman, a sophomore psychology major and sociology minor from New Orleans, LA, was escorted by Mr. Nicholas Joseph.
Coleman is currently the 2013-2014 Miss White Hall and is also a Southern University Jag Ambassador.
Coleman is a member of the psychology club, and is also involved with the Community Outreach Program.
Sage Edgerson, was crowned Miss Natural Hair, while, Mariah Parker, was runner-up. Heather Henderson, was titled Miss Congeniality.
Sage’s brother Garrett Edgerson, a senior Computer Science major from New Orleans, LA, said that it was a great pageant to say that it was their first time having one he is proud of his sister.
“It was a good feeling seeing her win, she’s a wonderful person and she’s one of those people who deserves to win things of that nature. She worked really hard for this pageant and I’m glad she came out on top.” said Edgerson.
Kristiana McGraw, president of the Natural Hair Club, was excited of the turnout of the event. This is the first semester of the Natural Hair Club.
“We wanted to put on a pageant just to say that we are an organization, and anyone can join,” said McGraw.
Any student can join, regardless of hair type, at the beginning of each semester. This is the Natural Hair Club’s first event and there will be many more to come.
