The Boys Be Steppin’: SGRHOmeo Pageant

While Southern may be best known for its Thicker Than a Snicker pageant where the ladies get to shine, the Mr. RHOmeo Pageant is an opportunity for the men of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority to show what they bring to the table as well.
The pageants’ theme was Hollywood, and the judges were trying to find their star in this year’s Mr. Romeo. The hostesses for the pageant were Beta Alpha members Jordyn Austin and Vanaya Scott. They began the pageant by introducing the 5 judges, Yvette Ferguson, Malik Smith, Jocha Gordan, Porsha Gailes, and Dr. Chrsitopher Ruffin.
The 3 female judges: Ferguson, Gordon, and Gailes, are also a part of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Dr.Ruffin himself is a former 2009-2010 Mister RHOmeo. The sorority hasn’t had a Mr.RHOmeo pageant since 2009, with this Spring making 13 years since their last pageant.
After the judges were announced, the 6 potential Mr. RHOmeo’s came out with white button downs, black slacks, and yellow suspenders. They began to dance to “Wake up in the Sky” by Bruno Mars and Gucci Mane. After the contestants danced, six Beta Alpha members came out to dance with contestants.
Contestant #1 was Myical Burrell, a freshman from Bogalusa, LA. Contestant #2 was Isaiah Clay, a freshman from White Castle, LA. Contestant #3 was Jarden James, a graduating senior from Lake Charles, LA. Contestant #4 was Dylan Jones, a sophomore from Zachary, LA. Contestant #5 was Dorian Stewart, a junior from Los Angeles, CA. Contestant #6 was Markez Walker, a sophomore from Donaldsonville, LA.
The contestants then competed in the categories fashion, swim, talent, and formal. The pageant had a surprise guest who were Southern University’s “Code Blue” Stomp n’ Shake Squad. After their performance, it was time for the winner to be announced.
The 2022-2023 Mr. RHOmeo winner was contestant #3 Jarden James. The 1st runner up was contestant #6 Markez Walker and the 2nd runner up was contestant #5 Dorian Stewart. The pageants fan favorite was contestant #2 Isaiah Clay. Also, the title of Mr. Congeniality was awarded to both contestant #1, Myical Burrell and contestant #2 Isaiah Clay.
After the pageant I spoke with betta alpha president Christian Humphrey- Nash who said, “The Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Beta Alpha Chapter recently held our Mr.RHOmeo pageant on March 29th, 2022 at the Event Center. This was the first Mr.RHOmeo pageant in 13 years here at Southern University A&M College. We had 6 handsome contestants competing to be the 2022-2023 Mister RHOmeo of Southern University. These gentlemen showed us their style, talents, and creativity. The event was very successful and super fun to host. We are happy to bring back the traditions of our sorority and our undeniable powerful presence here on SUBR’s campus. This pageant is only the beginning of the events we are to bring in the future.”
When speaking with contestant #2 Isaiah Clay about his experience he said, “The pageant was an overall really fun experience! I had the pleasure of meeting some really great people in addition to expressing my creativity and style. The process included long nights, late practices, and lots of laughs. I definitely would do it again if I had the chance.”
While this was the first SGRHOmeo pageant to grace the Bluff in more than a decade, it surely won’t take as long for us to have another if this years showcase was any indication.