The house lights dimmed and the lively audience hushed as Union College junior DeAaron Robinson took the stage. A disco ball hanging from the ceiling cast a whirl of twinkling lights across the red curtains, walls, and seats. Robinson stood between two lavish arrangements of red roses, leaned into the mic in his hand, and announced, “We are making history tonight!”

The college’s Black Student Union (BSU) hosted Union’s first Mr. and Miss BSU Pageant Sunday evening in Rector Little Theatre. BSU co-advisor Dr. Karen Wright said the group plans to make the pageant an annual tradition. The purpose is to “embrace, celebrate, and highlight African American culture and the Black student experience,” she said.

Eight contestants, representing freshmen through seniors, participated: Teychiana Dornan ’26, Jayden Henderson ’24, Andraé Johnson ’24, Kayla Keller ’26, Kieran McMurry ’26, Elijah Scott ’26, Anaia Singleton ’23, and Nijah Smith ’23.

Robinson, BSU’s Vice President, emceed the evening. His high-energy introductions, playful banter, and willingness to participate in pageant events kept the crowd engaged and the contestants encouraged. Students squared off in three events: fashion, talent, and Q&A.

For the fashion show, contestants were judged on how well their outfits matched their personality. Styles ranged from Singleton’s floor-length pink silk gown to Henderson’s highly patterned pants. As they sashayed and strut down the center aisle of the theatre, toward the judges’ table, the audience cheered them on with noisemakers and glowsticks provided at the door.

BSU advisors Dr. Wright and Track & Field Coach Chris Jelks served as judges, along with some of BSU’s officers – President Malik McCalpine, Vice President for Public Relations Chris Thomas, and SGA Liaison Tayden Mackey.

During the talent show, the audience and contestants frequently showed their support by joining in. Kaylor held the mic out when she got to the chorus of Keyshia Cole’s “Love,” and the audience sang and swayed along with her. When it was Scott’s turn, he came out on stage rapping with the other male contestants by his side. They used the lights from their cell phones to add to the visual effect of the swirling disco lights in the dark.

While most of the evening pulsed with party energy, a couple of solemn moments emerged, too. Singleton read a poem she had written in memory of Madison “Maddie” Taylor, her friend and Union classmate who died tragically last year. Later, in the Q&A portion of the program, Johnson said winning Mr. BSU would be a way to honor his dad, who passed away recently. 

Other talent included acting and painting. Jayden Henderson ’24 and Smith ’23 performed a skit together. Dornan surprised the crowd with a likeness of Tupac Shakur she painted while on stage.

The Q&A offered a chance for students to share their deeper side. When asked if he could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who it would be, Smith said Jesus Christ. Dornan talked about the hardships of being biracial. Singleton stressed that as a Criminal Justice major, she wants to be an advocate for “those who are afraid to use their voice and speak up.”

Multiple contestants paid homage to their mothers. McMurry's mom raised six sons, and he said he developed his humor and “goofy” personality to make it easier on her. Johnson said conversations with his mom had helped him prepare for his future. Scott named his mother as his role model.

“She’s been there for me, she’s provided for me, she’s done everything,” Scott said. “She’s taught me a lot of life lessons and how to be a good person,” he continued.

Finally, the judges announced the first ever Mr. and Miss BSU: Nijah Smith and Teychiana Dornan. The two were handed awards and adorned with glittering crowns and red sashes. In addition to the honor of representing BSU on Union’s campus and beyond, each will receive a Union scholarship in the amount of $250.

As Mr. BSU, Smith said he will continue to “keep it real” by working hard and being himself.

As Miss BSU, Dornan said she will “make sure everybody's voices are heard.”

Singleton and Henderson received awards as runners-up, and Keller and McMurry were named as honorable mentions. BSU Secretary Maggie Heinrich managed the sound booth for the event, and Dr. Jayme Kilburn operated the lights.

“I appreciate everyone who came out here and joined us in making history,” Robinson said.

Union students established BSU in 2021 with Dr. Wright’s help. BSU’s main aim is to represent the interests and concerns of Black students on campus, and it has become one of the school’s most active and popular student groups. BSU enhances Union’s mission to serve the academic needs of a diverse student body, and its leaders are known for their ability to address serious topics through fun events. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate.

To learn more about BSU or get involved, attend a meeting Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in Sharp Academic Center, contact any of the officers, follow BSU’s Instagram at b.s.u_union or get in touch with Dr. Karen Wright at kwright@unionky.edu or (606) 546-1742.