Ten University of Kentucky students competed for the title of Mr. and Ms. Black at the 36th Mr. & Ms. Black UK Scholarship Pageant.
The Mu Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the UK’s Black Student Union (BSU) hosted the pageant on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the Gatton Student Center.
The pageant, titled “A Night at the Trail Ride,” featured an opening dance, contestant statements, a talent segment with singing, dancing and monologue performances and a question round from the judges.
“Just like denim: durable, timeless, and essential, this pageant represents strength, culture, and tradition,” a joint Instagram post by the Mu Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and BSU said of the country-themed event.
Kennedi Fishback, president of the Mu Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, said the pageant began at a time when Black students weren’t given access to certain events.
“Black students weren’t given the same access to things like homecoming court and stuff like that,” Fishback said. “So my chapter started this as a tradition to highlight positive things that are happening within Black students’ lives here at the university, showcase their academic excellence and all of the great things that they bring to the university.”
In addition to receiving a scholarship, Fishback said each pageant winner will host an event of their choice with either Mu Epsilon or BSU to strengthen community connections.
Fishback said the pageant also works to give contestants a leadership role as well as an opportunity to give back to the campus community.
“This (the pageant) showcases all of mine and the chapter’s work, and it’s really exciting to see our image, our idea come to life,” Fishback said.
Junior aerospace engineering major Nathan Hocker, who was crowned Mr. Black 2025, said the pageant helped him find a sense of community and confidence, something he now hopes to inspire in others.
“I want to be a model for people who are in predominantly white fields, who don’t really have someone to look up to, whenever they’re trying to look for a field that they want to go into, because I was one of those people,” Hocker said.
For his event, Hocker said he hopes to organize something that incorporates STEM panels, youth mentoring or a creative element tied to his theatre minor.
“It’s (the pageant) honestly helped me build a community,” Hocker said. “It just helped me to be more confident, honestly, around campus, to know that I’m doing the things that I wanted to do when I was younger and being present.”
Aniah Coleman, a sophomore majoring in secondary education and African American studies and winner of Ms. Black 2025, said the pageant taught her patience.
As a contestant in last year’s pageant as well, Coleman said she didn’t let the previous loss deter her from competing again this year.
“I didn’t win last year, it was just kind of like, okay, just because you were knocked down, doesn’t mean that you can’t get back up again,” Coleman said. “Once you put your mind to something, just keep trying. Perfection takes some time.”
According to Coleman, the pageant became more than a competition; it was a space to express her identity as a Black woman and inspire others to achieve their dreams.
“I feel like I’m given the opportunity to not only represent Black excellence,” Coleman said. “But also represent myself and just show that whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve it.”
