Photo by Truth Jackson, The Miss Phi Beta Sigma contestants’ opening walk-out before their reveal

By Truth Jackson, Staff Writer  

Morehouse College’s Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. hosted its Miss Phi Beta Sigma 2024 pageant reveal, unveiling nine Spelman College students who are “fighting”  for the title. The contestants, referred to as crowns,  emerged from under hooded royal blue and white boxing robes, prepared to battle for the crown.

Held just outside Kilgore Hall, a lively crowd gathered in anticipation. Supporters cheered as each contestant stepped forward, ready to vie for the title. The crowd’s energy added to the electric atmosphere.

Corey Clark, a Morehouse junior, showed his support by bringing flowers and balloons.  

“I’m here to support Crown 5,” Clark said. Clark and the crowd were excited to see the contestants unveiled.

Kai Birch, a Morehouse senior, was carrying red roses and had a big smile on his face as he voiced his support for Crown 7.  

“I’m supporting my lovely girlfriend,” Birch said. “I’m happy to see her shine. She’s coming strong.”

“We haven’t had a new queen for the last year and a half, so it’s a bittersweet honor to pass down the crown to the next generation of ladies who want to support the Chi Chapter who are dedicated to leadership and service in the community,” Adji Keinde, Miss 1914, said. “It’s really important to name a queen and maintain a legacy in the AUC.” 

The contestants are Kennedy Benion, Crown 1; Brooke Bellamy, Crown 2; Jordyn Bryan, Crown 3; Solana Escoffery, Crown 4; Dominique Bethel, Crown 5; Asiana Belcher, Crown 6; Kimaya Lacey, Crown 7; Nicole Anyanwu, Crown 8; and Jillian Collier, Crown 9. 

Challenging one another in a display of competitive spirit, contestants highlighted their unique qualities—knowledge, skill, and sheer determination—while proclaiming that the others lacked what it takes to claim the crown.

“It’s time to stop this game,” Benion announced. “I am not seeing the right pieces, but look no further because I’ll be the one who is undefeated. I may be small, but my punch is even bigger. So, my setup crew better watch their backs before they feel the wrath of my trigger.”

As the music blared and the audience roared, the pageant reveal turned into a spectacle with each contestant’s performance. 

“I know y’all heard that No. 2 is leaving these contestants  black and blue,” Bellamy declared. “So get ready because when I step into this ring, I’ll be swinging on you.”

“Let’s get ready to rumble!” Collier shouted. “I guess they saved the best for last.”

Joshua Gandy, president of Chi Chapter, spoke about the significance of the event and the contestants’ role in representing the fraternity. He highlighted the fraternity’s dedication to creating inclusive spaces for women within the AUC community.

“These young women are an extension of the fraternity,” Gandy said. “We truly believe there’s a place for them to express themselves as well. While the fraternity is traditionally for males, we wanted to create a space for women to share their own ideas and vision for the fraternity.”

The stage is set for the Miss Phi Beta Sigma pageant on Nov. 8. 

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