The Distinguished Delta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated

2017 Miss Black & Gold Scholarship Pageant

Presidents Letter

Esteemed Guests,

On behalf of the Delta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, I would like to thank you all for attending this year’s Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant. First and foremost, I must thank each and every one of tonight’s lovely contestants. From the moment they were chosen, they have spent countless hours balancing the great demands that this pageant has placed on them; while remaining stellar in the classroom, as well as in their respective leadership positions and ob- ligations on campus. Secondly, I would like to thank all the individuals who worked and sacrificed so much to support and coach this year’s contestants in a multitude of ways. Without you all, this evening’s show would not have been possible. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank all of you who have supported our chapter all throughout this year, and ultimately, this evening. The value of your support is immeasurable as my brothers and I continually strive to truly be, “Servants of All”.

The Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant is truly a one of a kind event where the Syra- cuse University community comes together to celebrate the elegance, poise, talent, beauty, in- telligence, and service of the queens in our pageant. Tonight’s contestants were chosen because we wholeheartedly believed that they embody the aforementioned traits. Each and every one of these contestants are leaders in their own right. They serve as role models from all creeds and backgrounds on campus, as well as outside of it. As men of Alpha, we strive for excellence in everything that we do, and such, it is only right that we honor the women who do the same.

Your attendance in this pageant is incredibly appreciated because each ticket sold goes towards a no- ble cause. The proceeds from this event will be used to create scholarships for two deserving, bright, and hardworking students from the Syracuse area who will be commencing their college career at a four-year institution in the following fall semester. Tonight’s pageant will help further our chapter’s commitment in serving the Syracuse community by creating opportunities where necessary. This is an end in which my chapter would surely not be able to realize and envision without your help.

Sincerely,

Brandyn Munford President Table of Contents

PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION OF MISS BLACK & GOLD CONTESTANTS...

CURRENT UNDERGRADUATE BROTHERS

HISTORY OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.

HISTORY OF THE DELTA ZETA CHAPTER

SUPPORT LETTERS

CREDITS & SPECIAL THANKS Tonights Program

DINNER IS SERVED

MESSAGE FROM REIGNING MISS BLACK & GOLD

INTRODUCTION OF THE HOST

PERSONAL STYLE COMPETITION

SWIMWEAR COMPETITION

TALENT COMPETITION

---INTERMISSION---

EVENING COMPETITION

QUESTION & ANSWER

PRESENTATION OF DONATION

SPECIAL THANKS

CROWNING OF PAGEANT WINNER 2017 Miss Black & Gold Contestants

Kayla Torres is a junior from Brooklyn, New York currently studying Social Work. She is poised, outgoing, and full of positive ener- gy. During her time at Syracuse University, Kayla has been a men- tor through organizations like Project G.R.I.N.D and Dimensions. She is also a member of the Black Reign Step Team. Kayla is eager to learn, eager to teach, and eager to lead and has the aspira- tions of becoming a social worker within the education system.

Natasha Walker is a senior from Brooklyn, New York majoring in Communications and Rhetorical studies with a minor in Food Stud- ies. Currently, Natasha is the president of the Black Communications Society and an assembly representative for the College of Visual and Performing Arts in Student Government. She is also a member of Creations Dance Company, one of the first African American dance groups at Syracuse University. Natasha aspires to do communications and marketing with Nike or Athleta as well as forge relationships that will help her flourish in addition to putting a smile on other’s faces.

Gaelyn Smith is a sophomore Acting major from Washington, D.C. She is an energetic and confident young woman striving to make her father proud. At Syracuse University, Gaelyn is a member of I Am That Girl which is an organization that provides leadership, social and personal development to young women in high school and college. She is also a member of Verbal Blend as well as an Alumna of the D.C. Youth Slam Team and YoungArts. Gaelyn’s goals as an actress are to expand and empow- er young women of color through proper representation in the media. 2017 Miss Black & Gold Contestants

Kamey Gomez is a sophomore majoring in Communications & Rhetorical Studies from East Harlem, New York. She considers herself an alchemist as she transforms traumatic experiences into sto- ries of inspiration through entertainment. On Syracuse University’s campus, Kamey is a member of Dimensions, The Honor Role, and Project G.R.I.N.D. Additionally, she publicly serves as a host, ce- lebrity correspondent, empowerment advocate, and poet. Kamey’s ultimate goal is to push herself and others to reach the impossible.

Nada Sherdy is a senior from Cairo, Egypt majoring in Communica- tions and Rhetorical Studies and double minoring in Public Commu- nications and Business Management. Nada prides herself on being a “Modern-Day Renaissance woman”, expressing interest in a variety of things ranging from poetry, to DJing, to drawing and painting. On campus, she is the Recruitment Chair of Alpha Kappa Psi Profession- al Business Fraternity, the Public Relations Chair of Fashion’s Con- science, and a member of Lambda Pi Eta, National Communication Organization. Nada’s ultimate goals are to give back to her country and community, and to help young girls achieve their aims and ambitions.

Simone Ayers is a junior from Chester, New York studying Eco- nomics with a concentration in Statistics. She is an old soul that enjoys music, singing, creating beautiful portraits with her cam- era and spending time with friends. At Syracuse University, Sim- one serves as a head tutor of the Neighborhood Youth Recre- ation Program and the Public Relations Chair for the Student African-American Society. In the future, Simone plans on using her entrepreneurship skills to open an ice cream shop in her hometown Current undergraduate brothers

BRANDYN M. MUNFORD ANDREW R. FOWLER SPRING 2016 SPRING 2016 PRESIDENT NPHC PRESIDENT civil engineer, minor in architecture computer science

ENSONN MORRIS JR. KEMET H. HIGH SPRING 2017 SPRING 2017 VICE-PRESIDENT / CO-ACADEMIC COMMUNITY SERVICE + CHAIR PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR architecture, minor in anthropology writing and crs double major

KENNETH J. BUCKNER ZACKARY C. WARDEN SPRING 2017 SPRING 2017 CO-ACADEMIC CHAIR TREASURER finance & i.t. double major finance

RYAN A. WILLIAMS KHAIRI Z. REYNOLDS SPRING 2017 SPRING 2017 SERGEANT AT ARMS SECRETARY / PARLIMENTARIAN nutrition diatetics + food studies architecture

LANZEL L. SMITH JR. SPRING 2016 public health, minor in EEE + marketing National History

Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The visionary founders, known as the “Jewels” of the fraternity, are Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Mur- ray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy.

The fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha’s principles of scholarship, fellowship, good char- acter, and the uplifting of humanity.

Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at other colleges and univer- sities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. The first alumni chapter was established in 1911. While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African Americans. Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through leaders such as W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others. True to its form as the “first of firsts,” Alpha Phi Alpha has been interra- cial since 1945.

Since its founding on December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world. Chapter History

The first chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated founded at Syracuse University was the Iota Chapter. The Iota Chapter, the 9th Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated was founded on Monday, March 28th, 1910. It was disbanded from Syracuse University in 1923 and is now recognized at Morris Brown College.

The Delta Zeta Chapter is the 94th chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. It was founded by 14 aspiring men on Thursday April 14, 1949 at Syracuse University. The names of these men are Chester Boyd, Ralph Boyer, Leroy Collins, Bernard Custis, Alfred Gordon, Milton Hollar, Shurley Harris, William Haskins, John Jones, James Foster, Kenneth Jackson, Donald Caldwell, Horrace Morris and Calvin Morrow.

After being deactivated due to external pressures, the Delta Zeta Chapter was reestablished on April 14th, 1973 by 30 ambitious black men. The chapter was reactivated on October 30, 1998 by brother Steven A. Whitaker and brother Chad A. Jefferies. Since our re-establishment, the Delta Zeta Chapter has main- tained an emphasis on service to all through our participation in our national programs, which include: Go-to-High School, Go-to-College, A Voteless People is a Hopeless people, Project Alpha and Brother’s Keeper. Additionally, we have expanded on our national initiatives through innovate chapter programs, such as our Miss Black and Gold Pageant, Annual Community Christmas Dinner, Up on the Hill, Hope Benefit Concert, Alpha Week and more.

Our commitment to developing leaders, promoting brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our communities has earned widespread recognition. Our accolades include: Eastern Regional Chapter of the Year in 1979, Alpha Phi Alpha National Chapter of the Year in 1980, Outstanding Chapter Program of the Year in 2000, and in 2015, our chapter’s own Brother Ronald Taylor was awarded the National Brother of the Year. We are committed to developing our chapter and community, and we thank you for contributing to our growth. 1. Aziz Magoma

2. James Johnson

GQ 3. Elwin Ford Spring 1980 4. Jacques Denis

5. Earl Frost 6. Milt Johnson 7. Keith Brown Dean of Pledges Ray Pierce

Brothers We are truly inspired by your accomplishments and we celebrate your many successes as you continue the distinguished legacy of Delta Zeta Chapter.

Milt, Keith & Earl 2017

The Brothers of Alpha Kappa Psi wish the contestants of Miss Black and Gold 2017 the best of luck.

And to our very own, Nada Sherdy, we love you and you will always be Royalty.

Credits & Special Thanks

DEBBIE MANOBIANCO

CASEY MORRIS III

SCPS CREW & STAFF

HILDA DE LOS SANTOS

MAKAELA SIMMONS

NPHC

JAKE TANKSLEY

ANGELA MORALES

TAMAR SMITHERS

VIVIAN GUNN