The Mr. & Ms. Umoja Scholarship Pageant
Background
The Mr. & Ms. Umoja Scholarship Pageant is an annual pageant is an annual pageant hosted by the Black Male Leadership Association at UL Lafayette, first hosted in March 2013. The word “Umoja” is Swahili for UNITY. The mission of the pageant is to re-create a sense of “UMOJA” on our campus within the African American community by highlighting an integrated male and female pageant consisted of dynamic contestants who are well represented in every aspect of an on campus and community.
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Revenue from sponsorships, program advertising, and ticket sales have made it possible for BMLA to fund scholarship awards for winning contestants for over five years. Last year, we allotted over $800 in scholarships and awards for our contestants.
In addition to providing a scholarship to students, the pageant benefits the contestants at multiple levels. Young men and women, ranging from freshmen to seniors, develop interview, personal presentation, and public speaking skills. They are challenged with securing sponsorships and interacting with judges. While the scholarship pageant is a competition, it also creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and unity amongst the contestants both past and present.
Ways To Get Involved
Become a Contestant
Students interested in competing in the Mr. & Ms. Umoja Scholarship Pageant must fill out an application, available on OrgSync. Each applicant must meet the eligibility requirements listed in the application. Applications are available at the beginning of each fall semester.
Become A Sponsor
Each contestant must receive a certain amount of sponsorships in order to participate in the pageant. Sponsorship packets may be found via the contestants or through contacting our Pageant Director, Benjamin Butler. Potential sponsors may purchase a sponsorship level, advertisment space, or give a general donation. Click here to see our pageant sponsors.