With her crown glittering brightly in the spotlight, Nilda Cid sat upon her red leather throne in Schwab Auditorium before 414 students. She had just been proclaimed Miss Black Penn State.

"I want Miss Black Penn State to be more in the public eye. I want her to be a role model for all African-American women at Penn State," said Cid (freshman-broadcast cable) after accepting the crown.

Kimberly Moore (sophomore-microbiology) won the title of first runner-up and Cassandra Brown (sophomore-operations management) took second runner-up in the eighth annual Omega Psi Phi fraternity-sponsored beauty pageant.

Each of the participants received a trophy and a red rose, and was escorted by escorted by Mr. Black Penn State Norman Eric Bigelow during the evening gown competition.

The theme for the show dealt with black women who desire to succeed in life.

The six participants of the event, titled "The Afrikan Woman," were judged on swimsuit, talent and evening gown competitions, self-introduction and impromptu responses to questions.

Former Miss Black Penn State Roceania Williams, who graduated in January, said,"We need to celebrate the richness of our African heritage . . . and we must continue to grow and aspire as a people."

During the evening gown event, masters of ceremonies Tony Ward and Andrey Bundley announced each contestants' reasons for wanting the title.

"Kimberly Moore wants to be Miss Black Penn State because she wants to be allowed to appreciate those who put her here. She wants to give something back to the community," Bundley said, as Moore walked across the stage in a white floor-length gown.

"Destiny is not made of chance, but of choice. The black community is destined for greatness, and I will give 110 percent toward this goal." said Ward for Valarie Jones during her evening gown competition.

During the intermissions, various groups entertained the audience. A dance troupe and a group of Latin musicians were among the performers.

The panel of five judges included: John Barnes, coordinator of minority programs; LaVerne Gyant, instructor of black studies; William Henson, director of minority affairs of the College of Agriculture; Victoria Jackson, Pennsylvania state case worker; and Lawrence Young, director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.