Mr. Black Penn State shares his dreams

Notes from the piano slowly died away and his voice swelled to fill the HUB Ballroom Monday night.

"We are the dream, we can redeem," crooned Jason Yates (sophomore-musical theater), the University's newly crowned Mr. Black Penn State.

As Mr. Black Penn State, Yates will serve a dual role for students involved with the youth programs of Zeta Phi Beta Inc. sorority, 13 Shulze, said Sheneka Soloman, chairwoman of the competition. He will be a role model and a mentor for those students, she said.

The sorority sponsored the event for the seventh consecutive year. Four students competed for the title, taking part in segments ranging from evening wear modeling to a talent showcase.

The event continues to be staged in order to showcase the talents and contributions of students at the University, Soloman said.

"It's a good way to show the entire community what black men can accomplish," she said.

Yates, who listed his performance as a soloist at the 1997 Presidential Inauguration among his accomplishments, silenced the crowd with his original piano and vocal composition entitled "We Are the Dream."

"I decided to enter so the arts would be represented," he said after the competition.

Jibri Bond (junior-marketing), first runner-up, performed a lighthearted monologue which saluted notable figures within the black community. The monologue also lamented his failure to find a woman who possesses the characteristics which he highlighted in his speech.

"I guess I'll be waiting to find my black queen," Bond said.

Black women were again the center of attention when the four contestants joined to present a "Salute to Black Women" during the program.

"Proud black women, strong black women, show them your pride," the four chanted in unison. "Just keep on, black women, 'cause you ain't got nothin' to hide."

During their talent segments, contestants Jameel Quarles (freshman-marketing and international business) and Randy Reliford (sophomore-finance and international business) each performed original poems.

Steve Henry, 1996 Mr. Black Penn State, said farewell to the crowd, thanking them for their support throughout his reign.

"It was fun, really fun," Henry said.

Henry will also assist the yet-to-be crowned 1997 Miss Black Penn State with her duties. The 1997 Miss Black Penn State will be chosen on Saturday night in a competition sponsored by Omega Psi Phi Inc. fraternity, 215 HUB, Soloman said.