". . . An interest arose in me to see my way through this as a way to achieve a platform as a positive role model for not only the black community at Penn State but for all of Penn State," he said about gaining the title of Mr. Black Penn State.

An original music selection titled "A Man Of Vision" was performed by Jason Yates, Mr. Black Penn State 1997, in conjunction with this year's theme of the same name, Men of Vision.

When asked about his own vision, Joshua said, "I have a commitment to continue to educate myself not only through formal education but through life experiences and to commit the wealth of knowledge to creating social change."

Toni Ann De Noble (junior-journalism), event coordinator, was pleased with the participation and turnout for the event.

"It's a nice thing to have to unite the minority community," she said.

The pageant, sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., is the male version of many different pageants held across the country for women. Like their female counterparts, the male contestants were judged in categories such as talent, formal wear and by their answers to impromptu questions.

In addition to these categories, the contest includes a sports segment in which the contestants dressed in different sports uniforms and impersonated actions such as throwing a football or hitting a home run.

Though the men are judged by these categories, the pageant is also a way to showcase the contributions of African-American males.

The pageant's purpose is to praise young African-American men, said Sheneka Soloman, emcee of the event, when she read the roles and responsibilities of Mr. Black Penn State.

The talent segment included original poems recited by the contestants, which gave insights on life as an African-American man.

De Noble said the event was an opportunity to see another side of the contestants, opposed to seeing them on an everyday basis on campus.

Collegian staff writer Patricia Tisak contributed to this report.