"My biggest goal is to get with other pageant winners and work together in addressing concerns in all of the minority communities," she said.

Asbury said she felt privileged to have become acquainted with fellow contestants during the past month.

"I was amazed by the phenomenal women I got to work with," she said, adding everyone involved worked hard to make the pageant possible.

The pageant, sponsored by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., is similar to others, minus the traditional swimsuit segment. Instead of wearing bikinis, contestants wore business suits and introduced themselves through their beliefs, defined their African-American identity and dedicated their commitment as future leaders.

With an acknowledgement to their ancestry, they also dressed in the traditional garb that would be worn by elite African women. Each outfit was significant according to its colors and patterns, signifying strength, royalty and the richness of the black mind. An evening gown segment was also included.

All of the segments were tied to the pageant's theme, "A Rose of Sharon." The rose of Sharon has an important religious meaning for some Christians who consider it the flower of Jesus Christ. It is used to symbolize such characteristics as wisdom, strength and beauty.

"It was significant that the theme adequately expressed who they were," said Miss Black Penn State 1998 Lurie Daniel (senior-African and African-American studies).

The talent segment of the pageant allowed the contestants to express their emotions to the audience. An original song dedicated to a loved one, an original composition, a recognition of historical figures and the performance of a popular song were part of the program.

In addition to the contestants gracing the stage with their talents, the pageant was complimented by guest performers such as NOMMO Performing Arts Company and a Mime Ministry group.