It's not about the money, the flowers or the applause — although those things certainly are appreciated.

It's a chance to represent the university.

Saturday afternoon in Eisenhower Auditorium, Kaamilah Gilyard (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies) was crowned Miss Black Penn State 2001 at the 16th annual pageant. Six women competed for the title.

"I was shocked; I was exhilarated when I heard them call my name," Gilyard said. "Miss Black Penn State last year is one of my best friends, so to have her hand me the crown was a wonderful experience."

The time of the pageant was changed several times. Due to booking problems with Eisenhower Auditorium, it was pushed forward from 8 p.m. to 6 p.m. and was finally moved to 2 p.m.

Until Friday, the pageant was still being advertised at 8 p.m. Due to all the moving, turnout was not as high as participants would have liked.

"I think it might have affected turnout," said Qiana Jackson (junior-operation and information management systems), who competed in the pageant. "Also, there were a lot of different events going on this Saturday — Touch of Africa, Barrio Fiesta, the (basketball) game — that changes how many people can come out to one event."

"Still, I thought it was a pretty good crowd," she said.

The pageant kicked-off as all six women danced to the Destiny's Child song, "Independent Women." Angela Hunt (senior-journalism), Miss Black Penn State 2000, choreographed the number.

"That was so much fun," said Jackson. "We had a great time."

The women were judged on talent, eveningwear and a question-and-answer session. The contestants were given a great deal of leeway in what they could perform, and that was evident in the variety of talents showcased.

Gilyard performed a dramatic monologue, while other contestants chose to sing, play the piano and trumpet, perform interpretive dances and do poetry readings.

The question-and-answer session was the final competition of the day. Contestants were asked such things as "Why do you think there is a need for Miss Black Penn State?" and "How would you have dealt with last semester's racism issues?"

"I thought they were really good questions," said Kashra Taliaferro (freshman-education), who was in the audience.

Various music and dance groups performed during the intervals that allowed the women the opportunity to change and get ready for their next numbers.

NOMMO, Penn State's African dance troupe; the Untouchables, a hip-hop group; and the Hot Steppers, a State College High School drill team; all showcased their abilities.

"(The Untouchables) were really good," said Taliaferro. "So good that I'd think of joining the group myself."

While many of the contestants were familiar with pageants, not all were experienced participants.

"This was my first pageant," Jackson said. "I thought I could try my best and be a good leader, set a good example.

The pageant this year had themes of unity, which were evident again and again.

"The group dance was to show unity among the contestants," said Mlé Chester (junior-premedicine), who was the second runner up.

Gilyard agreed.

"It helped that we all got along and worked together. . .it brought together the unity of the pageant," she said.

Other contestants echoed her sentiments.

"I thought it went really well," Jackson said. "A lot of new friendships were made.

In the end, the event was about representing the university and the African-American community.

"I chose to enter Miss Black Penn State rather than Miss Penn State," Jackson said, "because as of right now I'm more prominent in the black community than in the Penn State community."