Just five minutes into the 17th annual Mr. Black Penn State pageant, the audience was on its feet as the contestants danced to "Jump On It."

Last night in HUB Heritage Hall, Zeta Phi Beta sorority hosted the contest, for which five judges scored five contestants on business attire, a tribute to their favorite athletes, a personal statement of African culture, talent, formal wear and answers to impromptu questions.

This year's winner, Anthony Thrash-Strong (freshman-recreation, park and tourism management), performed a choreographed, roller-skating routine to music as his talent. "I feel as though I am overcoming the typical stereotypes that are placed on my generation," he said. "I continue to be cultured and push myself to be an individual in all aspects of my life."

Chase Campbell (senior-biostatistics) read a poem about the African-American struggle.

Jabari Hall (junior-information sciences and technology), who placed as the second runner-up, recreated a performance by a Jamaican musician, Elephant Man.

Dustin McLaughlin (freshman-business management) was asked to compare black role models of today to those of previous generations in the question-and-answer segment. "The young today look up to the wrong people," he said.

He suggested that today's black men look to figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X instead of the gangsters and rappers of present culture.

Christina Talley (sophomore-theatre) came to the pageant to support her twin brother, contestant Christopher Talley (sophomore-hotel, restaurant and institutional management). Talley was awarded a trophy for first runner-up.

"I'm so proud of him, but all of the boys have worked hard," she said. "This is a great opportunity for them to contribute to the campus."

Toya Pratt (sophomore-biobehavioral health) said this year's pageant seemed much more geared toward entertainment than competition, as it has in previous years. "This is the second one that I have been to, and it has just taken on a very different approach," she said.

Proceeds from the event, which offered free admission but raised money from local businesses through program advertising, will benefit patients with lupus.

Shavonne Murphy (sophomore-kinesiology) who helped organize this year's pageant, said Mr. Black Penn State must develop one service project to contribute to the Penn State community.

Last year's winner, Aaron Wright, organized a gospel-themed stage play entitled You'll Never Understand My Praise.

Murphy said she was pleased with this year's turnout, which exceeded 400, but hoped to see more students of other ethnicities come to the pageant in the future. "It is a show," she said. "Before any organization, before any greek letters, before any race, it is a show."