During the Mr. Black Penn State Pageant on Saturday, the coveted title came down to one question.
"What organization or group would you choose to support and why?" one of the emcees asked the final two contestants, Michael Fontain (junior-telecommunications) and Eric Charity (sophomore-international politics). Fontain and Charity were tied for first place.
Fontain said he would want to create unification in the black community, and Charity replied that he would choose AIDS and poverty prevention programs.
Charity eventually claimed the title of Mr. Black Penn State 2008, with Fontain coming in second and Mark Anthony Fraser (senior-biobehavioral health) placing third.
The pageant was hosted by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., with the theme of "Living The Legacy."
The competition this year focused on celebrating the heritage and success of blacks everywhere and honored the intelligence and talent of the five male contestants, sorority President Shavonne Murphy (senior-kinesiology) wrote in a letter in the event's program.
In front of five judges, the five contestants showcased their different talents and personalities. They dressed up as famous black athletes; one contestant chose legendary basketball player Wilt Chamberlain, and another chose track star Jesse Owens.
The contestants also danced in authentic African garb and later put on a skit called "Making the R&B Band of Legends." They dressed up representing artists from Marvin Gaye to James Brown, lip-synching to the songs of their chosen artist.
After they emulated famous musicians, they performed a talent of their choosing, dressed in formal attire, and finally answered questions about themselves.
During the judges' deliberation, last year's Mr. Black Penn State, Nolan Fontaine, Class of 2007, said a few words about what it takes to hold the title.
"Being a real black man is having the courage to put yourself aside," Fontaine said. "Determination, courage, tenacity to do what's right. That's what makes a legacy."
Because Charity won, he is now required to document his tenure as Mr. Black Penn State, Murphy said.
"We make our winner live up to what they said," Murphy said.
Between the acts and during intermission, performances were put on for the audience of about 360 people by AFI Dance Company and Judah, a gospel choir.
Charity said winning the competition meant "the world" to him.
"It's a great feeling," he said.
Charity said his goal as Mr. Black Penn State is to help the community as much as possible with his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Inc., adding that his grades are still top priority.
"Without academics, you can't go anywhere," he said.
Even though he didn't capture the title, Fraser said the pageant was an "opportunity to bring together a group of young men who want to make a change on campus."
One of the judges, Gary Abdullah, a writer and editor for the College of Agricultural Sciences, said the Mr. Black Penn State Pageant "gives minorities a chance to get together around a positive."
