More than the crown, it’s about pride.

More than the evening gown, it’s about traditional African garments.

More than the title, it’s about leadership, independence and the whole experience.

A better understanding of African heritage, history and a strong sense of leadership is gained through the experience of the Miss Black EIU pageant.

Whether looking on in the audience or being on stage wearing the crown, everyone can become cultured by this experience, said Isaiah Collier, assistant director of student life.

A celebration dedicated to not only the independence of women, but specifically black women, is one way in which the community can show its appreciation, said Thomas Battle, president of the Black Student Union.

Independence, respect for women and awareness of African descent, heritage, history and culture will all be major factors of the pageant, said Ebone Ashford, Miss Black EIU 2006.

Ashford has made decisions concerning the themes, colors, entertainment, opening number and outfits the contestants will be wearing at this year’s 36th Annual Miss Black EIU pageant at 8 p.m. on Saturday in the Grand Ballroom.

One category the contestants take part in is the presentation of African garments.

The girls can buy a dress, draw their own design and have it made by a professional, or they may design and make the garb themselves.

Ashford said she designed and assembled the gown herself last year, and enjoyed doing so, as this portion of the pageant acknowledges the African culture.

Ashford said she believes she has done a good job at being a leader for the Eastern community.

Since she has won, she is better at dealing with different people and attitudes.

“It is a different experience that involves a lot of work, but ultimately, it teaches independence and leadership skills,” she said.

Collier said making the preparations and participating in the pageant gives the contestants a sense of pride, even if they do not win.

Being involved really helps them celebrate their history, their ancestry and their culture, he said.

Each contestant has to participate in various pre-pageant activities, such as selling ads to raise money, public relations activities, marketing, daily practices and a 10-minute interview in front of five judges.

Each year a social is held where prospective contestants attend and review the history of the pageant through presentations and DVDs.

This gives the women a visual of what the event will be like and an idea of how to prepare.

They then decide if they are truly interested in the position, and if so, the organizers perform an inquiry on their grades, as each contestant is required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

“It is very stressful, but (the contestants) are very dedicated,” Ashford said.

This year, four contestants will compete in four categories including the African garment section, talent, creative expression and an impromptu question.

Collier said he created a new idea for this year, which entails each girl creating a platform, much like a politician would, where she will discuss current issues and map out exactly what she would like to do.

“This event is held annually in February so the EIU community can show its appreciation to the females on campus,” Battle said.

Typically, proceeds from ticket sales are put into the Miss Black EIU account to be used for the next year’s pageant.

The possibility of splitting the money has been proposed so that half would be placed into the Miss Black EIU account and half would go toward the newly formed BSU scholarship fund.

The event is open to the public and tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Ashford encourages students to attend and become involved with these pageants because it is “a very big experience.”

“It’s a lot of work, it’s stressful, but it’s fun when big results come out at the end.”