For the first time in 50 years, the Miss Black EIU Scholarship Pageant will be canceled.

The Black Student Union has been the sponsor of The Miss Black EIU Scholarship Pageant for over five decades, and the event has been the most celebrated cultural tradition on Eastern’s campus in celebration of African American Heritage Month.

With the lack of pageant contestants this year, the EIU Student Life Office and Black Student Union has decided to cancel the pageant this year but look forward to continuing the event in 2024.

In place of the event, there will be a “Black Excellence” fashion show to celebrate Black history, culture, and style through fashion.

Cam’ron Hardy can be reached at 581-2812 or at dennewsdesk@gmail.com.