Junior named Miss Black OSU

Monday, February 10, 2020

A new Mr. and Miss Black OSU have been crowned.

Applied exercise science junior Keona Tidwell won the Miss Black OSU Scholarship Pageant Saturday.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the pageant has grown significantly since its start in 1970. It continues to symbolize the importance of education and diversity on Oklahoma State’s campus.

With the addition of Mr. Black OSU four years ago, the pageant gives African American men an opportunity to advocate with their strong female counterparts on OSU’s campus. This year’s contestants tackled tough issues impacting their communities such as mental health, toxic masculinity and homeless youth. Architecture Freshman Braeden Shaw took the Mr. Black OSU title.

Tidwell’s platform was advocating for homeless youth.

“I want to continue to make an impact on my campus by just simply being the voice for the underrepresented students,” she said. “I’ve always had a passion for helping people — homeless or not, struggling or not. ... Even if I didn’t receive the crown, my movement would continue.”

The Mr. and Miss Black OSU pageant highlights diverse leaders and brings together groups from across the Cowboy family. Jayla Martin, president of the African American Student Association, understands the impact her organization makes in the community.

“I have seen efforts from many different people and the administration on campus, working toward improving things for everyone, not just us as a minority group, but as students,” Martin said. “We have a long way to go and with everyone doing their part, we can help this campus become just as beautiful inside as it is on the outside.”

STORY: Paige Thomas | Brand Management Intern

MEDIA CONTACT: Mack Burke | Editorial Coordinator | 405-744-5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu