Cammon named Miss Black OSU

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

A new Miss Black OSU has been crowned. 

Marketing research and analytics junior Becka Cammon won the title Saturday at the Student Union Theater. Cayden Ward was first runner-up and Kiana Carpenter was second runner-up. Cammon was awarded a $1,000 scholarship, Ward a $500 scholarship and Carpenter a $250 scholarship. 

Cammon, who won top marks for her portrayal of Black acting pioneer Diahann Carol, as well as academics and overall talent, said she was thrilled to win the crown and honored by what it represents. 

 “It represents black excellence in all aspects,” Cammon said. “It’s not about whoever is the most entertaining; it's about representing the African American community from a woman’s standpoint.”

The event, which began with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” aka the Black National Anthem,  brought Black history and culture to center stage and served as an opportunity to celebrate the work and dedication of student leaders. 

 Although the pandemic gave the pageant some unforeseen challenges, organizers persevered, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1970. After a year of planning around a pandemic, the African American Student Association and Tika Johnson, coordinator of African American Affairs, put on a display of leadership and passion with the 51st annual Mr. & Miss Black OSU Scholarship Pageant. 

COVID-19 and a lack of male candidates for Mr. Black OSU introduced new challenges for the pageant, but with careful planning, the pageant held to the vision of its creators.  

 “I really worked with the students to help bring their vision to life,” Johnson said. “We had to alter the way we presented the program, but we were so excited to have all of the categories that are typically a part of this program presented on stage.”

Every year, students showcase their talents, cultural wear and a platform they plan to support  during their reign. Cammon plans to advocate support for single-parent families in the African American community. 

“I wanted to be able to connect to something and help others connect to it as well,” Cammon said. “My dad was a single parent while raising my brothers and me, so I wanted to advocate for a platform that was personal and often overlooked in our community.” 

 STORY: Paige Thomas | Brand Management Intern

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