Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosts 6th annual Mr. Debonair pageant

The Mu Zeta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated put on their sixth Mr. Debonair pageant on April 8th at 7:13 pm in the UC auditorium. Six distinguished gentlemen competed for the title, but only one could walk away with the crown.
All of the contestants had similar backgrounds. Four out the six were from Memphis, TN while the other two were raised in Nashville. The same ratio was evident as most of the contestants revealed their sophomore classification, leaving the two juniors as the minority.
The pageant competition consisted of many segments, the first being personality. Each contestant had to put together an outfit that best represented their own style and most importantly their unique characteristics.
The next portion of the show was talent. Some of the acts included singing, dancing and poem reciting. Contestant number four, Eric Willingham drew a picture of the Michael Jackson right before the audience’s eyes. The detailed drawing was completed before the late artist’s hit song “Billy Jean” was finished playing in the background.
Akoma Onwuzuruigbo was the winner of the talent segment. Onwuzuruigbo started off with a poem that turned into a song before it ended. While singing the remaining lyrics he played the guitar and even had a trombone solo during his performance.
The sleepwear portion was the next segment to follow. Most contestants sported tanks or basketball shorts as their night clothes. Contestant number one, Dorian Hudson, went against the common trend by wearing a red one piece pajama set similar to a baby sleeper. Hudson’s attire amused the crowd and he received major applause as he revealed his oily chest underneath. Contestant number six, Jonathan Kinnard, got the same amount of attention in his black silk robe set, teasing the audience as if he was going to show some skin as well.
The business professional segment had the contestants suited in their Sunday’s best. Each one glided across the stage as if they were a millionaire or CEO of a company. Suits ranged from the original colors of black and grey to the bright colors of ivory and green.
The last segment of the night was the question-and-answer portion. Each contestant wore the same attire, an all black tuxedo with a red vest and bowtie. Contestant number two, Matthew Best, was asked, ‘Other than yourself, who do you think is most worthy of the title Mr. Debonair?’ “Other than myself, I think the most worthy would be Anderson Olds. He has a great spirit. He always showed up to practice on time, ready to work, and overall I think he’s just a really great person,” said Best.
Ironically the judges of the pageant thought the same because minutes later Olds was wearing the crown. Tears shed down his face as he looked up to the sky in remembrance of his late grandmother, dedicating his first royal walk to her.
When asked how was his first day on campus with the 2010-2011 Mr. Debonair title Olds said, “I feel like a star on campus. Faces I’ve never seen before have acknowledged me in person, on Facebook and Twitter and it feels great. This is definitely a new experience for me. I’ve had spotlights before but nothing like this because now I represent not only myself but the Delta’s as well, so I have more responsibilities.”
Kinnard, who won 1st runner-up, felt the pageant was well planned and very organized. “Best pageant of the year. It was a great experience. I got to step out of my comfort zone and meet new friends.”
Raphael Onwuzuruigbo said that his brother, contestant number three, did awesome. “He represented our family well, our mother would’ve been proud.” When asked about the other contestants performances he said, “It impressed me to see African American men portrayed in a positive image.”
The members of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated had nothing but wonderful words to say about the contestants and the pageant overall. “The pageant went really well. You could tell they put hard work and dedication into it. I’m proud of them all,” said Asia Waller. Nadya Landfair said, “The guys did a great job. They surprised everyone with their talents.”