Issue date: 2/26/07 Section: News

Freshmen business management major Amber Hazzard walks down the runway after being crowned Miss Black EIU 2007. This was the 36th annual Miss Black EIU. (Amir Prellberg)

Amber Hazzard's singing and fashion sense carried her to the final two of the Miss Black EIU 2007 pageant, but it was her heart that won her the crown.

"My ideas that went into (Miss Black EIU) came from my heart," Hazzard said. "They were shaped by experiences from everyday life."

Hazzard, a freshman, was one of the four contestants competing for the 36th annual Miss Black EIU pageant Friday in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Hazzard and juniors Veronica Starr Edmond, Carina Bowman and Kauntessa Wyatt competed in four categories: creative expression, African garment, talent and the evening gown and impromptu question.

Hazzard took home trophies in creative expression and African garment.

"As a former Miss Black EIU, Amber will do great, and I know she will represent us well," said Yolanda Williams, a Gateway Program adviser and one of the judges of the pageant. "Amber is a very genuine person."

Williams said the judging was close and the contestants were original, which made this year's Miss Black EIU so different.

For creative expression, Hazzard created a scene and narration centered on suicide, the symptoms of suicide and resources on campus that can help a student who is thinking about suicide.

Hazzard said African-American Heritage Month was the source of many of her ideas.

"Black history month really gave me an insight how African-Americans have overcome struggles for the pursuit of happiness," Hazzard said.

Other contestants performed scenes on violence between African Americans, racism and the use of recreational drugs.

For the African garment category, the contestants showed off dresses while the audience heard a recording of the contestants on why African heritage is so valuable to them.

Williams said, however, the judging was based off a point system and whoever got the most points won the pageant.

Five judges oversaw Friday's pageant.

"It was great feeling of excitement, and I was proud that I overcame all the obstacles to get to this point," Hazzard said.

After her name was announced, Ebone Ashford, Miss Black EIU 2006, placed the crown on top of Hazzard's head.

First runner-up went to Edmond, second runner-up went to Wyatt and third runner-up went to Bowman.

As newly crowned Miss Black EIU 2007, Hazzard already has one goal in mind to improve Eastern's campus.

"My first priority is that I would like to improve diversity on campus," Hazzard said.

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