The 2005 Howard University Homecoming Steering Committee
The 2005 Howard University Homecoming Steering Committee is writing this letter in response to Trace Holloway's article on the Mr. and Miss Howard Pageant, published in the Oct. 18 issue of The Hilltop.
It is unfortunate that we are even responding to the article that is based solely on an individual's personal feelings. The theme for this year's Mr. and Miss Howard Pageant, "Reminiscence: Return to Royalty," was evolved from the theme of the 2005 Howard University Homecoming, "Reminiscence: Build...Treasure...Relive!" Due to those factors, our pageant coordinator felt that it would be appropriate to have former Howard Kings and Queens serve as pageant judges.
After spending months contacting these individuals, we found five judges that would accept the opportunity to be a judge for this year's show. Yes, it is true, that four out of the five judges are former Campus Pals. However, instead of coming down on the Homecoming Committee, we should applaud the students of the Campus Pal organization for being active members on campus. It is obvious that the criteria for the title of Mr. and Miss Howard is met by many of the Campus Pals or else there would not be so many of them who have gained the crown.
The ACCUSATION that a "powerful" member of the Homecoming Steering Committee influenced the judges is false. It would be one thing if our pageant coordinator was also a Campus Pal, but she isn't affiliated with the organization. And as for the fact that the current Miss Howard University is the reigning Miss Black and Gold, that bit of information only speaks to her ability and experience in pageants.
If there is a concern or issue with the judging of the pageant, let's work together proactively to address it and not make accusations or diminish the experience for those who worked hard to compete and represent their school or college.
Finally, we are very disheartened that this accusation has been written in place of a formal article discussing the who, what, when, where and why of this newsworthy campus event.
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