Pageantry & Politics: Miss Howard University from Civil Rights to Black Power

Abstract:Few realize that, historically, the women elected to serve as “Queens” of Howard University, were often reflections of political, social, and cultural issues of the time. This parade of beauty, intellect, and charm, was an unofficial barometer of where the University as well as the country stood on matters that pertained to cultural politics, institutional identity, and evolving definitions and standards of beauty. This article, written by a former Miss Howard, examines the embedded traditions, historical significance and controversies of this iconic position from the Civil Rights Era through the Black Power Movement, to argue that an in-depth analysis of the Queen’s role over these tumultuous years reveals a little-known, yet important narrative in the trajectory of Howard University.