Greetings Brothers and Guests,
On behalf of the Beta Xi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc (ΑΦΑ), it is our honor and priviledge to welcome you to this year’s Miss Black & Old Gold Scholarship Competition. We are extremely priviledged to host this event, not only to celebrate the beauty and resilience of womanhood but to expand our reach through scholarships and educational enrichment activities at The LeMoyne-Owen College. Tonight is just a glimpse into what we do in the Memphis community and how we use our resources to enhance the lives of communities, families and the youth. Since its founding, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has been on the forefront of serving communities and those who are in need. Through our mission and programs, we aim to communicate to as many youth as possible, the importance of a good education. The Miss Black and Old Gold Competition has become very near and dear to our hearts. The pageant is an outgrowth of the long tradition of our Fraternity’s designation of outstanding young ladies to serve as role models in the community. The Miss Black and Old Gold Competition is an event whose primary purpose is to highlight and foster the inextricable connection between success and etiquette amongst young women. This Competition spotlights the young women’s poise, self-confidence, communication skills, intelligence, and beauty. The first Miss Black and Old Gold Competition was sponsored by the National Alpha Phi Alpha Convention in New York City in 1976. The pageant became a national program of Alpha and a staple at our conferences since 1982. Along with the scholarship sponsored by the Beta Xi Chapter, our Queen will receive the opportunity to compete at the district (state) level in the fall of 2026, along with the winners from other colleges and universities. We are delighted that you have choosen to spend your evening with the men of the Beta Xi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Scholarship Competition Committee has planned a very special evening for us all to enjoy and ref lect upon in the days and months to come. We present to you “A Golden Era.”
Best Regards.
ORDER OF SHOW --- Opening --Greetings Contestant Introductions Judge Recognitions --- Business Attire --Sponsors --- Contestant Talents--Performance Introduction Intermission ---Fitness/Lifestyle----- Evening Gown ----- Q&A --Crowning of Miss Black & Old Gold
JUDGES
2026 MISS BLACK & OLD GOLD SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
Tracye Linney Tracye Linney is a proud 2026 cum laude graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and serves as Secretary of the LOC National Alumni Association ASAP Affinity Group. Professionally, Tracye has devoted more than 35 years to federal service with the Internal Revenue Service and is also the owner and chief designer of Infinite Designs & Printing. She and her husband, Nate, have been married for 32 years and are the proud parents of three daughters. In her spare time, Tracye enjoys designing and crafting, creating personalized gifts, journaling, traveling, volunteering, and spending time with family.
Gregory Nelson Gregory Nelson is a Spring 2026 graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. He is a retired BNSF Railway locomotive engineer with more than 22 years of service and a former union leader. Gregory is also a Fall 2025 initiate of the Beta Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A devoted husband and father, he is passionate about community service, civic engagement, leadership, and empowering others through education and service.
Jalencia Johnson Jalencia Johnson is an ambitious young professional, proud graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College, and accomplished businesswoman with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). With a career rooted in healthcare administration, she is passionate about leadership, personal growth, and empowering others. She embodies confidence, elegance, and purpose, believing that true beauty shines through character, intelligence, and grace. She is honored to serve as a pageant judge and celebrate the uniqueness of each contestant. Jalencia is an initiate of the Alpha Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
CONTESTANTS
2026 MISS BLACK & OLD GOLD SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
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CONTESTANTS
2026 MISS BLACK & OLD GOLD SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
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