Applications are being accepted for the 2007 Pageant is set for April 6-7



PHILOSOPHY

We all have important values and ideas, things we care about and want to share. Sometimes we feel our ideas can even change the world, and we want to let other people know how they can join in and make all our lives better.

Often, questions born of problems and needs mine the gold of creativity. Reaching a solution is eased by the ability to envision steps leading to an end result. This creativity led to the beginning of the Mr. Collegiate African-American Scholarship Program (MCAASP) in 1990-91 to address the need for positive role modeling and imagery for the African American male.


The early Egyptians used pageantry as a method of recognizing a "rite of passage" or the ascension of Kings and Queens. African Americans' participation in pageants, though not well known, is credited to W. E. B. DuBois for his production of the 'Star of Ethiopia' Pageant in 1913. DuBois's production in five scenes the prehistoric black men; the gift, the dream, the glory, humility and the vision, opened to rave reviews in New York's theater district.



Pageantry, however, is a social icon embedded in the American psyche with primary focus on females, even though the principles of character and self-esteem building, positive role modeling and service can benefit all persons. The negative presentation of the African American male makes it critical that we utilize successful programs to recognize the achievement, cultural heritage, intelligence, success and positive contributions of the African American male to the society.



We realize that the power is in our hands and we are responsible for our own welfare and are committed to the goal to dispel the myth that one has to be a product of a negative environment. Creating a model of excellence for a positive belief in oneself and race, and encouraging individual and group achievement in the pursuit of excellence is our way of addressing the issue. We choose to focus on the 3 out of 4 achieving young Black men, rather than the one stereotype who is not according to the statistics that we here about.



It is for these reasons, and the need for more positive images of the African American male, that we establish the Mr. Collegiate African-American Scholarship Program (MCAASP).

Our Mission

The mission of the Mr. Collegiate African-American Scholarship Program™ is to be a source of excellence for Black men in character education, economic and social empowerment, and to provide opportunities that present him in a positive and wholesome manner.

Becoming a Member

The Pageant is open to Black men between the ages of 18-28 attending colleges and universities in the United States. Candidates compete for scholarship in prizes and the opportunity to represent the international program. They compete in Private Interview, Personal Platform (Oratory), Talent, Formal Attire and Onstage Question and Discussion.

Mr. Collegiates in Review

L-R: Steven '93, Christopher '96, Roberts (Producer) Adoris '97, Stacey '95

Organization News

Announcing the 14th Anniversary Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant set for April 4-7, 2007, with the finals on April 7, 2007 at 7:00 p.m., Memorial Student Center at PVAMU, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas.