TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — The Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority,
Incorporated, at Florida A&M University held its first pageant in over a decade Tuesday night in Lee Hall Auditorium. The event served as a celebration of legacy, community, and culture. The event began at 6:22 p.m., with its theme being retro ’90s basketball and Slam Magazine. The lead organizer of this event took pride in reviving the event based on her own pageant experience, and her love for the organization.
“I wanted to put that into the chapter that I love so much, and I feel like this would be really good for us,” said Jada Reed, Miss Sigma Gamma Rho for the 2026–2027 academic year and a member of the pageant committee. “Alpha Epsilon, we might be the last sorority on campus, but we can do it just as much as anybody else as long as we put our minds to it.”
In preparation for this historic event, the team worked extremely hard for ten weeks to organize the event. They then spent six weeks training for the pageant. The dance choreographer for the pageant created an energetic routine inspired by basketball and “The Karate Kid” to show the powerful message behind the event of togetherness, teamwork, and being unique.
“They both show the camaraderie first… the synchronization of people coming together to do something great,” said Samuel Barnette, dance choreographer and organizer, emphasizing the core message behind the performance. “I think that’s a good message to show. And especially the fact that they’re doing something different.”
For the contestants stepping onto the stage, the stakes were deeply personal. One competitor spent the last month and a half preparing for the spotlight, driven by a profound family connection to the sorority.
“My grandmother is actually a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated,” said contestant JayLan Streeter. “So, for me, it’s not only representing her, but it’s also being and stepping out there and living in her legacy.”
By the end of the night, the winners were JayLan Streeter, who was awarded the title of Mr. Sigma Gamma Rho; Tyler Smith was granted the title of Mr. Alpha Epsilon; Carl Barnett received the title of Mr. 1936; and Richard Clark was bestowed the title of Mr. Royal Blue & Gold. With a scholarship on the line and the entire campus watching, Tuesday’s revival successfully wrote a memorable new chapter for the organization.
