The Mr. Brickhouse Scholarship Pageant took place in the Downing Student Union auditorium on Friday, Oct. 24. The event was organized by the Omega Delta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, showcasing a night of friendly competition.
As the lights went down and music started playing, two students, Keryha Sakura and Dallas Lockhart, came onto the stage, introducing themselves as the hosts for the evening.
As the two hosts wrapped up their introduction, they introduced the five contestants as they individually stepped to the front of the stage. Each contestant introduced themselves and explained why they deserved the title of “Mr. Brickhouse” apart from their competitors.
The pageant contestants competed in several categories to impress the panel of judges. Each contestant had the opportunity to showcase a talent and participate in a fashion show, representing what their style says about them. They also answered questions provided by members of the organization.
The hosts announced that at the end of the pageant, the winner will receive a cash prize to help put towards their tuition.
Junior Yaniyah Taylor from Louisville and a member of the Omega Delta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., said the pageant is a way to show body positivity and support amongst Black men.
“We want to show that Black men can show love and support to other Black men,” Taylor said. “It’s also a way for the contestants to challenge themselves and get them out of their comfort zone.”
Sophomore contestant JoVontae Wales from Louisville said he decided to enter the pageant to get out of his comfort zone. He said that if he were to win the pageant that it would help him financially with tuition.
“It’s always a first time for everything, and I just thought it would be fun,” Wales said.
Wales said participating in the pageant would help him a lot with speaking in front of an audience and even help him with his confidence.
“I want to let other men know that it is okay to overcome what they think is scary,” Wales said.
When looking for the next Mr. Brickhouse, Taylor said that the sorority looks for someone dependable and reliable.
“Leadership is something we want in a Mr. Brickhouse,” Taylor said. “We want someone who is willing to show acts of service.”
At the end of the pageant, it was announced that Nathan Neal won the title of 2025 Mr. Brickhouse.
Neal is a senior dance major from Nashville, Tennessee. Neal said that winning the pageant is a reign to be seen.
“This is something that I will hold close to my heart,” Neal said.
Neal said he was persuaded into entering the pageant, eventually deciding to try it out. He said entering the pageant is a way to get your name out there.
“It is another way to make friends,” Neal said. “Especially in my senior year, I wanted to get out there more.”
Neal said he wanted to show that this campus has a lot of diverse Black men and not just one stereotype.
“I joined the pageant to showcase the diversification of black masculinity,” Neal said.