Benson's Blog » Miss Hampton University

Miss HU Pageant 2009

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:21:35 +0000

On Friday October 9th, Hampton University crowned their newest ambassador. Nikole Churchill was crowned Miss Hampton University 2009-2010 at the annual scholarship pageant. The event began with all 10 contestants participating in an opening number, then introducing themselves one-by-one to the judges and audience. Each of the young ladies competed in the categories of swimsuit, talent, and evening wear. The final segment of the pageant was a question & answer competition, hosted by Shannon Cooper (Miss Hampton University 2008-2009).

Laisha served as production director, creating this year’s theme “Beauties of the Desert Sand”. Once again, the historic Ogden Hall was selected as the pageant’s venue on Hampton’s campus. Thanks to Dr. Maye and all others who helped make the pageant successful. Congratulations to Nikole Churchill, Miss Hampton University 2009-2010!

Ebony Queens Online ’09

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:07:05 +0000

In case you missed it, Ebony Magazine has published their "2009 Campus Queens" feature online. The printed version is usually published in April. However, they decided to take it online this year. This gave the magazine the opportunity to showcase the Queens more equally, while also (I imagine) saving on printing costs. Checkout Miss Hampton University 2008-2009, Shannon Cooper, and other campus queens at EbonyJet.com. One image from her portrait session was posted along with a brief bio.

Miss Hampton Portraits ’08

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:39:50 +0000

Congratulations to Shannon Cooper, Miss Hampton University 2008-2009. She was crowned on October 11, 2008 and will serve as an ambassador for the University for the current academic year. The day after the pageant, we held a portrait session in Hampton to capture some promotional images. The 2009 “Black College Queens” issue of Ebony Magazine will feature a photo from this session. Good luck to Shannon, as she will compete for the title of Miss Virginia in the Spring 2009 pageant.

Miss HU Pageant 2008

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:59:32 +0000

The Miss Hampton University Pageant took place on October 11th at Hampton University’s Ogden Hall. Fourteen contestants competed for the chance to be crowned the next University queen. The theme for the event was “An Evening With The Stars”. Thanks to Dr. Maye and Jerrica for organizing and producing such a great pageant!

Former Miss Hampton University 2001-2002, Tiffany Jenkins Leatherberry, was the honored guest for the pageant. Tiffany had the honor of asking the contestants their questions during the on-stage question segment. Congratulations to Shannon Cooper, Miss Hampton University 2008-2009!

Ebony Mag. Queens 2008

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:53:16 +0000

It’s an honor to once again be published in Ebony Magazine! The April 2008 issue features college queens from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). Among them are Javicia Walker, Miss Hampton University 2007-2008. One of the images from our portrait session a few months ago has been used for this annual issue. Janet Jackson is on the cover, with Javicia’s photo on page 134.

Miss Hampton Portraits ’07

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:52:23 +0000

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Javicia, the newly crowned 2007-2008 Miss Hampton University. One photo from her session will be published in the April 2008 “Black College Queens” issue of Ebony Magazine, as well as official Hampton University publications.

Miss HU Pageant 2007

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 02:32:56 +0000

A total of 16 contestants participated in this year’s scholarship pageant. The production theme was “Where in the World is Miss HU?”, based on the cartoon “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” This was most visible during the opening number, when the ladies entered the stage wearing red outfits and matching large-brimmed hats. They competed in swimsuit, talent, formal wear, and question/answer categories.

Congratulations to Javicia Walker, the newly crowned Miss Hampton University 2007-2008!

Contestants backstage before the pageant

Opening number

New 2007-2008 Miss HU being crowned by RaSheeda Waddell

Miss HU 2007-2008 and attendants