Othiamba Umi and Kimerie Smith were crowned the second Mr. and Ms. Black UNM on Saturday at the SUB.
Eight contestants took turns convincing a panel of three judges why they should represent the African-American community at UNM.
Vanessa Kidd, last year's Ms. Black UNM, passed the title on.
"The committee goes out and tries to pursue leaders we see uniting the community," Kidd said.
Umi said it was an honor to have a chance to represent African-Americans at UNM.
"Hopefully, I'll be able to raise awareness of the African-American community here on campus and let people know about us and our personal philosophies," he said. "We, as African-Americans, have struggled to maintain unity and peace, and I hope to continue that."
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Smith said she plans to uphold the image of being a strong African-American female leader.
"I think every community should have someone to represent who their leaders are," Smith said.
Kidd said the event was important because African-Americans are underrepresented at the University, and she would like someone with strong communication skills to step up.
Mr. and Ms. Black UNM were chosen after explaining to judges why they should hold the title. Each contestant talked about an issue important to them, such as interracial relationships, education, government, youth and eating disorders as part of the creative expression portion of the competition.
Umi said the title is an important way to acknowledge outstanding African-Americans for their leadership and what they do to represent themselves and the community.
Smith said she plans to become more active as Ms. Black UNM and will do as much community service as she can and represent the many minorities on campus.
Mr. and Ms. Black UNM are expected to be involved with at least one African-American club on campus, Kidd said. They are also required to do community service and help raise funds for the American Diabetes Association of New Mexico.
Kidd said she would also like to see them run for homecoming king and queen.
The runner-up for Mr. Black UNM was Durran Cage.
Cage said he plans to lead by example and would like to see the African-American population at UNM do things with other minority groups on campus.
Jaeda Robertson was the runner-up for Ms. Black UNM. Robertson said she would like to promote education and awareness of student services at UNM and invite everybody to stop by the African-American Student Services and see what it is up to.
Members of the audience voted on the contestants they supported most by placing rocks in a jar behind photos of the contestants. The winners, Jeramie "Chewy" White and Nikiyah Gill, received the People's Choice Award.
