Hampton University Roiled by a Non-Black Homecoming Queen

Miss Hampton University Nikole Churchill (center) after she was crowned at the Miss Hampton U. Pageant. (\ - Joi Louviere)

The contestants took turns modeling swimsuits and ball gowns. They answered questions and explained their platforms. When the talent portion arrived, Churchill, dressed in a pink-and-white swimsuit, a skirt and thick necklaces made from yards of tiny white shells, performed a traditional hula. Huge pink flowers were tucked behind her ear.

As the two-hour pageant neared its conclusion, the women lined up under the stage lights to learn the verdict of the five judges -- two professional pageant judges, two faculty members and a local bank vice president.

"It was obvious who was going to win" after the first runner-up was announced because the two women stood out, said Lapraya McCoy, 21, editor in chief of the weekly student newspaper, the Hampton Script, and who was at the pageant. "But it was kind of like there was this pause before everyone applauded. Everybody was just stuck, surprised this had actually happened."

Churchill sat down as the jeweled crown was placed on her head, a white sash across her plum-colored gown. She posed for photos with the other contestants, and her family and friends who had driven in from out of town, according to her Facebook scrapbook. "It truly was the best night of my life!" she would later write to Obama.

That night, Facebook and Twitter were abuzz with the news. Some said she represented a step forward for the school. Several questioned why students don't vote for the homecoming queen. Others argued that Churchill didn't represent a typical Hampton student, not just because of her race but also because she doesn't attend classes on the main campus.

"She doesn't have the same experiences as we have," said Arianna Griffin, 18, a sophomore political science major from Seattle. "She didn't get a big brother or big sister her freshman year. . . . She doesn't live in the dorms."

"There were a lot of people who asked, 'What message are you sending by picking her?' " McCoy said. "There are different reasons I think people decide to attend [historically black colleges and universities]. They know who goes here. They thought that was the playing field."

Homecoming festivities begin Monday night with a car show and a "Hampton Idol" singing competition. Then a fashion show, step show, gospel concert, pep rally and parade. Miss Hampton University will be officially crowned the Homecoming Queen on Wednesday night. A concert Thursday night will feature hip-hop artist Fabolous; LeToya Luckett, formerly of Destiny's Child; and rapper Jeremih. The homecoming football game Oct. 24 is against S.C. State.

Churchill has told organizers she plans to be at as many events as possible so she can meet the students she now represents.