Contestants of the first Miss Lisbon Street Missionary Baptist Church pageant.

Atiya Muhammad was recently crowned Miss Lisbon Street Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, May 16 during the church’s first and successful pageant!

The theme was “The Presence of Royalty.” Seven church members ranging from age 14 to age 18 participated as contestants. Miss Elegance Blackwell greeting the audience on behalf of the church and Mrs. Kristi Blackwell presented Pastor Victor L. Wilson who served as the MC for the pageant.

The pageant then opened with a praise dance by the contestants to the song “Royalty” by Bryon Cage. Afterwards, each contestant exhibited their individual talents: Essence Blackwell singing “Beautiful” by India Arie, Ja’Ziya Marable singing “Open My Heart” by Yolanda Adams, Atiya Muhummad singing “For Your Glory” by Tasha Cobbs, Brittany Oates singing “I Can Only Imagine” by Tamela Mann, Jaya Rogers singing “Because of Who You Are” by Martha Munizzi, Ny’Shae Shaw performing a praise dance to “This Place” by Tamela Mann, and Altamiece Spell singing “Take Me To The King” by Tamela Mann.

Next the contestants presented their original interpretations of chosen women of the Bible: Tamar of 2 Samuel by Atiya, Jaya, and Ja’Ziya; Hagar of Genesis by Ny’Shae and Altamiece; and Jael of Judges by Essence and Brittany. Added entertainment for the Pageant was provided by Amanda Oates singing “He Wants It All” by Forever Jones and a mime dance by Tobias Stuart, Taleb Thompson, and Omar Blackwell to the song, “Set the Atmosphere” by Kurt Carr. Twanda Moore next gave words of thanks from the committee.

The contestants then processed into the sanctuary displaying their beautiful pageant gowns as the Pastor and Carol Wilson announced their accomplishments, hobbies, future plans, and what church means to them. Certificates were presented for “Most Photogenic—Atiya Muhammad,” “Top Ticket Seller—Brittany Oates,” and “Best Talent—Atiya Muhammad.”

The contestants were presented trophies for participation along with gifts and roses from the church. The grand finale was the announcement of 2nd Runner-Up, 1st Runner-Up, and Miss Lisbon Street MBC. These winners were chosen by four guest judges, Vanessa Brown, Tina Jones, Terrance Moore, and Lakevia Underwood, who rated the contestants according to scoring sheets for Talent, Photo, Group Presentation, and Gown Presentation. The 2015 Second Runner-Up is Miss Brittany Oates a 9th grader at Clinton High School, 2015 First Runner-Up is Miss Essence Blackwell a senior at Clinton High School, and 2015 Miss Lisbon Street Missionary Baptist Church is Miss Atiya Muhammad a senior at Clinton High School. The Committee members were Elegance Blackwell, Kristi Shawn Blackwell, Carol Jones-Wilson, and Twanda Moore; musicians Zurrick Simpson and Donnell Blackwell; media by Anthony Wilson; ushers Sa’Cora Bennett, Tobias, Taleb, Omar, Amanda, and Elegance; photos by Deacon Willie Dixon and Carol Jones-Wilson; and choreographers Kristi Blackwell and James Melvin.