Forty-eight years ago, Miss Black Western was established at Western Kentucky University when Black women were not allowed to compete for Homecoming queen. Every year since, the pageant has been open to Black women across campus. Though the purpose of the pageant has changed since its origin, pageant chair Calvion Tandy said its goal is the same.
“The goal of the pageant is, and always has been, to build confidence in women,” Tandy said. “We will continue to move forward and pursue the wishes of those that came before us.”