Kuamka Pageant
october 2024 - February 2025
Description
Kuamka, meaning "in the beginning" in Swahili, is an annual co-ed leadership pageant presented by the African American Cultural and Resource Center. Over the course of three months, I prepared to compete in a rigorous week-long series of events, including essay writing, an interview, platform presentation, Q&A segment, and talent showcase. The winners are crowned Mr. and Ms. Kuamka and go on to serve as the primary student ambassadors for both the AACRC and the broader Black community at UC.
Reflection
Competing in—and ultimately winning—Kuamka remains one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my college journey. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, challenging me to fully trust in myself and lean on the strength of my community. There were many moments when I felt inadequate, overwhelmed by the demands of preparation amidst academic and personal commitments, and unsure whether I was representing myself authentically while honoring the mission and legacy of the AACRC.
What carried me through was the unwavering support around me: fellow contestants who could ease my nerves with just a glance or a hand to hold; friends who consistently reassured my anxieties; my mother, who refused to let me stay in a place of self-doubt—always reminding me of my strength, undeniable worth, and purpose; and my coaches, whose steady guidance and belief in my growth challenged me, even when it was uncomfortable. Their support not only sustained me but helped me thrive.
Impact
Winning Kuamka wasn’t just about receiving a title—it was a declaration of resilience, identity, and community. It taught me how to lead with both confidence and humility, and it reaffirmed that our greatest growth often happens when we are surrounded by people who see our light, even when we can’t see it ourselves. That experience transformed me, and its impact continues to shape who I am today. I feel incredibly privileged to now represent, advocate for, and pour back into a community that has so generously poured into me.
The AACRC and the broader Black UC community have been a source of strength, love, and empowerment throughout my journey. To serve as a voice, a mentor, and a support for others in this space is one of the deepest honors of my college experience. I am endlessly proud and grateful to be part of something so powerful—and to carry its legacy forward with purpose and love.
