Kimberley Carter wanted to do something positive for underprivileged black children in the community.

"When I was in school I was able to be in a pageant because my parents had the kind of money it takes to be involved in that sort of thing," Carter said. "This project is to build the self-esteem of black youth in this community."

Carter, an employee of Boatmen's Bank, teamed up with Calvin Bird, director of the Cape Girardeau Civic Center, to develop a multitiered pageant program they entitled Umoja, meaning unity.

The motto of the pageant, which will be held March 19 in Academic Auditorium at Southeast Missouri State University, is "to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race."

"The pageant's main objective is to motivate our young black youth to set higher goals and standards for themselves as individuals and together as a race," said Carter. "We want to instill in them the mindset that they should always strive for the best and never settle for less.

"We want them to learn about their heritage and to be proud of who they are, where they came from and where they are going," she said.

The pageant is open to all children between the ages of 12 and 18. "Contestants must have a positive attitude, be well-disciplined and be willing to work very hard," Carter said.

Pageant contestants will be judged in five categories: community service, grades, interview, talent and formal wear.

Each participant will be required to complete a service project of their choice and submit copies of report cards. Prior to the night of the pageant, contestants will be interviewed by a panel of judges who will ask questions about current events and future goals.

On the night of the pageant, each participant will be required to do some sort of talent bit, whether it be singing, dancing, playing an instrument or acting. Following the talent part of the program, contestants will be escorted across the stage, modeling formal wear of their choosing.

Students from Southeast Missouri State University will teach the contestants a traditional African folk dance, which the group will perform during the pageant.

Carter has asked prominent individuals from the community, including Police Chief Howard Boyd Jr., Dr. Neyland Clark, Sen. Peter Kinder and Jim Limbaugh, to serve as judges.

In the weeks leading up to the pageant, Carter and Bird have planned a series of seminars for the contestants. Topics include black history, self-respect, entering into manhood and womanhood, etiquette and interview techniques.

"The seminars are designed to prepare the contestants not only for the pageant, but also for life," said Carter. "They have a broad-reaching message which young people are not exposed to these days."

In addition to the seminars, Carter and Bird are planning "getaways" for the contestants, including a bowling night, attending a Southeast Missouri State basketball game and a movie night, complete with snacks.

"This is a real opportunity for underprivledged kids in the area to grow and learn about themselves, and have a lot of fun in the mean time," said Carter. "Participating in a pageant leaves a lasting effect on young people; I hope that will be true in this case."

The chief contributors to the event thus far have been Futrell Temple COGIC, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, the Cape Girardeau Civic Center and Boatmen's National Bank.

For more information about the pageant contact Carter at 339-2302 or 335-4655.