Tugging their gentlemen escorts by the ties, the contestants of the “Miss Omega 2009″ pageant sauntered past the red velvet curtains of Downing University Center theater – beautiful, black and full of curves.

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., brothers hosted the third annual event.

“We have the competition to show love for full-figured women,” said Jessie Quinn, Gamma Theta chapter president. “We want women of size to know that they are beautiful, too.”

The contestants competed in different showcases that included business attire, social attire and lingerie as smoke tangled in the air and strobe lights flashed.

Shouts of support and excitement from the crowd intensified throughout the three-hour event. The ’90s music theme brought the crowd to their feet, dancing, between showcases.

After an intermission, they graced the stage to exhibit their talents, answer questions and flaunt their evening gowns.

They are judged based on poise, talent and speaking, according to judge DeAnna Coles, an alumna of Western and Zeta Phi Beta sorority.

“Beauty cannot be defined by one definition,” said contestant Jasmine “Mija” Garrett, a freshman from San Diego. “I learned you have to define beauty . you can’t let it define you.”

Louisville freshman Kelsie Price burst into a smile as the announcers revealed that she was voted “Miss Congeniality” by the other contestants.

Price was diagnosed with leukemia in 2003 and lost a significant amount of hair from her treatments.

“Look at me now,” she said. “My beauty is undeniable, I have learned to accept myself.”

Draped in a glistening slick fuchsia gown, contestant Kellyn Campbell, a Bowling Green freshman accepted the rhinestone-encrusted crown and title of “Miss Omega 2009″ as well as a plaque engraved with the title “Miss Perseverance,” awarded for raising the most advertising funds for the event.

With the title, she will receive a scholarship and the responsibility of representing the fraternity and women of Western for a year.

“Behold, I am far from perfection, but I’ve pushed past the pain,” she said on stage during her personal narrative. “I am divine, inspiring, virtuous, anointed, determined, independent, vibrant, with great ambitions. I’m so honored to represent plus-sized women.”