Photo by Monica McGhee
Shakell James
Staff Writer
Candidates vying for the titles of Mister and Miss Jackson State University, focused their attentions on the traditions of JSU during the pageant, Royals in Paris, held on March 24, 2023 in the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium.
The program’s master and mistress of the ceremony were Chandler Carter and Halle Coleman. Chandler is a sophomore speech communications major from Dallas, Texas. Coleman is a Jackson State alumna and served as the 82nd Miss Jackson State University.
The national anthem began the ceremony, as the judges and candidates were welcomed. candidates.
Elisha Brown, Lauren Temple, and Laila Woodfork are the candidates that will move forward to campaign for the coveted position of the 84th Miss Jackson State University.
Quandaveus Gilliam and Austin Rolfe will meet head-to-head in their quest to become the 7th Mister Jackson State University.
Once the candidates were formally introduced, electoral speeches were given. Each candidate spoke of their visions for TheeILove.
Rolfe, a junior business marketing major from Little Rock, Ark. said, “The traditions of Jackson State University and other HBCUs are a source of pride!” His campaign is focused on the past, purpose, and preparation.
Gilliam, a junior healthcare administration major from Phenix City, Ala. said that HBCUs are not the starting point, but a very important detail in the already determined success.
“The plaza, the Athletics and Assembly Center (AAC), and The Sonic Boom of the South are our traditions. These traditions influence us on how we communicate and we view the world today,” said Gilliam.
Brown had this to say about tradition.
“Maintaining a tradition is a tribute to triumphs,” said Brown, a junior elementary education major from Columbus, Miss. “Navy, blue, and white have stood the test of time, however I am in full support of the peek of red that has made its debut of the years. This represents our triumphs, our ability to challenge the norm, and our willingness to build on top of the legacy that has been left behind to ensure that we make changes at Jackson State University,” said Brown.
Temple spoke about the importance of maintaining traditions.
“Coming into college, I understand why traditions are so important because I was a part of the class that went without them. It’s imperative that the culture at JSU stay and enhance the student experience. We cannot move forward if we cannot access our past,” said Temple, a junior biology/pre-medicine major from Slidell, La.
Woodfork believes that if you do not know where you come from, you will not know where you belong with Temple that traditions are very important.
“Tradition by definition is the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation. Today we experience the impact of tradition through black excellence”, said Woodfork, a junior biology/pre-medicine major from New Orleans, La.
Proceeding into the talent portion, each candidate ‘brought the house down’.
Rolfe presented the audience with his very own rap song while Gilliam gave the audience a look at new school and old school dances.
Brown brought out student dancers to represent each form of dance while Temple showcased her vocals with “Almost There” by Anika Noni Rose from the movie “Princess and the Frog”.
Woodfork displayed a plethora of African dances and was accompanied by drummers.
During the Poise and Projection section, each candidate responded to a random question asked by the hosts.
The 83rd Miss JSU, Naomi Harris, and the 6th Mister JSU, Joshua Edward, said farewell to the students as they prepare to embark on new journeys after graduation.
The contestant order was announced based on every category presented. The first contestant for Mister JSU was Rolfe, making Gilliam the second.
For Miss JSU, the order is Temple, Woodfork, and Brown.
The school’s alma mater “Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear” was played to conclude the ceremony.
All candidates for Student Government Association positions are currently campaigning. Voting will begin via PAWS on Thursday, March 30 at 2 p.m. and end on Friday, March 31 at 2 p.m.
Winners will be announced on Friday.
