Taylor Bembery
Associate Editor
The coronation of Déja D. Knight, Miss Jackson State University 2013-2014, is approaching and there are some things you should know about the senior computer science major who reigns as queen and represents JSU for an entire school year.
Knight was honored by the Jackson City Council on Oct. 8th with a resolution sponsored by Ward 3 Councilwoman, Larita Cooper-Stokes.
The resolution noted her high academic standing as an honor student, a Dean’s List scholar every semester and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Cooper-Stokes said: “Her acumen in the scholarship area exceeds her beauty.”
Knight thanked the group. “I’m honored. JSU definitely holds my heart and I love what I do.”
Many queens have reigned at the university but Knight says she is different from previous queens.
“As many know, I’m not the ‘girly girl’, jeans and tennis shoes are my best friends. I’ve always been that way. On any given day, you can catch me with my jeans, Nike’s, and my hair pulled up into a puff,” said Knight.
Déja says that growing up with no siblings made her shy and that quality reappears sometimes but she believes that she is now much more confident and unreserved. She plans to implement her “Race to Excellence” platform very soon.
“Exciting news – I took my LSAT on October 5th! Unfortunately, my preparatory course for that test ran into the school year, so I apologize to the student body for not already starting my programming. But I had to ensure that I was in ‘The Race to Excellence’ before I could lead the race. With that being said, I have already established connections with community leaders and even the administration at Blackburn Laboratory Middle School. Before the end of October, the journey to develop college-ready youth will begin. I am extremely excited and I hope that JSU is as well,” said Knight.
Déja volunteers time to teach science, math, engineering and dance to children and youth during her summer breaks through various programs such as the Summer Engineering Experience for Kids through the National Society of Black Engineers.
Many have heard Déja exclaim, “I can’t believe I’m Miss JSU!” With a humble disposition she explains her disbelief.
“Honestly, remembering where I was as a freshman, I am still amazed by how much I’ve grown. The thought of the student body trusting me enough to be such an ambassador for the university is humbling in-and-of itself,” said Knight.
She explained the journey of becoming Miss JSU was not easy but it was constant encouragement from her family, friends, and student body that kept her eyes on the prize.
“I can honestly say every time I’m feeling discouraged, there has been somebody who has come along and given me encouragement just in time. It is those people who keep me going through this year,” said Déja.
Clara Saafir, Déja’s mom, was one of those that encouraged her to reach for her dreams.
“I watched the idea of becoming Miss JSU brew in Déja ‘s spirit. First, she mentioned it casually—I think just to get my reaction. She mentioned it again, noting that someone suggested she run. Soon after, I could hear in her voice that the seed was planted, and she was committed to it. During the preparation and campaign, I supported Déja, encouraged Déja, and even pushed Déja. At first, she allowed me to believe she was heeding my advice and taking my suggestions, and I’m sure some she did. But after a while, I realized Déja was simply pacifying me to some extent,” said Saafir.
She added: “She knew precisely what she needed to do to run an effective campaign that genuinely reflected her true spirit and heart. That was a moment of growth for me! As difficult as it was, I took a few steps back and just watched. To this day, I still rejoice! Not just in her victory, but in the dimension of Déja I came to know. “
The position of Miss Jackson State University requires a lot of time management. Miss JSU does not only wear a crown and sash. She is a woman of service and scholarship.
“This position absolutely requires a system to balance every obligation. I plan every hour of every day as best I can so that I can be sure that I get everything done. Academics are extremely important to me, so I don’t let anything interfere with classes. There are never enough hours in the day, so I’ve learned to seriously prioritize. With so many people willing to help me, it all works out,” said Knight.
Saafir believes that her daughter’s position as Miss Jackson State University has transformed her into an admirable young woman.
“I admire Déja for staying true to herself. I admire Déja for maintaining life balance and keeping her eye on her priorities and goals. I admire Déja for keeping a positive outlook and seeing the glass half full. I admire Déja for strategically approaching every obstacle and finding motivation in every challenge. I admire Déja for loving God and acknowledging His hand in every blessing. I admire Déja for enjoying life as she does all of that,” said Saafir.
Some students shared their anticipation of coronation.
Jade King, a junior biology pre-med major from Detroit, Mi., said Coronation is always an event to look forward to.
“I’m super excited about Coronation. I’ve talked to Deja and it hasn’t really hit her yet. I think on the day of her Coronation she is going to feel it. Deja is a super sweetheart, she is going to work and make sure she gets the job done as Miss Jackson State University. Whatever events she has planned I feel they are going to be successful and her royal court will back her up all the way,” said King.
The Coronation of Déja D. Knight, Miss Jackson State University 2013-2014, will take place Thursday, Oct. 17th at 7 p.m. in the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center.
