Being a Queen is far much more than royal elegance and queenly attire. Being a Queen requires true dedication to your Queenly duties and is ready to serve. Despite the image that is naturally painted about Queens getting ready for their crowning ceremony, HBCU Queens are naturally prepared because of characteristics that led them to become their HBCU Queen. Many HBCU Queens desired the destination of queendom from the start, while other Queens, like myself, couldn’t have imagined serving in such a royal role.Â
2017-2018 Miss Voorhees College
As a first-generation college student, I never imagined serving as the Queen for a Historically Black College or University. Just four years after starting my journey at Voorhees College, I was granted the opportunity to serve as the 50th Miss Voorhees College. The significance of serving as the 50th Miss Voorhees College is far more than just the number, however, it highlights and recognizes the Queens who came before me, the Queens that are yet to come, and the impact of HBCU Queendom.
Walking in the footsteps of our founder Ms. Elizabeth Evelyn Wright was something I got support from my peers, professors, mentors, friends, and family. The words of encouragement and affirmations are what led me to run as the 2017-2018 Miss Voorhees College and I will be forever grateful for those individuals who saw this leadership role within me.
2017-2018 Miss Voorhees College & the Queen’s Gentleman
During my reign as Miss Voorhees College, I enjoyed serving others and being a Queen that was eager to go above and beyond for my HBCU! I enjoyed sharing my experiences with others, being a role model for the institution by using my platform to encourage my peers to be successful. I became a walking platform for my HBCU and is the place I thank for all of my accomplishments and for shaping me into the leader I am today.
Far Left: 2017-2018 Miss Allen University
Middle: 2017-2018 Miss Paine College
Far Right: 2017-2018 Miss Voorhees College
Serving as Miss Voorhees College taught me that all things are possible and that hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed. I have learned that there is nothing too hard or not able to be accomplished and there are individuals who you can lean on and reach out to. Knowing that Queens has served in the same role in which I did demonstrates that I too can become just as great or greater in everything that I continue to do. As long as I act with dignity and respect to myself and others, I too can accomplish even more holistically.
Top Left: 2017-2018 Voorhees College Miss Senior
Bottom Left: 2017-2018 Voorhees College Miss Junior
Top Right: 2017-2018 Voorhees College Miss Sophomore
Bottom Right: 2017-2018 Voorhees College Miss Freshmen
Center: 2017-2018 Miss Voorhees College
As I reflect on the Voorhees College Queens who reigned before me such as Dr. Chenault-Hemby, Ms. Faith Spells & Ms. Tamyra Berry, just to name a few, and those who are continuing the legacy like our current Queen, Ms. Erianna Card, I ultimately feel a connection with each of these Queens and other HBCU Queens because of the passion, dedication, and elegance we showed and continue to show. Knowing that there will continue to be young women who will attend Voorhees College and continue the legacy of our founder Elizabeth Evelyn Wright; just like we all have done, makes me more thankful for having the opportunity to serve as Queen at my HBCU!
54th Miss Voorhees College & 8th Mr. Voorhees College
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