NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – After much jitters and now excitement, Mia Black is ready to put on her crown as the next Miss Tennessee State University.
“At first I was a little held back but after all the practices, it all seems real now and I am excited and ready,” the Atlanta beauty said when asked about preparations for her coronation on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
The “crowning moment,” part of a long tradition at TSU, is one of the highlights of a series of activities with glitz, glitters, pomp and circumstance that is expected to draw thousands of dignitaries, alumni, officials and community leaders and residents to Nashville and TSU this week.
Key among them is the inauguration of Dr. Glenda Glover, as the first female and eighth president of Tennessee State University. All of these activities coincide with the 2013 Homecoming celebration and parade along historic Jefferson Street.
“This makes it even more special with the inauguration of Dr. Glover,” said Black, who, along with Michigan native Michael Johnson, will be crowned “Miss” and “Mr.” Tennessee State University, respectively. “He (Johnson) is really a very good king. He makes sure I have everything I need.”
When asked about the readiness of members of her Royal Court, Black said they are all excited and ready, but was not ready to give out many details about their outfits, especially her dress.
“My Court is ready and excited, we have purchased our dresses, and all I can say to that is that the girls are wearing royal blue halter dresses from Glitz Bridal,” Black said. “My dress is also from Glitz Bridal, and it’s a diamond, off-white dress with petals and lace.”
The coronation or the crowning of a queen or king, especially at HBCUs, is rooted in traditions that affirm ethnic heritage, build self-esteem, and develop leaders.
“The coronation of Miss TSU is a historical event within the culture of the institution that provides leadership, etiquette and public speaking to not only Miss TSU but the ladies in her Royal Court,” said Dr. Jame’l Hodges, director of Student Activities. “Many of the former TSU queens, like Chandra Lipscomb (1980)and Barbara Murrell (1960), remain very active in providing grooming and etiquette tips to the ladies.”
As en example, Hodges said, Dale Williams, a former Miss TSU, has taken what she learned from her time at TSU in the 90s to create her own Kings and Queens leadership conference that is today educating college kings and queens from HBCUs around the world.
Black, whose theme is “Get Active, Bleed Blue & Grow TSU,” said her agenda is to get students to be more active in University activities, develop pride for their school, and getting people to know all that is positive about TSU.
“TSU has done so much for us and we need students to know that and to send out a message about the greatness of this university,” said Black. “We are all thankful to our parents and families, who are all eager and ready to attend our coronation.”
Members of the Miss TSU Royal Court are: Kierra Allen-Craig, Miss Senior – a Social Work major from Memphis; Amethyst Stephens, Miss Junior – a Physical Therapy major from Kankakee, Ill.; and India Ward, Miss Sophomore – a Psychology major from Munster, Ind.
The coronation begins promptly at 7 p.m., in Kean Hall to be followed by the ball.
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About Tennessee State University With nearly 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university and is a comprehensive, urban, coeducational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top Universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912 Tennessee State University celebrates 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu