Love, Mom & Dad
Miss Maroon & White Pageant Sponsors
The Directors
On behalf of the 2017-2018 Miss Maroon and White Pageant production staff, welcome to our show. We have been working extremely hard and diligently to ensure that this year’s pageant is the best yet, allotting guests the best Miss Maroon and White Pageant experience ever seen in the Atlanta University Center. Preparing for this show was no easy fete. Starting in late December, it took long hours and dedication from a passionate team that was willing and able to put in the work necessary to see the best show yet. Together, we created a production that we hope will serve as a staple in Morehouse history in regard to Miss Maroon & White. For two sophomores to serve as the directors of The Miss Maroon & White Pageant is an honor taken with much respect and humility. We are extremely thankful for having the fate of the Miss Maroon and White placed in our hands. In prepping for the show, we were allotted the opportunity to work with great people and to them we are eternally grateful. To our main backers and supporters, Dean Kevin Booker and Ms. Deborah Ayoade. Assistant director of Student Life and Mr. Terrence Pryor ’15 we truly appreciate all of your assistance throughout the past four months. Terrence came back home to guide us through the day to day operations of the pageant and that helped us significantly. Without his guidance and negotiations, none of this would have been possible. We appreciate all of you for believing and allowing us to take our creative vision to new heights. To our amazing staff Kyle Durham, Michaela Johnson, David Bishop (DaeDae, DJ DosDias), Mr. Sam Phillips, Mr. Guy Mitchell, Ms. Shiekgo Carter, Christian Howard, Gian Ray, Campus Police, and the many others that contributed, we are extremely indebted for your support! To Grant Pashcal and Thomas “Trey Cox”, past directors who provided words of encouragement that contributed to the success of the pageant. You two modeled what it means to work with, lead and engage a team. It was easy to see how passionate the both of you were for the pageant’s success, and we are hopeful that with this year’s production will make you guys proud. Last, but certainly not least, the beautiful 2016-2017 Miss Maroon & White and her Court, Ms. Jasmine Mitchell, Ms. Jasmin Eatman and Ms. Taylor Brightman. You beautiful ladies show what it means to be true queens exhibiting intelligence, beauty, elegance, grace and determined personalities that cannot be replaced. It has been an honor to work with a court that wears the seal of Morehouse College so proudly. To watch you all grow into leaders you’ve become has been an amazing experience, and we know you will go on to do great things. Without further ado we present to you a production that we hope to grasp your attention, fill your spirit and intrigue you mind for years to come. Its time to “Make America Black.”! Best regards, Mark Anthony Gerard Davis II and Khari Bush, Co-Directors
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Run Of Show Welcome Opening Act Contestant Introductinos Talent Questions & Answer Evening Wear Intermission & Voting Queen’s Farewell Crowning
DIRECTED BY
Terrence M. Pryor II
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MMW COMMITTEE Ms. Deborah Ayoade Khari Bush Mark Anthony G. Davis II Terrence M. Pryor II Jesse Kearse IV Maceo Dingle Kyle Durham
CASA MMW BOARD MEMBERS Christian Howard Gian Ray Alexander Andu Lonni Steele Steven James Taylor Troy West
CHOREOGRAPHERS Michaela Johnson ‘16 Phillip Curtis
DANCERS (Groove Theory)
Justin Scott-Young Charlie Baker Brandon Corlew Amber Clunie Monté Hathaway Eric G. Stokes Hattie Gains Chrystal-Joy McDougall Taylor Burns
Starr Powell Ria Adeleke Saidah Coleman Helen Hudson Dominique Perry Quadry Manns Ira Moore Reshard Bellinger
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JUDGES Jasmine Mathews, a recent graduate of Spelman College, C/O 2013, also received her Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Acting at the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2016. During her time at Spelman, she served as the 2012-2013 Miss Maroon and White as well as the 2012-2013 Miss Historically Black College and University. Currently she resides in New York City, pursuing her dreams as an actress. You can find her coming to a screen near you in January 2018 as she debuts in the remake of the 80s cult classic, Heathers.
Jasmine Matthews Brandon Tonge is president and CEO of Lemonade Event Productions, Inc. Under his leadership, the company provides professional event planning and solutions for local, regional and national clients. Mr. Tonge has more than 10 years of experience and leads a team of top shelf hospitality professionals. In addition to owning Lemonade, Mr. Tonge has more than 10 years of experience in higher education, human resources, customer service and organizational effectiveness. As Manager of Training and Organizational Development at Clark Atlanta University, Mr. Tonge is responsible for developing and implementing training strategies to include organizational effectiveness, HR services, talent, culture and performance. Before joining the University, he was a Learning Designer at Delta Air Lines’ world headquarters developing employee curricula for the airliner’s more than 80 thousand employees. Mr. Tonge is an active member of 100 Black Men of America Inc., and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Morehouse College, Class of 2006.
Brandon Tonge
Dean Jones serves as the Associate Dean of the College for Residential Education & Director of Housing at Morehouse College. He earned his master’s degree in Higher Education from George Washington University and his bachelor’s degree from The University of Virginia, double majoring in Sociology & American Studies. Dean Jones is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Education in Student Affairs Leadership at the University of Georgia. Dean Jones came to Morehouse in 2015 having several years of experience in multiple roles within student affairs including orientation, learning communities, retention programs, student life, greek life, intervention services, and leadership development programs at various institutions such as George Washington University, Purdue University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and most recently Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In addition to his role as the Dean of Housing & Residential Education, Dean Jones serves as the Program Director for the Vanguard Scholars Leadership & Professional Development Program at Morehouse College. He is also a proud Spring 2007 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Iota Beta Chapter.
Darren Jones
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JUDGES Ardis Maria Blanchard serves as the director of stewardship and donor relations of Morehouse College. Prior to coming to Morehouse, Ardis worked for Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. in Chicago as an assistant editor with JET magazine where she covered community, education, society, entertainment and health beats for the weekly publication. Ms. Blanchard went on to work in the corporate communications arena as manager of communications with Junior Achievement, Inc. (JA). At JA she managed the production of several corporate publications reaching Fortune 500 CEOs and 25,000 employees across the country. A native of Flint, Michigan, Ardis graduated cum laude from Jackson State University, receiving her Bachelor’s in pre-law studies before being named a Graduate College Fellow at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) where she earned her Master’s in print Journalism.Some of her community service affiliations include being a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, advisor to the Purpose Driven Student Organization at Morehouse, an on-going volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation. She is also a devoted Spel-House parent. Priscilla M. Hubbard, the President and CEO, YCS Consulting, Inc, in Atlanta, Georgia has overcome several life-changing challenges with faith, endurance and courage to persevere to the end. She knew the situations she faced were not just for her but to help others to endure and to know that it is not over until God says it is over. Her words of inspiration are; “When you put God first in all challenges you face you can succeed. When the enemy puts you to the test God is getting ready to bless. If God can bring you to it he can bring you through it”. Priscilla Hubbard is a single parent of one child and has two grandchildren. The journey included many life-changing events and YET Priscilla has not looked back. In 1987, she overcame a horrific robbery attack, which left her physically and emotionally scarred. However, with God, a faithful family and church family, she overcame this experience to make her the person she is today. Priscilla is a also a domestic violence victim and survivor which made her realize that what she went through was not just for her but to help others persevere through life’s obstacles toward excellence. Currently, Priscilla serves as a source of motivation, inspiration, and encouragement to many women and men. Throughout her career, Priscilla shares as a speaker and a life-coach at seminars for women’s ministries and as a motivational speaker at events in the Metro Atlanta area, Spelman College, and Morehouse College. Priscilla educational credits include a Bachelors of Business Administration from Herzing University, a Masters of Business Administration and Graduate Certificate of Human Resource Management from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management.
Dr. Alison Ligon is an Associate Professor of English at Morehouse College.
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THE CAST
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(in order of introduction)
Taylor Noelle Stewart Kennedy Marie Edwards Kalin Desiraye Tate Chantalle Olivia Cannicle Darian Chantell Penn
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Taylor Noelle Stewart
November 15, 1996 marked the birth of a queen. Taylor Noelle Stewart was born in Silver Spring, Maryland to her loving parents Linda and Richard Stewart. Taylor is a rising senior psychology major at the illustrious Spelman College and a news production intern at C-N-N. Throughout the years Taylor has exemplified dedication to her studies, career goals as well as her community. As an academic leader, Taylor served as the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honors Society Vice President leading the top 20 percentile of her class. That same year, she was invited into Google’s BOLD Scholar program. Taylor is a Riversville Scholar, 1st place recipient of the NAASC scholarship and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Ms. Stewart frequents the dean’s list and looks forward to graduating Magna Cum Laude next Spring. Taylor remains actively involved on campus and the surrounding community. She is currently aiding in the launch of Maroon Tiger TV here at Morehouse College. Taylor is a member of the Atlanta Association of Black Journalist as well as a content creator for Odyssey Online. She is one of few mentees within the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys. Taylor has served as the Event Chair for Enactus, an organization focus on creating financial literacy in the black community. Ms. Stewart was also crowned Miss 1911 for the Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. As a servant leader Taylor, has volunteered with Best Buddies, Bread for the City and the City of Refuge. Near and dear to Taylor’s heart is her previous work as a mentor with Divine Individuals. Ms. Stewart is a lover of the arts and was able to put her talents to use, by taking an active role in developing the Arts Inauguration for Spelman’s President, Mary Schmidt Campbell. In previous years Taylor, has interned for Senator James E. Clyburn, the U.S Treasury Department, and Edmond Lindsay& Hofler Law Firm. Ms. Stewart was also fortunate enough to engage in a month-long emersion in Spain, rendering her as fluent in conversational Spanish. This summer Taylor will go on to intern with Dateline NBC as a member of the coveted NBC Fellowship Program. Preceding graduation Ms. Stewart plans to obtain her Juris Doctorate and Masters in journalism from Columbia University. Her long-term career aspiration is to host a nationally syndicated newscast focused on global and domestic social justice issues. As a woman of God, Taylor seeks to uplift and empower all those she encounters while allowing His light to shine through her. Taylor notes that without God she would not be standing where she is today- and for that she credits the utmost high for all of her life’s success.
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Kennedy Marie Edwards
Kennedy Marie Edwards was born on November 13, 1995 to Dennis Edwards and Patrice Andrews. She is a legacy of Miss Maroon and White as her Aunt served on the 1946 court. Kennedy Marie is a junior Political science major at the renowned Spelman College. Her immediate post graduate aspirations consist of working as a Political Analyst for a major federal agency, with an ultimate goal to enroll into a joint J.D. and Ph.D (Government) Program at Georgetown University’s School of Law. She aspires to begin her political career as a saavy Lobbyist and eventually a Senator! Kennedy looks forward to a career in public service and altering the traditional political climate within society for the better. She is most passionate about education policy, civil rights and international politics.
Kennedy Edwards is heavily involved on campus. she currently serves as the 2016-2017 Vice President of Young Democrats of America at Spelman College. Kennedy will be serving as the 2017-2018 President of Young democrats of America. Kennedy remains heavily involved with the Men at Morehouse college By serving on the E-board of Project House as Campus events liaison. Kennedy has been apart of Project house since her Freshman Year at Spelman College. Kennedys platform is titled “live your Truth.” to promote a positive culture for the student body to accept our exceptional differences and embrace our diversity, even among each other. Atlanta University Center is very competitive and easy to lose ones identity while living up to an ever-morphing perception of the type of person who “best represents” this prestigious institution. My sincere desire is to encourage the men of morehouse to be comfortable in their skin; unapologetic in chasing their unique dreams while respectfully shattering individual stereotypes. It would be an honor to serve as your 2017-2018 Miss Maroon and White.
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Chantalle Olivia Cannicle
Chantalle Olivia Cannicle was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on May 7, 1996. She noticed her passion for health and equality at a young age and went on to pursue her psychology degree at the illustrious Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia where she is currently a Junior. At Spelman, Chantalle serves as a leader on a variety of executive boards and extracurricular affairs. Some of them include the Vice President for the Spelman College Pre-Alumnae Council, Campus Alliance Committee Chair, the Spelman College liaison for the Miss Maroon & White Cabinet, the 2015-2016 Miss Purple & Gold for the Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and many more. Through all of her extracurricular activities, Chantalle makes sure to put her academics as her first priority and is dedicated to being a change agent in and out of the classroom.
This past summer Chantalle did ground breaking research on diversity in business management at THE Columbia Business School. This experience has ignited a vigor to impact the world of business and health and she became the first HBCU recruiter for the program. Chantalle also has current internships with: the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, and Ladies Who Brunch Atlanta. After her matriculation at Spelman College, Chantalle plans to obtain a dual degree Masters in Public Health and Business Administration. Her career aspirations are to, essentially, strengthen the relationship between the African American community and the health care system. Chantalle is the founder of “Love More Judge Less”, a Teen Suicide Awareness campaign. Coming from a Jamaican household, Chantalle holds the principles of family and her moral values very close to her heart. Her favorite quote is: “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future”- Proverbs 31, Verse 25. If chosen to represent the men of Morehouse College as the 2017-2018 Miss Maroon & White, Chantalle would implement her platform of “Think Talle” which focuses on the idea of holistic health and wealth. She believes that the mind is at the center of everything we do and everything we want to be. Chantalle would like to thank the Morehouse College CASA Programming Board, her support system, and the magnificent men of Morehouse College for helping her to make the “House” her home. Ladies and gentlemen, Chantalle Olivia Cannicle.
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Kalin Desiraye Tate
Kalin Desiraye Tate is a junior English major at Spelman College. Hailing from Columbus, Georgia, she is the eldest of her parents’ two children. In the second grade, Kalin began receiving vocal and piano lessons, which allowed her to touch and change lives through musical performance. At that time, Kalin also had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Minor League Baseball games. Since matriculating to Spelman, she has been able to serve her community as a Bonner Community Service scholar. Kalin is also the Spelman College Ambassador for the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Falcons Beat Writer for The Odyssey Online. Kalin’s passion for music and writing fostered an interest in sports and entertainment journalism, which led to her major in English with a concentration in writing. She is deeply committed to community service, where she is currently serving as a partner relations intern at the Atlanta Community Food Bank and volunteer at Junior Achievement of Georgia. This past summer, Kalin studied Chinese Culture and Chinese Language in Harbin and Beijing China and interned in the media department for one of the seven wonders of the world, Grand Canyon National Park. Kalin also writes independently for her opinions blog, “Sincerely Yours,” on her website “KalinDesiraye.com.” If chosen as Miss Maroon and White 2016-2017, Kalin plans to begin her platform “K.I.N.G.,” through a mentoring program for the students of Morehouse College. Upon graduation from Spelman College, Kalin will become a sports and entertainment reporter for CNN, ABC News, or NBA TV and live her life according to God’s Plan. The following is her favorite Bible verse from Isaiah 40:31, which she hopes will inspire others: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
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Darian Chantell Penn
Darian Chantell Penn was born and raised in the bustling city of Houston, Texas, on August 6, 1996 to Mr. Derwin and Cornell Penn. From a young age, Darian knew that Spelman College was the place she wanted to attend. As a student at Spelman College, Darian has taken on her interest in political science. Her interest for legal representation began with a variety of law office internships, and city wide mock trials which led her to pursue a concentration in pre-law. Upon graduation, she aspires to continue to law school and become a prosecuting attorney. This summer, Darian will be working in Dallas, Texas as a Financial/Accounting Analyst for the Federal Reserve Bank. This internship will challenge Darian’s critical thinking skills, and enhance her overall knowledge of how economics plays a vital role in policy making and government decisions. While heavily investing in her own future, Darian continues to remain involved in the AUC community. She currently serves as a Peer Assistant Leader, New Student Orientation Leader, Vice President of the Spel-house Pre-Law Society, Secretary of the Pinky Promise Organization, a member of the Morehouse Business Association, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. If graced with the title of Miss Maroon and White, Darian wants to incorporate her platform entitled M.T. I. Men Taking Initiative. Darian plans to utilize this platform with the purpose of charging the Men of Morehouse with the task of asking themselves: “What can WE as a community do to succeed in a world where WE are meant to fail� and not rely on our country to make decisions for us. This platform will focus on the cultivation of brilliance held within the student body, pushing them to not be complacent, but to become more active in the community. M.T.I will focus on three main targets, all geared toward developing men with disciplined minds, who will lead lives of leadership and service. These three targets are called PURSUIT of Happiness, Lifting as we Climb, and Morehouse Men on the Map. Each initiative will serve as a tool for the Men of Morehouse to reclaim and reestablish the importance and legacy of their beloved institution, while building a better future for generations to come. With a platform such as Miss Maroon and White, Darian plans to work directly with the student body of Morehouse to begin positively changing the campus culture through intentional and impactful service, beginning with engaging the West End Atlanta Community at large. She would like to thank the Men of Morehouse for giving her the opportunity to work toward this position and says that despite the outcome, she will continue to work toward the goals stated in her platform.
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MAKE AMERICA BLACK Joy
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VOTE GREEN FOR THE QUEEN IN
Darian Penn for
MMW Vote Blue
With Love, Mom & Dad
Thank You for Your Service
2016-2017 Miss Maroon and White and her court
Miss Maroon and White Jasmine Imani Mitchell
1st Attendant
Jasmin Africali Eatman
2nd Attendant
Taylor Breanna Brightman
Special Thanks Kevin Booker Deborah Ayoade Demarcus K. Crews Miss Maroon & White and her Court Jasmine Matthews Thomas Cox Grant Paschal Devin Johnson Kamille Coney Jauan Durbin Alexander Harris Rachyl Wright Anita Whatley Maurice Washington Timothy Sams, Ph.D The Student Government Association The Maroon Tiger Higher Ground
To my dearest niece, I am so proud of the woman you are becoming. Always remember where you come from, for that will show you where you are going. I love you dearly and know your Grandma is smiling down on you from heaven. Love always,
Aunty Audrey