Fisk University Coronation 2023

Program WELCOME .......................................................................................................................................................................................... OLIVIA SHAREEF SGA PRESIDENT

INVOCATION ........................................................................................................................................... REVEREND DR. JASON CURRY

DEAN OF THE CHAPEL

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................... AUSTRALIA SAY

83RD MISS FISK UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF CEREMONY ...................................................... TERRENCE BEARDEN AND TAYLOR WOODARD

44TH MISTER AND 86TH MISS FISK UNIVERSITY

OCCASION ........................................................................................................................................................................ DR. NATARA K. GARVIN VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

THE PROCESSION OF THE ROYAL COURT LAST WALK OF MISTER FISK UNIVERSITY 2021-2022

Reece Porter Williams

MISS FISK UNIVERSITY 2021-2022

Jordan Michelle Smith

ENTRANCE OF MISTER FISK UNIVERSITY 2022-2023

Emanuel Lawton, Jr.

ENTRANCE OF MISS FISK UNIVERSITY 2022-2023

Aaliyah Tyon Riddle

INVESTITURE OF MISTER & MISS FISK UNIVERSITY 2022-2023

Oath of Mister & Miss Fisk University Administered by President Clark SPECIAL PERFORMANCE INTRODUCTION OF ORGANIZATIONAL ROYALTY

REMARKS FROM ADVISOR ............................................................................................................................... KATARA A. GRISSOM ROYAL COURT ADVISOR

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................................... EMANUEL LAWTON, JR. AALIYAH RIDDLE ALMA MATER ................................................................................................................................................................. THE GOLD AND BLUE

SPECIAL THANKS TO PARTICIPATING VENDORS

EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT DR. NATARA K. GARVIN KATARA A. GRISSOM DR. JASON CURRY JAMES DENNIS FINANCE & ACCOUNTING DEPT. MARKETNG DEPARTMENT ALL ORGANIZATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ALL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ALL STUDENT VOLUNTEERS FAMILY OF THE ROYAL COURT

ALAIN DUPETIT EVENTS PLUS PETALS & LACE BRADFIELD LIGHTING AMERICAN TUXEDO EVENT DESIGNERS QSL PRODUCTIONS DJ HOGGHEAD SODEXO ARAMARK DWIGHT POPE

THE CORONATION BALL WILL BE HELD IN THE HENDERSON A. JOHNSON GYMNASIUM IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE PROGRAM.

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Emanuel Lawton, Jr. MISTER FISK UNIVERSITY 2023-2024

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manuel Lawton Jr. was born on April 3, 2002, in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, PA. He was raised in Prince George’s County, MD, and graduated from Oxon Hill High School. He is the first of two children to Kisha and Emanuel Lawton Sr. Emanuel is a graduating senior biology major, second generation Fiskite, and a Presidential Scholar at Fisk University. Emanuel humbly serves as Mister Fisk University for the 2023-2024 academic school year under the platform A Different Fisk: Creating new avenues for community, student engagement, and service. Throughout Emanuel’s matriculation through Fisk University, he has been involved in a plethora of extracurricular activities. During his first year at Fisk University, he was able to serve as a cohort leader for freshman biology majors, join the Pre-Health Professions Club, and was accepted into the Meharry BS/MD program. His academic achievement granted him induction into the Phi Eta Sigma National Freshman Honor Society. During his sophomore year, Emanuel served on the Fisk University Royal Court as Mr. Sophomore for the 2021-2022 school year and expanded his leadership by joining the Fisk University Activities Board. During his Junior year, Emanuel expounded on his service to Fisk University and the surrounding community by being elected as Mr. Junior, becoming a Fisk University Student Ambassador and an American Red Cross Ambassador. Emanuel has served as a tutor for Water Walkers, a nonprofit education and mentoring nonprofit in Nashville, Tennessee. He has worked as a Summer Research assistant for the Fisk University Department of Life and Physical Sciences. In addition to his involvement on campus, Emanuel has excelled academically at Fisk University, maintaining a 3.72 GPA, putting him on track to graduate Summa Cum Laude. Upon completing his undergraduate experience at Fisk University, Emanuel plans to attend medical school and become a Family Medicine physician, serving as a health and prevention advocate for underserved communities with limited access to healthcare. Emanuel’s mission is to be a person of kindness, humility, generosity, and intelligence. He would like to be remembered as someone always willing to lead and set a great example, all while being in high spirits and simultaneously creating and continuing a legacy.

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Aaliyah Riddle MISS FISK UNIVERSITY 2023-2024

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amed after one of the most iconic R&B singers of the 90s, Aaliyah Tyon Riddle was born January 30, 2002, to LaSheika Jones and Dion Robinson in the Marble City, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Aaliyah is a proud big sister of six siblings and a younger sister to fifteen siblings. Aaliyah graduated from Austin East Magnet High School with the seventh-highest GPA in her class.

Aaliyah’s dedication to serving her community and commitment to being a voice for equitable educational opportunities for the youth allowed her to be nationally recognized as the Urban League’s Empowered Youth of the Year during her senior year of high school. Now attending Fisk University, Aaliyah is a proud first-generation college student majoring in Psychology with a minor in gender studies. She values her education and views excelling in school as her top priority. With a 3.73 cumulative GPA, Aaliyah is currently an Ella Shepard Moore Provost Scholar, a member of the W.E.B DuBois Honors College, and a member of Beta Kappa Chi, a scientific honors society. Throughout her matriculation at Fisk University, Aaliyah has had an abundance of opportunities to further her future psychology career, including interning with the Knox County Health Department her Freshman year, participating in an AI/Cognitive Bias Internship her sophomore year, and spending this past summer at Vanderbilt University as a member of their Biomedical Informatics Summer Program. On campus, Aaliyah has served in a multitude of leadership roles, including Miss Sophomore 2021-2022, a 2-year member of the Fisk University Cheerleading Team, a 2-year Resident Assistant, a member of FUSA, and a Fisk University Media Ambassador. Currently, Aaliyah serves as a 3rd-year student health ambassador with the Meharry HBCU wellness project, the President of the Alpha Upsilon chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a Community Health Advocate with Meharry Medical College and an active member in many of Fisk University’s student-led clubs. Upon graduating college, Aaliyah plans to attend graduate school with the hopes of obtaining her Ph.D. in psychology. Aaliyah’s primary goal is to help as many people as possible while leaving her mark in every space she enters. Proverbs 16:3, which states, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” is a verse Aaliyah holds near and dear to her heart. She attributes all of her successes to God, who is the head of her life, and the constant motivation from her family.

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Jaden Jones MISTER SENIOR Jaden Jawuan Jones was born on March 6, 2002, in the mitten up north called Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School. He was born to Christina Britt & Willie Jones, in which he is the youngest of four brothers & has three adopted little sisters. Jaden is a Senior Psychology Major and wishes to take his cognitive skills into the insurance industry. During his freshman year, he became a member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. In his sophomore year, Jaden was a Spring 2022 initiate of the Alpha Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in which he currently holds the positions of chapter secretary & treasurer. Throughout his junior & senior years, he has spent time networking & collaborating with many different people throughout the insurance industry, where he has been gaining as much knowledge and experience as he can. Prior to his senior year at Fisk, Jaden shadowed an account executive at Hub International for a few days to get on-the-job experience. Jaden wishes to earn his agent licenses in both Life & Health and Property & Casualty Insurance before he graduates.

Jasmyn Thrash MISS SENIOR

Jasmyn Noelle Thrash was born on January 21st, 2002, in the Black Hollywood city of Atlanta, GA. She is the middle child with three other siblings and is the daughter of Joi and Ronald Thrash. Jasmyn is a senior biology major with plans to attend nursing school with aspirations to become a neonatal nurse.

During her freshman year at Fisk, she was able to join Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society because of her academic excellence. In her sophomore year, Jasmyn was a Fall 2021 initiate of the Pi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was involved in various other organizations on campus, such as The Beginning Modeling Troop, Going Against the Grain, and The Fisk Activities Board. She then became a member of the ladies of R.A.G.E dance team her junior year and is still a member. Jasmyn has maintained a 3.5 GPA and has excelled academically by being a five-strong scholar and an Outstanding Leaders Scholar, which has blessed her with the ability to attend Fisk on a full scholarship. Jasmyn’s involvement in campus activities and academics has shaped her into a well-rounded student, and she is well-prepared to take her skills and great traits into the real world.

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Rodney Curry MISTER JUNIOR

Rodney Lamar Curry was born on December 21, 2002, on the National base of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee, as the son of Sonia Meneses, Rodney Curry Sr., and Myea Curry. He is the older brother to Rayelle Curry. He graduated from Northeast High School and is currently a Junior at Fisk University pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management. As a freshman, Rodney became the President of his Class, emphasizing unity and the Fisk Family spirit. He was involved in the Pathway to Success initiative, helping build leaders through the Transformation Life Center. Since his freshmen year, Rodney has given back through the Black Men Run Brown Boys Read initiative; the initiative is to help young African American youth exceed their reading levels. In his sophomore year, he served as a campus ambassador, giving tours to prospective students and working closely with the Office of Career Planning and Development. Rodney also worked as an MGM Studios Ambassador for the movie Creed 3 and represented Fisk in Atlanta while interviewing Michael B. Jordan. He interned at The Walt Disney World Company, contributing to bringing smiles and laughter to the guests. This year, Rodney is taking on various roles, including being a Resident Assistant, Vice-President of the Fisk University Student Ambassadors, Orientation Leader, lead ambassador for the Office of Career Planning and Development, Vice-President of Fisk Vibes, and a representative for the Fisk Activities Board. Rodney is the Assistant Director of Music at Concord Missionary Baptist Church, where he leads his choir through the worship experience. Rodney plans to work for The Walt Disney Company and grow within the company. He values the importance of building relationships and believes that together, people can achieve more in life. Rodney Curry Jr. has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a solid commitment to his academic and extracurricular pursuits. His involvement in various campus activities and his passion for music and community service make him a well-rounded individual with a bright future.

Allyson Merriweather MISS JUNIOR Allyson Jendayi Merriweather was born on October 24, 2002, in Montgomery, AL, to Carlton and Priscilla Merriweather and is the eldest 3. At Fisk, Allyson is majoring in Biology and minoring in Business Administration and is a part of the W.E.B. DuBois Honors College, which is reserved for the top 10% of students. Since her first year, Allyson has been very involved on campus.

Along with her role in the Royal Court, she serves as a Student Health Ambassador for the HBCU Wellness Project at Meharry Medical College. She works in the Office of Career Planning and Development as an ambassador and career peer mentor. Allyson is also a Fall 2023 initiate of the Alpha Beta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. For the position of Miss Junior, Allyson ran on the platform The Year of the Renaissance, where she pushed for academic excellence and the advancement of professional development skills among her peers. Upon graduating from Fisk, Allyson would like to enroll in a dual degree program to obtain her Master of Business Administration and her Ph.D. in a science-related field. Her career goals include starting a pharmaceutical company focusing on creating medication for diseases yet to be cured. Additionally, Allyson’s overall goal in life is to create a life that’s worth living, for you only live once.

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Jonathan Sheppard MISTER SOPHOMORE Jonathan Curtis Sheppard was born on May 19, 2004, in the Space City of Houston, Texas. He is the second of 3 children to Doctors Daniel and Marla Sheppard. Jonathan is a sophomore political science major with a 3.5 GPA. He is a trained classical pianist, and he is a member of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. During his first year at Fisk University, he served as a Student Government Association president intern, and he was Chief of Staff of the International Relations Society while being active in the debate club. He was chosen to participate in the Fisk Executive Leadership Program. Over the summer, he interned at the Tennessee Lottery headquarters and the Buntin Group as a marketing and advertising intern, where he had the opportunity to work closely with the CEO. Additionally, Jonathan had the opportunity to become a mentor and counselor for incoming freshmen in the pre-college program. Entering his sophomore year, Jonathan has expanded his leadership at Fisk University by being elected Mr. Sophomore, becoming an orientation leader, and becoming Vice President of the Investment Club. He was also selected to join the RISE program, where he attends professional development sessions and learns about the world of insurance. Upon completing his undergraduate experience, Jonathan looks to attend law school to become a civil rights attorney, fighting for those whose rights have been violated by the criminal justice system.

Darla Spencer MISS SOPHOMORE

Darla Ellyse Spencer was born on February 5, 2004, in Maryville, Illinois. She is the second born to two sensational parents, Darnell and LaTongia Spencer.

At the illustrious Fisk University, Darla is a sophomore biology major with the Outstanding Scholars and Leaders Scholarship with plans to become an Orthodontist after graduating. In May 2022, Darla graduated top 10 percent of her class from Belleville East Township High School. During her first year of college, she maintained a 3.20 GPA while being active on campus and in her community. Darla reigned as Miss Freshman under the platform of “Comfortability and Togetherness on Campus” and hosted multiple events to ensure her classmates had an amazing first year. Darla is also a Fall 2023 initiate of the Pi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Darla gives thanks to her Lord and Savior for helping her through any trial she faces and giving her strength as she continues to grow and learn through life.

Darla also owes all her success to her wonderful parents, grandparents, sister, and a supportive community that constantly motivates her and cultivates an environment where she can succeed. Darla stands proudly on the platform “Jump In: Get Involved.” She believes that it is imperative that those in her class experience events and other opportunities that will not only make them successful but will heighten their college experience. Darla strives to do only her best while at Fisk University and carry the lessons she learns through her life’s journey.

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Chase Moore

MISTER FRESHMAN Chase A’mir Moore was born on March 7th, 2005, in Long Beach, California where he lived for the early years in his life, but he spent most of his years growing up (or living) in the City of Angels, Los Angeles, California. He is the first and only child of Lavada and Germaine Moore. Chase attended Dr. Richard A Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy, the #5 high school in California and #42 high school in the nation, there he amassed positions such as Black Student Union Vice President and Senior Class Representative whilst being a part of his school’s basketball team. He has a knack for being royalty as he also became prom king. Concurrently with his high school academics, he took college classes at Los Angeles Harbor College where he earned two Associate of Arts degrees in Arts and Humanities & Social and Behavioral Sciences. Aside from school, Chase has been an actor for a decade where he has appeared in various commercials, shows, and short films. He has also been in various theatrical productions with Amazing Grace Conservatory, where he has done most of his acting training. Chase is a business major, with a concentration in management, and hopes to become a film producer with the mission of creating fantasy films that center around black characters.

Chase ran on the platform of ‘Chasing Greatness’ which was about setting the right foundations to become successful. Chase anticipates the opportunity to be a part of the Fisk royal court and looks forward to his journey as a Fiskite.

Kaci McNeil MISS FRESHMAN

Kaci Nycole McNeil was born on February 2, 2005, in the Space City of Houston, Texas. She is the firstborn child and the delightful eighteen-year-old daughter of Mr. Lonnie McNeil III and Mrs. Kesha McNeil. Kaci attended Mirabeau B. Lamar Senior High School where she was a member of the International Baccalaureate/ Career Path Program focusing on sports medicine. She was a member of the Lamar High School’s National Honor Society, Lamar Young Life, crowned Lamar Homecoming Princess, and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Her extracurricular activities included varsity cheer team, swim team, and track. She also volunteered with the National Council of Negro Women Barbara Jordan Youth Section, Girl Scouts of America Troop 2310, Houston Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Inc., Delta Gems, and the Houston Health Department. Kaci held a variety of leadership roles throughout her time in high school, including co-captain of the varsity cheer squad at her school, First Vice President of the Houston Chapter of Top Teens of America, and the first-ever President of the Barbara Jordan NCNW Houston Youth Section. With a passion to lead, Kaci also was crowned Miss Top Teen of America Houston Chapter for her exceptional community service leadership projects and fundraising abilities.

As an involved member of Wheeler Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, in Houston, Texas, Kaci serves as a member of the Youth Church Ministry, Girl Scout Ambassador, and more. Currently, at Fisk University, she’s majoring in Kinesiology to pursue her career as an Anesthesiologist or an Athletic Trainer for the NFL. Kaci looks forward to expanding her leadership roles here on Fisk University’s campus and beyond.

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Organizations African Students Association Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Pi Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Alpha Chi Caribbean Student Association Chicagoland Club Deep South Association Club Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Alpha Beta Every Nation Campus Ministries Fisk Activities Board Fisk Cheerleaders Fisk Gymnastics Fisk Memorial Chapel Assistants Fisk Track & Field Fisk Women’s Volleyball Fisk’s Aerospace and Technology Team FitMe Fisk Gadites Fisk Go! Poetry Going Against the Grain Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Iota Phi Lamba Sorority, Inc. - Delta Chi Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. - Alpha Delta Ladies of R.A.G.E. Mt. Zion College Ministry Natural Hair Organization No Potential Left Behind Out:Loud Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. - Alpha Gamma PLUS Mental Health Organization Political Science Club Pre-Alumni Council Rotaract Club Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. - Alpha Upsilon Stage Crafters Tanner Art Society The Beginning The Wesley Foundation UP NEXT: Club for Songwriters Women in Pre-Med Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Kappa Gamma

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Royal Lineage Miss Fisk 1926-27 Helen Louise Bass Miss Fisk 1927-28 Johnetta Walker No Record of Miss Fisk from 1928-1934 Miss Fisk 1934-35 Katherine Hamilton No Record of Miss Fisk from 1935-1936 Miss Fisk 1936-37 Josie Aux Vasse Jackson Miss Fisk 1937-38 Dorothy Lucille Scott Miss Fisk 1938-39 Elwyn Ellison Miss Fisk 1939-40 Marjorie Simms Miss Fisk 1940-41 Mary Carolyn Atkins Miss Fisk 1941-42 Harriet Hardy Miss Fisk 1942-43 Gwendolyn Persley Miss Fisk 1943-44 Marieta Dabney Miss Fisk 1944-45 Betty Yvonne Grayson Miss Fisk 1945-46 Malace Suddith Miss Fisk 1946-47 Florence Brashear Miss Fisk 1947-48 Goldie Gibson Miss Fisk 1948-49 Mary Lou Usher Miss Fisk 1949-50 Edwyna Goodwin Miss Fisk 1950-51 Josie Robinson Miss Fisk 1951-52 Gwendolyn Gregory Miss Fisk 1952-53 Jean Crowder Miss Fisk 1953-54 Gwendolyn Jenkins Miss Fisk 1954-55 Shirley Lee Miss Fisk 1955-56 Betty Andrews No Miss Fisk Elected for 1956-1957 No Miss Fisk Elected for 1957-1958 Miss Fisk 1958-59 Lutonia Graham Miss Fisk 1959-60 Janeice Cochran Miss Fisk 1960-61 Phyllis Crowder Miss Fisk 1961-62 Dianne Hemphill Miss Fisk 1962-63 Marjorie Patricia McCoy Miss Fisk 1963-64 Sandra Smith Miss Fisk 1964-65 Patricia Holden Miss Fisk 1965-66 Deborah N. Thomas Miss Fisk 1966-67 Judith Gunn Miss Fisk 1967-68 Harriette Evonne Everett Miss Fisk 1968-69 Deloris Warren Miss Fisk 1969-70 Marjon King The Title of Miss Fisk was renounced from 1970-1973 Miss Homecoming 1970 Dedra Allen Miss Homecoming 1971 Henri Joyce Lockhart Miss Homecoming 1972 Aquanetta Wheeler Miss Homecoming 1973 Colleen Copeland Miss Fisk 1974-75 Janice Denise Smith Miss Fisk 1975-76 Pamela Huffman Miss Fisk 1976-77 Sheree McMannus Miss Fisk 1977-78 Myrna Lunne Stevenson Miss Fisk 1978-79 Elaine L. Brown Miss Fisk 1979-80 Pamela S. Calloway Miss Fisk 1980-81 Imani Karen Bazzell

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Miss Fisk 1981-82 Karen Woods Miss Fisk 1982-83 Sharon Orr Miss Fisk 1983-84 Lori Williams Miss Fisk 1984-85 Lisa Gaye Mathis Miss Fisk 1985-86 Angelia Whitley Miss Fisk 1986-87 Marcella Moss Miss Fisk 1987-88 Lisa Michele Jurt Miss Fisk 1988-89 Jackalynne Ann Fletcher Miss Fisk 1989-90 Carla Helene Campbell Miss Fisk 1990-91 Paula R. Hunter Miss Fisk 1991-92 Angela McShepard Miss Fisk 1992-93 Tonya Brown-Jones Miss Fisk 1993-94 Kimberly Graham Miss Fisk 1994-95 Kyra Parker Miss Fisk 1995-96 Tamara Crawford Miss Fisk 1996-97 Kenya E. Newby Miss Fisk 1997-98 Harriett E. Johnson Miss Fisk 1998-99 LaKesha Vette McEwen Miss Fisk 1999-00 Tiffani Nicole Matthews Miss Fisk 2000-01 Caarne Ley-Lii Sheohnne Elliott Miss Fisk 2001-02 Alicia Nicole Perry Miss Fisk 2002-03 Darcie Andrea Chism Miss Fisk 2003-04 Moiro Konchellah Miss Fisk 2004-05 Akua Taylor Miss Fisk 2005-06 Angela Yvonne Stockdale Miss Fisk 2006-07 Victoria Leigh Bryant Hamilton Miss Fisk 2007-08 MiaCarré Beatrice Long Miss Fisk 2008-09 Karla Tanisha Turner Miss Fisk 2009-10 Kandace Harris Miss Fisk 2010-11 Candace Andrea Warren Miss Fisk 2011-12 Tamara Florence Stallworth Miss Fisk 2012-13 Shalimar D. Leggett Miss Fisk 2013-14 Audrey L. Tillis The Title of Miss Fisk was renounced from 2014-2015 Miss Fisk 2015-16 Bella Umontuen Miss Fisk 2016-17 Tianna Lynn Stith Miss Fisk 2017-18 Crystal Brooks Miss Fisk 2018-19 Australia Say Miss Fisk 2019-20 Dartisha Mosley Miss Fisk 2020-21 Dejah Beasley Miss Fisk 2021-22 Taylor Deyon Woodard Miss Fisk 2022-23 Jordan Michelle Smith Mr. Fisk 2013-14 Julian Williams Mr. Fisk 2014-15 Charles Mitchell Mr. Fisk 2015-16 Onajh Porter Mr. Fisk 2016-17 Jasper Fulcher Mr. Fisk 2017-18 Dwayne Mitchell Mr. Fisk 2018-19 Allen J. Christian Mr. Fisk 2019-20 Shakir Crews, Jr. No Mr. Fisk Elected for 2020-2021 Mr. Fisk 2021-22 Terrence Lamont Bearden, Jr. Mr Fisk 2022-23 Reece Porter Williams

Note of Thanks MISTER FISK UNIVERSITY

Four years ago, I would have never imagined being where I am. Attending Fisk University was never a plan, but right now, in this moment, I believe it was destiny.

In October 2019, I attended an open house at Fisk University, where I met DeJah Beasley, a previous Miss Fisk University. I will never forget telling her I was choosing another university and her responding, “Oh, you’re coming to Fisk.” I believe that is what put my path into motion. Coming into college, I always knew I wanted to make an impact on my campus and step outside my shell. Becoming a member of the Royal Court was just the opportunity I needed to mold myself into the man I am today. To the Regal Royals, The Radiant Royals, and Ms. Grissom, thank you for providing me with the foundation to serve as a leader on this campus. To the Regal Renaissance, thank you for letting me serve as you all’s Mister. You have taught me patience and adaptability, all while providing me with non-stop laughter and friendship. To my Miss Fisk, thank you for being a shoulder to lean on and always being an open ear. To the Fisk University Student body, thank you for entrusting me with this position and always showing love and support. To my friends and campaign team, I love you all so much, and without you all, I wouldn’t have had the belief in myself to even pursue this position. To my family, the alums of Fisk University, the alums of Cheyney University, the Delta Pi chapter and DMV alumni chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the ladies of the Fine Pi chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the local businesses of Nashville, TN, thank you for supporting my campaign financially. I would not have been able to accomplish anything without your all’s support. And last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my parents. Mom, I’m so proud to be able to call myself your legacy, and I hope I have made you proud in not only attending your Alma mater but also assuming the corresponding position of the title you ran for in 1995. I will forever be grateful for Fisk University, strengthening our bond as mother and son. Dad, all of the Facebook posts do not go unnoticed. Your display of pride for me as your son has been a motivational factor in my life that I sincerely appreciate. I love you both so much and hope to continue to make you all proud.

Thank you,

Emanuel Lawton, Jr. 46TH MISTER FISK UNIVERSITY 2023-2024

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Note of Thanks MISS FISK UNIVERSITY

When reflecting on my journey of matriculation through Fisk University, I can't help but be thankful that I found my home away from home at this illustrious institution. My love for this institution came way before I was even enrolled, beginning during my junior year in high school; it felt as though seeing Fisk was like love at first sight. As a first-generation college student, I constantly hoped that I would find the university that was just right for me. I searched high and low, and after being accepted into twenty different universities, none came close to the feeling Fisk University gave and continues to give me. To Fisk University, thank you for giving me a chance to further my education, gain leadership skills imperative to my success, and for allowing me to cross paths with some of the greatest people I've ever met. It is a true honor to be a daughter ever on the altar attending the Black Ivy League. To follow in the footsteps of countless notable alums, all while watching history be made through the Fisk Jubilee Singers and the Fisk University Gymnastics team. Thank you will never be enough to convey how appreciative I am that Fisk University took a chance on me. To my Fisk Family, y'all are my biggest supporters, my shoulders to cry on in times of sadness, my crutches to stand on when I need motivation. There has truly never been a time where I have fallen, and my Fisk Family wasn't there to catch me. Every single student, alum, professor, faculty, staff, and administrator has poured into me in some way, shape, or form, and for that, I will forever be indebted to you all. To my biological family, my closest friends, and former instructors, thank you for believing in me and constantly pushing me to go after any and everything I put my heart and mind to. I specifically want to recognize my mother, LaSheika Jones. You not only gave me life, but you gave me purpose. When I think about the woman I aspire to be, you are the first and only thing that comes to mind. Your sacrifice, wise words of wisdom, warm hugs, and loving kisses are all things I could never and will never take for granted. To my YaYa, you've shown me how to keep God first and constantly taught me that no matter what I go through, I will get through as long as I keep God first.

Throughout all of my trials in life, you have never left my side to all my siblings, especially my younger siblings, BopBop, Keke, and most importantly, the one who made me a big sister, Jala. The biggest blessings of my life stem from all of you. You all are my reasons. When I think of who I do it for, images of all three of you come to mind. To my cousins Brittnay, Stacy, and Chelsea (Nick, Brittney), without you all, I wouldn't have made it through college, and I genuinely mean that. Since I stepped foot in Nashville, y'all took me in, gave me a safe space to eat and do work, and offered stress relief when it felt like my world was crashing down. Finally, to my dad, Dion Robinson, it is an honor to share the same flesh and blood of such a brave, strong gogetter like you. Daddy, you have never missed a beat in my life, and even when you weren't there physically, I felt your support from near and far. I cherish our connection and am thankful to have you as a parent. To Erin, thank you for loving me out loud.

You are my best friend, biggest cheerleader, and number one supporter. I will always love Fisk for giving me you. To my advisors, Dr. Leslie Collins and Miss Katara Grissom, thank you all for constantly motivating me, supporting me, and being here for me. You two are literally my school moms, and whether y'all know it or not, y'all kept me going during my darkest times. To Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Thank you for accepting me into such a marvelous sisterhood full of leadership and learning.

Yall paved the way for me. I would especially like to acknowledge Carsyn, Kellee, Brittney, and Diamond for embodying the qualities of true Sigma women and passing down those great aspects to me. To my campaign team, Reigning with Riddle could not have been possible if it wasn't for you all. All of your hard work never goes unnoticed. To the Regal Royals, led by the 86th Miss Fisk University, Taylor Woodard, and the 44th Mr. Fisk University, Terrence Bearden. Thank you all for being my family, for pouring into me, and for giving me a safe space to be led by the absolute best. To the Regal Renaissance, my court, my backbones, it is a true honor and privilege to serve as your Miss Fisk University. Our laughs, inside jokes, and comforting words are something I will cherish long after my reign is over. I am proud of each of you, and to say I love you all is an understatement.

To MY Mr. Fisk, Emanuel, to know you is to love you. You are the yin to my yang, the very person that keeps me sane in this role. I am in awe of your growth and so thankful that two years after being Mr. and Miss Sophomore, we could be reunited at the thrown again. My head may tilt, but I know my crown will never fall because you have been there and always will be there to catch it. Lastly, I want to especially acknowledge my Nanny, who couldn't be here today physically, but I know she's smiling down spiritually. The number 88 is so significant to me because it marked the end of your story but the beginning of a new chapter in mine. I am grateful to uphold your legacy, and every time I put my sash and crown on, I do it for you. Nanny, I carry you with me every single day, and not a single second passes by when I don't think of you—the truest definition of an amazing woman who showed me the purest form of love. I pray I'm making you as proud as you made me; without you, there would be no me. And because of you, I will continuously strive to do and be the best that I can, all for you. I thank God he allowed me to experience you in lively form, and I thank God for everything I'll experience in honor and remembrance of you. Forever 88.

With love,

Aaliyah Riddle 88TH MISS FISK UNIVERSITY

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THE REGAL RENAISSANC 2023-2024

ROYA

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