On Tuesday, February 13th, Alcorn State University (ASU) celebrated ‘Purple and Gold Day 2024’ at the Mississippi State Capitol Building in Jackson, Mississippi. Members of the Royal Court, Student Government Association (SGA), alumni, faculty and staff gathered for the event.
The occasion began with a welcome to the building by Dr. Marcus Ward, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at ASU. Alcorn’s Legislative Liaisons and Student Leaders introduced themselves and acknowledged the purpose of the event which was to make legislators aware of the specific needs of the University to have it to continue functioning as a top tier institution.
The event was also used as a tool to promote the many successes of the University and to recruit new students. Dennis Stevenson, a representative of ASU, set up a table where he handed out pamphlets which included information on the requirements Freshman and Transfer students needed to apply to the University.
Another momentous event happening during ‘Purple and Gold Day 2024’ was the acknowledgement of Representative Alyce Clarke, who is an alumna of ASU. Clarke made history as the first black woman elected to the Mississippi Legislature, and she served 39 years in her position before deciding to retire. She was honored with a painting of herself being unveiled at the event as well as the hanging of the painting in the room where the House Education Committee conducts their meetings.
Class of 2027 Miss Freshman Erin Nichols and Mister Freshman Antoine Johnson Jr. shared their thoughts about the event. “I am elated that we were given the opportunity to visit the State Capitol and that we had a chance to advocate for the needs of our school,” Nichols stated. Johnson shared, “I felt that this was a great opportunity to make change on behalf of my peers that could not attend. This change will not only affect us, but Alcorn as a whole.”