On October 9th at 5:00 pm in the Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Facility Gold Room, Alcorn State University (ASU) held its 2019-2020 Inauguration for the Student Government Association (SGA).
This year’s inauguration is going down in history. This is the first time that Alcorn State University has had an all-female class president cabinet. Miss Senior, Erin Cannon, a Biology Pre-Physical major, stated, “In today’s age we need more women to be in dominant positions. I couldn’t be happier, and this is the perfect time for us as women to shine.”
The ceremony began with an opening speech from Cannon where she stated the mission of the SGA. She mentioned the vital role all SGA members provide for the University. Following her speech, Tazmeir Johnson, Freshman Class President, Janajah Ford, Sophomore Class President, Taea Jackson, Junior Class President, and Tytiana Smith, Senior Class President, stood amongst the crowd and recited their oath. After the class presidents were announced, the Executive Board members were presented which consisted of SGA President, James Herrington, Executive Secretary, Hollie James, Business Manager, Deon Lacey, 1st Vice President, Kenneth Johnson, and 2nd Vice President, Jennifer Mba-Madubuike.
Alcorn’s first female SGA president, Blackmon Sanders, was the key note speaker at the event. She served as SGA president at Alcorn in 1975. She talked about her experience as the first female SGA President and what she expects from the current cabinet. She began her speech by saying, “When I became the first female SGA President I was excited and scared all-in-one because there had never been a female SGA President.” There were four main points she wanted the current SGA Cabinet to take away from her speech. First, she wanted them to understand the importance of their new positions. She stated, “You are now student leaders which means you represent yourself and this University.” Secondly, she mentioned how vital respecting others is. Thirdly, she stated, “Whatever you do, do your best or don’t do anything at all.” Lastly, she talked about how the new school leaders have to be big advocates for ASU. She mentioned how they should be the “biggest recruiters” on campus.
The event ended with a prayer, the Alcorn ode, and light refreshments.