Grambling State University held a coronation on Sept. 16 in T.H. Harris Audito- rium. Students, faculty and guests gathered to witness the 2021-22 Royal Court be- ing crowned.
The auditorium was filled with guests, and COVID-19 safety protocols were in place as well. The royal court was introduced at the event centered around the theme, Cin- derella: The Royal Dynasty.
The Royal Court for the 2021-2022 school year is Miss Freshman Doriah McGhee, Ridgeland, Mississippi; Miss Sophomore Madison John- son, Dallas, Texas; Miss Ju- nior K’ya Rogers, Oak Grove, Louisiana; and Miss Senior Darriell Herron, Platte City, Missouri.
The 68th Miss GSU is Faith Daniels. In keeping with the Cin- derella theme of the corona- tion, Daniels was able to have her mother, Dr. Tammy Stat- en-Daniels, Miss GSU 1983-1984, be her Fairy Godmoth- er to present her to the school and crown her as well. Coronation has always been an HBCU tradition that serves as the beginning of the reign of the university’s queens for the school year. Another tradition is always having the previous queen in attendance to pass down the crown to the new Miss GSU.
Ashley Dabney, Miss Grambling State Universi- ty 2020-2021, the 67th Miss GSU, gave her final farewell during the coronation.
“It was such a beautiful coronation with so much en- riched legacy. A lot goes into the sacrifice to get here and to uphold this tradition as being Miss Grambling State Univer- sity.” Dabney said.
Events like coronation are always a significant part of Grambling. Many people make it a priority to make sure they are able to attend and witness such a program that the university takes so much time to plan and coordinate.
The Favrot Student Union Board was responsible for making the event happen. The program included performances by singers and the Orchesis Dance Compa- ny. Grambling’s organization queens were introduced as well, with their organizations escorts.
Miss GSU 2021-2022 Faith Daniels takes a selfie surrounded by her Royal Court.