by Dominique M., Assistant Editor-in-Chief Black History Month is finally here on our campus and the lengthy list of events that are lined up seem sure not to disappoint. One of these events that I had the pleasure of attending today, was “Adjust Your Crown” hosted by the Honors College. They invited our current Homecoming Queen and Brock Scholar, Kalah Vance and current Miss Black USA, Daphne Lee. The event discussed the importance of using your platform to advocate for others who may not have the same ability. Additionally, the interactions between the two queens during the program stemmed around body image in the Black community and being an effective advocate despite your status.
“Advocacy is part of my career because I’m a Black women, but I am also a ballerina,” said Daphne Lee. “I’m always trying to use advocacy through the arts and now I am able to use my platform as Miss Black USA to further accomplish my goals for advocacy.” Vance asked Lee questions about her involvement in dance and how she got her start in pageantry. Lee expressed how her main rationale for getting involved in pageants was to win scholarship money, but it turned into so much more for her. She has been able to teach young black girls that they truly can do anything through the barriers that she has knocked down thus far. These barriers include dismantling the stereotypical white, skinny, ballerina. Vance depicted how she too has used her platform to advocate for the UTC student body, particularly in trying to show how self-confidence is key. “I feel like people consider Homecoming Queen as a popularity contest, but I don’t see it that way,” said Kalah Vance. “I see my peers allowing me to advocate for them and in this position you have to make sure you’re advocating on behalf of their desires and wants, so you won’t let them down.” Both ladies recognized their privilege in their respective titles and the amazing work that they have been able to do because of it. But, they also agreed that you don’t need a title to advocate for anyone. The first step is checking your resources and networking with other people. With it being Black History Month, it is important to keep in mind the drive and determination of those who we recognize this month for. Pursuing advocacy work for those who are less fortunate than you will always be a good representation of continuing this movement.
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March 2018
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