Black college students are finally getting their chance to shine on reality television.
Edmonds Entertainment is currently taping an untitled pilot presentation for Black Entertainment Television network that will showcase the lives of eight students on Southern University’s campus.
“The presentation will look inside the life of students and show the drama, fun and stress of the black college experience,” said Linda Denton, a representative of Edmonds Entertainment.
“Everyone is interested in seeing reality shows and they are even more interested in seeing it from a black perspective,” said Denton.
On April 10 & 11, Edmonds Entertainment appeared on campus and received over 200 applications and photos from various students. The applications and photos were then taken to Los Angeles and further reviewed. Questionnaires asked about their first sexual experience, most embarrassing moments, what organizations were they affiliated with and other personal information.
After review, 50 students were chosen for further consideration. Those 50 were called in for numerous interviews and eight students, four males and females, were finally chosen.
Avery Wilson, a senior political science major from Baton Rouge, is a SU cheerleader and was the 2001-02 former Student Government Association president.
Kevin Mack, a junior sociology major from Los Angeles, is a member of Southern University’s football team.
Junior Charles Moon economics major from Atlanta and is the opinions editor for The Southern DIGEST and a member of the track team.
Delano Mitchel is a junior mass communications major from Houma.
SU cheerleader Nina Moch is a junior marketing and biology major from Shreveport.
Amanda Wright a senior political science major from Oakland, Calif.
Kera Duke is a sophomore business major from Portland, Ore. and is member of the tennis team.
Shalondrea Davis, a freshman from Shreveport majoring in elementary education,currently holds the office as freshman class senator.
Taping began last Monday and will continue for the next four weeks.
“Southern University was a good choice. We can finally see ourselves being promoted by professionals in a positive light,” said Jermaine Gardner, a junior business management major from Baton Rouge.
All the footage taken will be compiled into a 22-minute presentation and BET executives will decide if the taped pilot should run as a series.
If chosen, Edmonds Entertainment will revisit Southern University and begin taping next semester for a series.
