Students gathered in hushed voices on the steps of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union in anticipation of the annoucement of the new Southern Univesity student leaders and referendums.
Dominique Diamond was elected as the 2015-16 SGA President, while JaMya MaGee was appointed the title of Miss Southern. Zana Harris became President of the Association for Women Students, and Tiara Johnson and Corinne Vaughn took Miss Sophomore and Miss Junior respectively.
Of the five proposed referendums, four were passed including adding three dollars to to the Gold ‘n’ Bluez Dance Team fee, increasing the Jaguar Ambassadors fee from one dollar to three, increasing the Human Jukebox fee from five to 10 dollars, and the creation of the 20 for 20 fee. The only unapproved referendum was that of increasing the amount of the fee for the cheer team.
To showcase candidates’ platforms and views, the SU Revue and Debate was held in the F.G. Clark Activity Center on April 16.
While the pageant highlighted beauty and grace, the debate focused on the platforms of candidates, and their idea for the SUBR campus during their terms. The panel of judges presenting questions to the candidates was made up of: Jemiela Castleberry, former Miss Junior (2011-12) and Association for Women Students President (2012-13), Shantrice Hurst, Miss SU (2000-01), Twyana Cain, Advisor to Miss Southern University (2014-15), Willie McCorkle, III SGA President (2012-13), Justin McCorkle, SGA President (2005-06), Jason Hughes, Former SGA Treasurer, Chief of Staff and Senior Senator, and Lauren Johnson, current Editor-In-Chief of the Southern Digest.
Amongst other questions asked, the panelists asked the candidates running for SGA President what they would do in regards to campus security. Candidate Lawrence Williams responded with his plans to have an open door policy while in office, saying,
“I plan on having my office door open, so any student can speak to me.”
Williams’ opponent Dominique Diamond shared a moment where he physically ended a situation of violence on campus, and also explained his plan to hold seminars that would allow for interaction between students and the Southern University Police Department.
The panel went on to inquire whether or not the presidential candidates were in attendance at the Statewide Higher Education Demonstration. Neither were, but for different reasons.
Before the candidates could answer the crowd responded with displeasure, and “booing”, many commented saying “that’s Shade.”
“I had class,” explained Diamond, who also cited campaigning as another reason for his absence. Diamond added that he has plans to attend another demonstration as well. Williams also attributed his lack of presence to campaigning.
The candidates were also asked what were the current referendums, and their stance on them. Diamond recalled two of the five regarding increasing fees for cheerleaders and the Gold n’ Bluez, and said he was in favor of them all.
“These groups support the university, we should support them,” said Diamond.
Williams recalled four of the five and was also in support, as he feels the referendums will offer equal opportunity to all students.
Being the last question asked, next was the opportunity for the Miss Southern candidates to answer questions by the panel.
When asked to describe themselves with three words and what made them a better choice than their candidate both responded in an uncompetitive manner.
The event ended with the last walk of the 2014-2015 Miss Southern, Shanice Sam.
Newly elected Miss Southern University JaMya Magee is overwhelmed with emotion after hearing the 2015 election results outside of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.
