ITTA BENA, Miss.— Mr. and Miss Mississippi Valley State University 2018-19 Tony Holland and Stormy Green recently attended the 17th Annual HBCU Leadership Conference in New Orleans.
The MVSU student leaders traveled to the Crescent City for the leadership conference, designed to provide helpful information, support and resources for newly elected kings and queens as they prepare for their upcoming reigns.
In addition to networking with kings and queens from other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Holland and Green had the opportunity to listen to presentations from trained professionals on a variety of topics, including articulation, stage presence, etiquette, confidence, and professionalism.
“This conference benefited me in numerous ways,” said Green. “As a newly elected queen, I received a great deal of insight on how to begin my reign. They provided us with tips on how to dress and speak properly, how to lead someone in our respective positions and even correct table etiquette.”
Holland said that attending the conference was a great new experience for him.
“I had the opportunity to meet and connect with kings and queens from HBCUs all over the country,” said Holland.
“As kings, most of us faced many of the same issues. I networked and made a lasting bond with a multitude of young men. This conference gave me a group of new friends I can relate to on multiple levels despite our demographics, and I appreciate the opportunity to represent on behalf of MVSU,” he added.
Green said the presenters were good and a few of them left a lasting impression on her and helped her to learn a lot about herself.
“I was enlightened on how to be a leader within myself and emit that into someone else. Not only did we learn from the speakers, but we also learned from other HBCU kings and queens. We had the opportunity to understand and get to know each other on a deeper level,” said Green.
The Leadership for Queens conference was created in 2002 by Dale Williams. The Kings Konnection, established by Anthony Jones, was created in 2005 and joined forces with Leadership for Queens.
To learn more about the conference, visit www.hbcukingsandqueens.com