ITTA BENA, Miss— Mississippi Valley State University joined students, professors, business people, religious leaders and other groups from across the state to pray for the governor as well as state, municipal and county elected officials during the 2018 Governor’s Leadership Prayer and Luncheon Summit.
MVSU’s Office of Student Leadership and Engagement traveled with 17 MVSU students to Jackson for the unique event, sponsored by Mission Mississippi.
During the event, MVSU students had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion about issues related to race and barriers that may prevent race reconciliation.
MVSU sophomore Crimson Driver served as a program participant, leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Andrea Byrd, a freshmen Sociology major from Chicago, said the experience was an eye-opening opportunity.
“I think the experience was overall enlightening,” she said. The event promoted diversity and unity—especially in a time where unity is lacking. I liked that the event had a clear mission and motive.”
As an international student, MVSU junior Business Administration major Milovan Topalovic of Serbia said the event was very insightful.
“Being a part of Governor’s Leadership and Prayer Luncheon was a huge opportunity to learn and listen to different opinions from various people,” he said
Topalovic explained how he believes America can heal racial issues.
“The opinions shared during the luncheon were all related to God, and He is the only true connection among people no matter what color you are. If we want to stop racial issues and separation, we all need to look to God,” he added.
Other MVSU students attending the event were: Jerrel Horner, Jerome Rogers, Deveon Treadway, Jameria Hampton, Bremi Caulton, Lyric Nolden, Rachel Lewis, Chastity Black, Eva Zongo, Cortney Bibbs, Chelsea Washington and Janice Citchens. They were joined by Director of Student Leadership and Engagement Pamela Hilton and Interim Vice-President of Advancement Dameon Shaw.