Pomp and pageantry were at the top of the agenda for Howard’s 2024 Royal Coronation on October 13, but at times it just felt like a good, old-fashioned family reunion. As part of Howard Homecoming's 100th Anniversary, dozens of kings and queens representing campus organizations and residence halls paid formal tribute to Mister and Miss Howard, Gregory Allen Jr. and Damaris Grace Moore. The Royal Court, made up of representatives from every school or college and the freshman class, were there to bear witness. But the most memorable aspect of the night of glitz and glamour was the incredible personal praise offered by friends and family of Howard’s preeminent royalty who celebrated, “not just their titles, but who they are as people,” as proclaimed by Student Assembly Executive Coordinator Maia Patterson.

The coronation is the formal installation of the Royal Court and comes after each member engaged in a campaign and was elected by their peers. The legacy of the Court is historic and enduring, as noted in a video shown during the evening which honored past Howard kings and queens. The video’s narrators asserted that every action the king and queen take during their reign has a meaning.  

With each stride, they remind us of the legacy they carry— centuries of struggle and triumph woven into their every step.

“With each stride, they remind us of the legacy they carry— centuries of struggle and triumph woven into their every step,” the narrators insisted. According to the piece, the coronation represents the “boundless potential of Black brilliance” and “the undeniable strength of Black excellence.”

In honor of the new royals, students Iyanna Cort and Roman Neal performed an exquisite dance set to Lauryn Hill’s rendition of “Wild is the Wind,” and Kayazhanna Donaldson serenated the attendees with “Bigger” by Beyonce. Lazarus Brown electrified the crowd by singing “First Began,” by P.J. Morton followed by “Happy Feelings,” by Maze featuring the late, great Frankie Beverly. Members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., performed a step routine in recognition of Allen, their fraternity brother. In addition, the entire Court performed a contemporary waltz choregraphed by Kennedy Coleman, set to “Pretty Wings,” by Maxwell.  

In front of a stage dominated by two larger than life white thrones, hosts Hamid Jalloh and Lauren Folley led off the evening by explaining the purpose of the event and theme of the evening, “A Royal Gala: Honoring the Throne.” It was both a celebration, they said, and a recognition that Bison serve their communities with “enthusiasm and grace.” It was also an occasion for “joy, pageantry and pride,” as Rev. Dr. Bernard L. Richardson (BA '75), dean of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel put it in his opening prayer. Howard University President Ben Vinson III appeared by video, congratulating the Court but reminding them of the responsibility with which they were being charged.

“You embody the spirit of Howard, representing our values, traditions, and our excellence, not just here on campus, but everywhere you go,” Vinson said. “You are serving as ambassadors of Howard’s legacy and tradition. Your commitment to excellence and leadership reflects our motto, ‘in truth and service.’” 

Honored guests for the evening included the Morgan State University Royal Court, the Residence Life Royal Court, and the royal courts of organizations including the Caribbean Students’ Association, NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Chapter, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Chapter’s Mother Pearl Royal Court.

The university’s student leaders were also on hand for the occasion. Howard University Student Association President Jay Jones, Vice President Tariah Hyland, and Patterson reflected upon the Court’s prominence as leaders during “a time such as this.” According to Hyland, this Court embodies the royalty inside of every Howard student, and their reign provides an opportunity to “reflect on the past, live in the present, and work towards the future.”

Patterson gave accolades to Mister and Miss Howard based on her personal relationship with the two. Allen is “not just a businessman. He is an actual business, man,” Patterson argued, vouching for the entrepreneurial and can-do spirit Allen radiates. Allen runs the campus with “passion and purpose,” she said.

Moore “seeks out every opportunity, constantly learning and growing,” according to Patterson. “She has a curiosity about the world that makes her more than just a queen, but a student of life itself.”

Allen is a senior supply chain management major from Stockton, Calif. He constantly aspires to inspire those around him. Professionally, he has made the most of his time at Howard. In addition to launching his barber’s business, he has interned in the commercial real estate, private equity, and technology industries, including employment with Microsoft. As a community servant, he has twice participated in Howard’s nationally acclaimed Alternative Spring Break, served as a youth mentor, and donated free haircuts to children. He has been inducted into the Psi Tau Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity and the Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. “B.R.E.A.T.H.E. Life” was his campaign theme, which stood for “Believe in Renewal, Embody Altruism, Thrive with Hope and Elevate Life.”

Allen’s family reflected on their love for him during a special appearance on stage. His father and mother expressed their pride for him, joking about his rise to prominence, especially given his nonchalance concerning Barack Obama’s election when Allen was a small child.

“Where your feet walk, there is always light,” his father said, adding that “the Lord Jesus Christ is always with you.”

Moore is a Waldorf, MD native who is majoring in advertising with a minor in psychology. Her passions are creativity, self-empowerment, and personal branding. Her campaign platform encouraged each of her fellow students to leverage their “X” factors— their unique personal attributes.  She plans to work to help students build their networks even as they establish their individual distinctiveness. After graduation, she plans to launch a suite of salons. 

Affectionately called, “Miss Damaris Grace, the unforgettable face,” Moore’s virtues were exalted by numerous friends and family members, including her mother, who said that she always knew Moore was a star. 

“You are my masterpiece,” her mother said. 

A highlight of the evening was the opportunity to learn more about the Royal Court, who had time to shine individually. The fourteen leaders exemplify the diversity of the Howard student body members and their forward-looking and experiential approaches to college life.

Mister School of Education Marcus Fields is a junior human development major from Southfield, Mich. An entrepreneur, he founded Marccleans Premium Sneaker Care, which provides sneaker restoration services. His educational efforts include his role as an Americorps member and a teaching fellow with Breakthrough Atlanta, where he taught math and mentored new educators. He also led STEM and cultural activities for junior high school students with the Verizon Innovative Learning Program. His campaign platform centered on creating an environment that promotes innovation through “G.R.I.T.”— “Goal Setting, Intellect, and Technology.”

Miss School of Education Parisia Hutchinson is a senior Honors human development major with a Spanish and maternal and child health double minor from Newburgh, N.Y. She is dedicated to uplifting others by helping them counter imposter syndrome, an issue many Black students encounter wherein they experience self-doubt about their intellect and potential. She is a member of organizations including the Kappa Delta Pi honors society for educators, the National Council of Negro Women, and the Quad City Dance Team.

Mister Cathy Hughes School of Communications Danilo Wrightsell is a senior broadcast journalism major with a psychology minor from Chicago, Ill. Inspired by Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner, his goal is to host a television talk show focused on Black issues and serve as a lead news anchor. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and has interned with WHUR and the Center for Journalism and Democracy. 

Miss Cathy Hughes School of Communications Jada Marie White is a junior broadcast journalism major with a history minor from Atlanta, Ga. She is preparing for a career as a daytime television co-anchor by working as the digital media manager for Howard’s no. 1 student radio station and as an intern with Atlanta’s Fox 5 television station. 

Mister School of Business Ahmad Edwards is a senior supply chain management major from Cleveland, Ohio. He wants to help his peers navigate their academic and professional challenges, as evidenced through his platform theme, “B.A.L.L.E.R.S,” a “Blueprint to Achieving Learning, Leadership, and Experience in Real-World Settings.” He has interned at Apple and Deloitte, serves as the programming director for the Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and is a member of the Society of Collegiate Black Men and the You Lead Male Initiative. 

Miss School of Business Kirsten Plunkett is a junior business management major from Chicago, Ill. Her platform “the G.A.P.S. in Between,” focuses on generational wealth, access and exposure, and peer empowerment. She serves as president of the Iota Rho Chapter of the Delta Sigma Pi co-ed business fraternity. After graduating from Howard, she plans to establish a non-profit organization focused on the college pipeline and author a children’s book encouraging young readers to dream big. 

Mister College of Arts and Sciences Jaimon Washington is a junior interdisciplinary studies major with a concentration in environmental studies with a media, journalism, and film minor from Philadelphia, Pa. He has been involved with the Men of George Washington Carver, Inc. and Models of the Mecca, where he champions inclusivity and self-awareness. His, “This is It,” platform promoted love, joy, and unity and encouraged students to take on leadership roles. 

Miss College of Arts and Sciences Eden Boles is a junior biology major with a chemistry and community health double minor from Little Rock, Ark. She is a Howard University student ambassador, and a member of Howard’s Student Assembly, Pre-Professional Society, Comprehensive Medical Mentoring Program, and Women in Pre-Med. Her platform, “the Crossover,” emphasized collaboration, cultivation, and active initiation made possible through an open campus environment where individuals can explore a variety of interests. She intends to earn her medical degree and master’s degree in public health.

Mister Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Uchenna Ukonu is a sophomore acting major from Atlanta, Ga. He is active in the Georgia Club and the College of Fine Arts Student Council and has interned as a teacher with Alliance Theater in Atlanta. His platform theme was “Just Elevate,” an initiative to ensure that his peers have the professional development, interpersonal artistic connections, and mental support to succeed. He wants to write, produce, and act in productions that highlight the multiple layers of Black culture and also plans to start an acting school

Miss Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Nia Potter is a senior musical theatre major, also from Atlanta. In addition to her membership in the Howard Players and Models of the Mecca, she serves as a drama teacher for elementary school students. She founded “Hooked by Nia,” a luxury crochet clothing brand, and believes that fashion is an outlet for personal expression. She plans to expand her business after graduation in addition to creating a dance company.

Mister College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Kevon Williams is a senior health sciences major from Detroit, Mich. He has shown his dedication to his community through roles such as lead teacher’s assistant at the International Child Care Center. He has also served as equipment manager for Howard’s Bison football team, as a mentor with Jumpstart, and as vice president of membership for the Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Psi Tau chapter. He plans to become a healthcare consultant and establish health education programs. 

Miss College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Asjah Snead is a senior nursing major from Herdon, Va. Her platform, “H.E.A.L. CNAHS” focused on student health, community engagement, campus connections, and excellence. She is very familiar with campus royalty, having served as Miss Residence Life and Miss College Hall South. She serves the community through the Howard 1867 Assistantship Program and plans to serve as a neonatal intensive care nurse after graduation from Howard. 

Mister College of Engineering and Architecture Michael Johnson Jr. is a senior computer science major born in New York and raised in Orlando. He has demonstrated his leadership bona fides during his time at Howard, serving as the president of the university’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. In addition, he mentors younger local students who are interested in engineering studies. His goal is to enter a Ph.D. program and study AI/ machine learning. His platform, “Been ONE,” is designed to ensure that all Howard students can succeed. 

Miss College of Engineering and Architecture Ifetayo Spencer is a senior computer science major from Sacramento, Calif. Her platform was the “CEA WAVE,” which stands for “Working to Achieve our Victories through Excellence” and represents a push to support students’ professional development, wellness, and integration into the Howard family. She has served as the vice president of College Hall South Hall Council and has been heavily engaged in campus activities as a member of the Society of Women Engineers, the Howard University College of Engineering and Architecture Student Council, and Phi Sigma Rho National Sorority. In Sacramento, she is a proud member of the Center of Praise Ministries. Upon graduation, she plans to be a software engineer and start a STEM nonprofit in lower-income communities. 

Mister Freshman, Jaylen Korey Smith, is from Snellville, Ga. The film major served as vice president of his high school’s Student Council and ran for Mister Freshman on a platform called “Everything is Love.” He aimed to place a spotlight on mental health, authenticity, and meaningful connection. He wants to ensure that his fellow freshman have the tools and support to be their truest selves.

Miss Freshman is Renée Grace Nyadu Larbi, who is from London, England by way of Seattle, Wash. She is a finance major who began her leadership career even before arriving at Howard. She served as vice president of the Black Student Union and senior class treasurer at her high school and founded the Seattle chapter of the Junior Economic Club. Her platform was “The Sims: A World of Social Connection, Togetherness, and Family,” which focused on creating a supported, interconnected campus culture. 

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Cynthia Evers, Ed.D., swore in the Court and crowned Mr. and Miss Howard, accompanied by Glen Vinson, assistant vice president of Students and Walter Servance, executive director of campus life. As she did, she acknowledged the hard work and sacrifice they have already put into their work as ambassadors for the university, and predicted greatness in the months to come. As representatives of a student body of more than 12,000, she noted that their job is to exemplify the best of the university’s history and trajectory. 

“Simply put, you exemplify the pride and passion that our campus community shares for this historic university and its most treasured traditions,” Evers said.

• Learn more about the Royal Court here.