The Arkansas State University Black Student Association (BSA) hosted its crowning ceremony for “Mr. and Miss BSA” for the second consecutive year. 

The titles were awarded to Will Glass for Mr. BSA and Aleecia Evans for Miss BSA.

The event, marketed as an “unforgettable night of elegance, culture and celebration” took place in the auditorium of the Reng Student Union at 6:00 p.m. on Sept. 20. 

“Mr. and Miss BSA is a campaign for our Black students on campus,” said Cabrina Pope, vice president of BSA.“It’s a chance to give them an opportunity to showcase what they’ve done in the community, how they help the community as well as giving them a platform to continue that support.”

Five students ran for the titles, with three women running for Miss BSA and two men for Mr. BSA. The competition took place over the past month as the candidates promoted their campaigns and mission statements on their personal social media platforms, primarily Instagram. 

Voters sent $1 to the BSA CashApp account to cast their vote for their favorite candidate.

Pope, a junior marketing major from Little Rock, said due to technical difficulties with CashApp, the original date for the opening ceremony, Sept. 13, was postponed. She said she nevertheless hoped for a good turnout. 

“We’ve gotten a lot of votes coming in for them, so hopefully they have their support here for them,” Pope said. “And I hope that whoever’s crowned is happy and ready.”

Glass, a senior strategic communications major from Jonesboro, said he was excited to be crowned for his new title in BSA.

“It’s just a breath of fresh air to know that I am Mr. BSA,” Glass said.

Glass’ mission focused on ensuring Black students at A-State feel seen. 

“Especially with us being a minority here, it’s just important that we stay true to ourselves and the sky is the limit,” Glass said. “I wasn’t really very confident in myself to do this and I stepped out of my comfort zone and that just proved to me that anything is possible.”

Additionally, Glass said he is running for A-State’s Homecoming King. 

Evans, a senior nursing major from Little Rock and winner of Miss BSA, said her mission statement is to celebrate Black culture and accomplishments. Highlighting the value of education, self-assurance and social consciousness in society and the A-State community.

“The community we have in BSA, while being in a predominately white institution, is kind of intimidating sometimes, but I feel like we have the opportunity to do what we can to cultivate and bring people on campus together,” Evans said.

Evans said she always wanted to represent what BSA has done for her, noting that the organization encouraged her to step out of her shell. This motivation led her to run for Miss BSA.  

“I’m excited; I didn’t expect to win,” Evans said. “I’m glad I was able to meet the expectations and be someone who can represent BSA for a full year, I’m really grateful.”

Following the crowning ceremony, BSA held an informational session for its upcoming event, “Miss Essence,” a pageant that will allow contestants to showcase their talents for a chance to win a scholarship.

“BSA has some big things planned this year and I am super excited,” Pope said. “I hope everyone comes out to support!”

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