Historically Black colleges and universities have developed their own version of a monarchy. As students are named kings, queens, misters and misses of organizations, classes or schools themselves, the question arises of what these titles mean.
Sierra Conyers, a junior nursing student holding the title of Miss Gold for the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Morgan State University for the 2026-2027 school year, acknowledged these roles may come with pressure because there is a certain expectation that is to be upheld.
“You’re the face of an organization, you always want to represent yourself well, but now you’re carrying something bigger than you,” Conyers said.
Naomi Madison, a junior political science student who holds the title of Miss Phi Beta Sigma for the Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. at Morgan State University for the 2026-2027 school year, had different thoughts than Conyers regarding the pressure of their roles.
“It’s not the student body, it’s the Misses who came before you. It’s really easy to compare yourself to the lineage,” Madison said.
Both Madison and Conyers’ roles are designed to reach the female population of Morgan State University. Since they are representing fraternities, it is important for these organizations to promote inclusion.
By hosting engaging female-geared events and offering counsel to those in need, Madison and Conyers showcase that these fraternities are more than a brotherhood, but a community.
Both students revealed that although these titles hold expectations and pressure, they would not change it for the world.
Madison stated that a member of the Gamma Chapter actually inspired her to run for their royal court, stating “we weren’t the closest, but when I needed him, he was there. I felt like that was reflective of the chapter as a whole.”
Conyers got close with her pageant sisters when she was running, also doing things that she didn’t do before.
“I wasn’t super girly before the pageant process, I didn’t know how to walk in heels,” Conyers said. “It made me stand out a little more.”
Both students came to Morgan with hopes of finding a community. Running for royal court positions not only gave them that hope, but Madison and Conyer can now spread that hope to other students who may want to run for a position.
“Just do it. Even if you don’t win, you’re putting yourself out there,” Conyers said.
“You’re enough,” Madison said. “We get caught up in proving ourselves, we forget to enjoy the experience as a whole.”