October 3, 2014 we crowned this year’s Mr. Pirate in the annual Mr. Pirate Pageant Competition. I got the chance to go behind the scenes on the day of dress rehearsal to talk with the contestants, observe the flow of the pageant in its final stages before showtime, and witness the roles of those that put the show together. Hampton’s Mr. Pirate Pageant plays a vital role in the tapestry of Hampton University history. After an application process, every year, a male student, usually a senior who well represents the entire student body is chosen by judges to stand at Ms. Hampton’s side in the royal court. This court consists of elected class attendants. Each class has a Mr., like Mr. Sophomore and a Ms., like Ms. Sophomore Attendant and at the top of the court are Mr. Pirate and Ms. Hampton.
The Hampton royal court’s job is to assist in creating community service activities and initiatives, representing the University at events, and many other important duties. The 8 contestants answered some questions for me as they practiced for the first time with their outfits, props, and backup talent. Of course, like any other event at Hampton, we have to put our flavor in all events. Current music, fashionable outfits, and unique and sexy choreography all play a vital part in the show. With a plethora of talents and personalities, the Mr. Pirate competition is a tough nut to crack.
We talked with some of the Mr. Pirate planners to hear what they had to say. Sophomore Diamond Robinson from Richmond, VA said, “The experience has been fun. I’ve met a lot of people and gotten close with them. I’ve enjoyed seeing the contestants evolve and I’ve formed strong relationships with them.” Junior Chandler Taylor from Los Angeles, CA said the same, mentioning that all the contestants have truly grown into people we can be proud to call Mr. Pirate. One thing is for certain from just observing the contestants, they are definitely all confident in themselves but they have remained humble which is a true characteristic of a Hampton Man.
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Contestant 1
Name: Julius Nash
Classification: Senior
Major: Business Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
What made you want to do the Mr. Pirate Pageant?
Since freshman year because my big bro did it and lost. It’s sort of like I’m avenging his name. I want to bring home the title.
What’s your favorite Hampton turn up?
Definitely 12-2, everybody comes out and you get to stunt on the student body.
What do you look for in a Ms. Hampton?
That’s a good question. Ms. Hampton should be someone with a great reputation. She should be outgoing, articulate, and she should be fair.
WCW?
Definitely, Keke Palmer.
What would you say was your best fundraising strategy for the competition?
I sold brownies. I’ve made a lot off of that!
Contestant 2- Our Mr. Green and Black 2014-2015
Name: Brandon Theo Dorsey
Classification: Senior
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Minor: Leadership Studies
Hometown: MO City, TX
Would you say you’re a sneaker or loafer kind of guy?
Loafer guy, I don’t even get sneakers. I don’t wait in line.
What’s your definition of a “Hampton Man”?
A man who not only has high standards for himself but also for the woman he wants to be with.
How has your Mr. Pirate experience been?
It’s a fun pageant. I love the loose environment. We joke around a lot and we’re very competitive. We’re definitely like a brotherhood of better men.
What would you say your favorite Hampton Turn Up is?
I’d have to say the Trill HU Kickbacks. That’s South West Pre-Alumni Council’s time to grow close.
What was your best fundraising strategy?
Well really all I had to do was walk around with my jar that was made for me. People just saw it and decided to give me money, it advertised itself.
Who’s your favorite contestant besides yourself?
Well me and JRoc been rockin since freshmen year so that’s my bro for real.
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Contestant 3
Name: Andrew D. Williams
Classification: Senior
Major: Biology Major
Hometown: Macon, GA
Would you say you’re a sneaker or loafer kind of guy?
Loafer guy.
WCW?
“A…….S.” You know who you are!
What’s your motto?
“Who is greatest amongst you shall be chief servant.”- MLK Jr.
Are you having fun in the pageant?
I’ve been enjoying my time preparing for the pageant. The contestant I hate the most is Theo because he keeps on trying me!
Cafe or Student Center Food Court?
The Cafe because it’s free!
Contestant 4
Name: Darryl Watson, Jr aka DJ
Classification: Senior
Major: Business Management
Hometown: Chesapeake, VA
WCW?
Meagan Good, she fire!
What’s your favorite Hampton week?
Well it’s going to be senior week!
What made you want to do the Mr. Pirate Pageant?
I wanted to challenge myself.
Would you say you’re a sneaker or loafer kind of guy?
Sneaker, I’m tip-toeing in my Jordans!
What’s your favorite part of the pageant?
The competition for sure, I’m a competitive person!
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Contestant 5
Name: Valen Lopez
Classification: Senior
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Valdosta, GA
Who do you think a Mr. Pirate should be?
A role model for all males on campus and a backbone for Ms. Hampton.
WCW?
My mama.
Sneaker or loafer type of guy?
Loafer type of guy, I used to like sneakers but now I’m Hamptonized.
Favorite Hampton Turn Up?
The Cabs. You get to flex on em for the one time.
What do you look for in a Ms. Hampton?
She should have poise, positive attitude, beautiful and she should be intellectual.
Contestant 6
Name: Jamaal Grant aka JRoc
Classification: Senior
Major: Marketing Major
Hometown:Chicago, IL
What’s your motto?
Have you not heard word is my bond and bond is life? And I’d rather give my life before my word ever fails.
WCW?
Erykah Badu. She’s beautiful, revolutionary, and she has nice assets.
What made you want to do the Mr. Pirate Pageant?
I feel like it’s a challenge and because I represent the student body. I’m not Greek or nothing but a lot of people know and respect me.
Sneakers or Loafers?
Loafers, I used to like sneakers, but I’m growing up.
Who’s your favorite contestant other than yourself?
Theo, we definitely grew up together at Hampton ever since Harkness Hall freshman year.
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Contestant 7 – Our Mr. Pirate 2014-2015
Name: John Collier
Clasification: Senior
Major: Comprehensive Art
Hometown: Detroit, MI
What made you want to do the Mr. Pirate Pageant?
Hampton has been good to me as a student, person, and young black man in America. And now I want to give back to Hampton by showing the love and support they give me.
What’s your motto?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13
Caf of Stu Food Court?
Wooo… Caf. Meal Plan!
What’s should a “Hampton Man” be in one word?
Gentleman.
Sneakers or Loafers?
Loafers, my grandma never gave me J’s but always gave me dress shoes.
Contestant 8 – Our Mr. Ogre Phi Ogre 2014-2015
Name: Terrell Snead
Classification: Senior
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
What’s your definition of a “Hampton Man?”
A Hampton man should first and foremost respect women and values his education. He should also be someone who can be successful at not just HBCU’s but in any environment.
Favorite HU Turn Up?
12-2 for sure.
Favorite movie?
It’s an amazing mob movie with Robert Deniro called Casino.
What was your best fundraising strategy?
My best strategy was comedy. All I did was spark conversation with people and eventually they’d donate.
WCW?
First Lady Meagan Good.
How’d you feel about her nudes being leaked?
I thought it was unfortunate but I don’t judge. We’ve all done things that we’re lucky to not have gotten caught so I can’t judge her.