​​New Miss ASU Crowned During a ‘Night in Harlem’

By Hazel Scott/ASU

Hinesville, Georgia, resident Kendra Angion, a senior majoring in secondary education, was officially crowned the 82nd Miss Alabama State University at Tuesday’s Coronation in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

The in-person event observed the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and ASU’s Covid-19 guidelines, such as social distancing and wearing masks. A Covid-19 negative test or proof of vaccination was required to attend the Coronation. 

The event was live-streamed on Facebook, offering the opportunity for more to be a part of the Coronation.

The glitzy affair, which is part of ASU’s Homecoming Week events, was held under the theme of a “Night in Harlem.” Miss ASU and her court were dressed in The Great Gatsby/Harlem Renaissance-style attire. Some guests got into the spirit and also wore attire reminiscent of the early 1920s fashions.

In keeping with the theme, there were a variety of musical, poetry and dramatic performances that had guests swinging to the sounds of the Harlem beat.

The elegant coronation not only honored Miss ASU, but her Royal Court as well. The outgoing queen, Jasmine Whitehurst, and queens of each campus organization also were acknowledged.

This year’s event looked to the future and introduced Little Miss ASU (Zoe Bullard), Little Miss Hornet (Zari Gary), Little Mr. 1867 (Legend Reed) and  Little Mr. Hornet (Emanuel Moore).

Angion, 21, and her new Royal Court are looking forward to representing ASU for the 2021-22 academic year.

“Tonight means a lot to me. Having people flying in to help me celebrate this occasion is a special feeling. I’m thrilled,” Angion said.  

This is not Angion’s first shining moment. In 2018, she was crowned Miss Freshman.  Three years later, she was elected Miss ASU in the midst of a pandemic.

“I quickly learned how to communicate with, inspire and uplift ASU’s student body via social media and virtual events. The pandemic changed everyone’s plans,” she said.

Part of her royal duties will be focused on pushing her initiative of “Going for the G.O.L.D. (Greatness, Obtain, Leadership, Determination),” which targets health awareness and community initiatives.

ASU President, Dr.  Quinton T. Ross, Jr., shared key moments with the newly crowned queen.

“This is a wonderful occasion. Don’t they (Miss ASU, her Royal Court and their escorts) look wonderful? This evening I have the great pleasure of administering the Oath of Office to Kendra Angion. I know your reign will exceed expectations,” Ross said.

Afterward, he led Angion in the traditional Coronation waltz before allowing her to complete the dance with her father.

A special moment came when Angion was crowned and then adorned with a vivid-hued, embroidered robe with her sorority’s initials, AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated).

Although Angion began honing her leadership skills in high school when she was elected senior class president, she credits ASU for helping her understand exactly how much she is capable of achieving.

“Alabama State gave me the reassurance that I’m capable of accomplishing whatever I want to accomplish. I feel that I can reach my goals and fulfill my dreams because my HBCU told me that I can,” said Angion, whose older sister, Ivana, recently graduated from ASU. 

Angion, who has been on the Dean’s List since her freshman year, also thanked her parents, the Rev. Dr. Stanford and Athenia Angion, for helping her achieve her accomplishments.

Angion’s 2020-21 Royal Court includes:

--Miss Senior, Gabrielle Johnson from Atlanta, Georgia, who is majoring in Biology Pre-Health

--Miss Junior, Aleah Robinson from Birmingham, Alabama, who is majoring in Accounting

--Miss Sophomore, Chavon Brown from Douglasville, Georgia, who is majoring in Biology

--Miss Freshman , Ferrin Lewis from Montgomery, Alabama, who is majoring in Political Science/Criminal  Justice.