Dillard University showed that it still knows how to "do it in style" Saturday, March 12 with the Sixth Annual Black Heritage Ball.
The Black Heritage Ball offers Dillard students and faculty a chance to gather and reflect on the accomplishments and gains of the African-American community while also announcing the winners and run-offs of the Student Government Association elections.
The theme of the evening was "Remembering the Harlem Renaissance." Guests were asked to dress in clothing inspired from the 1920s and the program included musical selections from that period. As the program progressed, those in attendance were taken on a trip of an era past that recognized African-American achievements.
The end of the official program concluded with the announcement of the Student Government Association Officers and run-offs. The President of the SGA for 2005-2006 is Cortez Watkins, who has many plans for the upcoming year.
"I am quite ecstatic about my new position and what the year has in store for Dillard," Watkins said. "One motto that I live by is ‘coming together is success, but working together is progress’ so I am looking forward to putting both parts of this motto into action and I welcome all suggestions."
Watkins’ competition, Will Bradford, was not upset by the loss conceding that his faith in a higher power just had plans for him elsewhere.
"I am not disappointed that I didn’t win, if it was in God’s plan for me to win then I would have, but he has something else in store for me," Bradford said.
SGA vice-president candidates Dianna Green and Joshua Thomas will be running off again, and Miss Dillard candidates Monica Sangster and Christy Rose Malbrew will be going head to head. The Secretary position will also have a run-off between Eboni Harris and Tannika Cassan.
The other offices that were filled are: Treasurer Morgan Williams, Parliamentarian Latoya Lewis, Chaplain Jolisa Singletary, On-Campus Representative TeAnna Jones and Off-Campus Representative Joseph Goudeau.
After all the official business at hand was handled, people gathered on the dance floor or went upstairs where a photographer took pictures of the guests and their dates.
"It was a nice event, very dapper, very distinguished," Bradford said.
"It was nice, it was about what I expected, but I would have liked more [people to attend]," said Mahauganee Shaw, Assistant Dean and Director Office of Students Engagement and Leadership.
Dr. Freddye Hill, vice-president of student affairs, expressed that the event stayed true to intentions, but could have used more support from the student body and faculty.
"I think the turnout was good, but it could be better," Hill said. "The theme was good because it had depth and meaning."
