The Griffon News

The first-ever Black Heritage Ball was held at Missouri Western Feb. 2 to begin Black History Month, followed by the annual Drum Major for Justice award ceremony.Approximately 60 people were in attendance at the ball, including President Jim Scanlon and his wife.  President Scanlon had one word to describe the event: ìInspiring.î This formal event showed Missouri Western students in a whole new light. Stacie Middlebrook, coordinator for the Center for Multicultural Education said, ìThis event is formal to show African American students at their best, also to see them in a greater light.î  The ball was filled with talent from Missouri Western students such as the singing group Reign, which was comprised of Clifton Crump, Leah Davis, Cara Humphrey, Christina Williams, Edward Perry, Thuston Packnett and Brandon Louis.  Other students included Shandalyn Jackson with piano and voice, and spoken word with Grant Williams and Jason Beach.  Keynote speaker Steve Birdine was impressed by the student performances. ìThere were outstanding talents brought to the table, and thanks all who put the program together,î Birdine said. Birdine, the national president of Iota Phi Theta fraternity, gave a powerful message to both students and staff.  While talking about affirmation action he told students to ìTreat life like a heavyweight fight. Always protect yourself.î  Birdine closed his lecture encouraging students to follow their own paths.  ìNinety-nine percent of people will live their lives as a clone of someone else, but we were all born as an original.î  The final event of the evening was the Drum Major for Justice Award. This award was given to one student, one Missouri Western staff member and one community member. The winner of the student award was Jasmine Pasley, senior and president of the Missouri Western chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  ìIím happy that the event was held on campus and is positive that it will not be the last,î Pasley said. Winner of the staff award was Michael Speros, director of residential life and the academic adviser for the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB). ìI liked the program, especially when the speaker talked about how you can determine if your day is going to be successful or not, and is proud that the president of the university came out to support the students, which really meant a lot to the school and the students,î Speros said. Lastly the community award was giving to Missouri Western alum LaVell Rucker, teacher for the St. Joseph School District.  ìItís very inspiring to see Missouri Western students exhibiting their talents,î Rucker said. ìIt makes me want to get them in our high schools to encourage our youth to do better.î