Black Student Movement crowns Mr. and Miss -

Vote caps off this year’s BSM Week

Black Student Movement Week culminated Saturday evening, but group president B’anca Glenn said she hopes last week’s events were just the beginning of a strong presence on campus this year.

Glenn said participation on BSM Pride Day and in the election for Mr. and Miss BSM were signs of progress.

More than 100 students, several clad in supportive T-shirts, gathered in the Pit on Friday for free cake and entertainment in honor of BSM Pride Day.

“We want to put BSM out there and let people know we’re up and moving this year,” Glenn said.

Mr. and Miss BSM usually enter the Homecoming King and Queen competition, often winning. Glenn said that tradition isn’t changing.

But last year’s Homecoming election was a departure from that trend. The two white students, Jeremy Crouthamel and Meredith Martindale, who won the election were not affiliated with BSM.

The organization struggled to get members out to the polls, which some members saw as a sign of dwindling participation from members.

Stronger student involvement in BSM, which could help win a Homecoming election, is what Glenn said she’s aiming for this year.

On Friday, 181 members cast their votes online for Mr. and Miss BSM.

The number, almost half of BSM members, was an increase from last year.

“It’s exciting to see who will win Miss and Mr. BSM because that’s when we’ll get the ball rolling,” said freshman Tia Davis, who joined the BSM after her second week at UNC.

Mr. and Miss BSM are chosen annually based on service project platforms they work on throughout the year.

Krista Stepney, who was crowned Miss BSM on Saturday, plans to provide donations and education to lower-income schools.

Lorenzo Hopper, who wants to explore identity and diversity issues on campus, was crowned Mr. BSM.

“I think they’re both strong candidates, and their projects are very well-developed,” Glenn said.

Davis said she plans to get further involved with the BSM.

“It has so much to offer everyone,” she said. “I find a lot of comfort in that.”

She noted that members come from diverse backgrounds, but BSM unifies them.

“We culturally share the same value system, which is to preserve black culture in this country and share it with the community.”

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.