The Coronation of Mr and Ms Black LSU

Written & Edited by Charles James IV

Ambition. Perseverance. Black excellence.

The titles of Mr and Ms Black LSU can be defined as many things. These titles are the culmination of different people that all strive towards the same goal.

“Carrying out the action of serving others, of leading others in a non-selfish way,” said Tsenre Gray.

“Loving your community and striving for the advancement of the black community on campus,” said Alexis White.

On November 22, 2024, Tsenre Gray and Alexis White were crowned Mr and Ms Black LSU at the BSU Black Excellence Ball. This coronation served as a testament to two pillars of a thriving black community amidst a PWI. White described this victory as the “culmination of black warriors” establishing themselves at LSU.

White was both excited and nervous. She was everywhere leading up to the moment of truth. As fate would have it, she was beside Gray as the time came. She welled with pride, not only in herself, but in the love and support she had received.

“I was overcome with the love that people showed me the entire week,” she said.

For White, this was many years in the making. The lineage of Ms Black LSU for the last three years all began with three friends. Her sorority sister, Bailey Walker, was crowned Ms Black LSU in 2022. Walker and White are proud members of the Iota Theta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. The following year, White’s roommate, Nyla Rodgers, was crowned next in line in 2023. Now, White dawns the crown herself.

Gray also carries on a legacy, succeeding his fraternity brother Byron Hansley Jr. Halsey was crowned the year prior. Hansley and Gray are proud members of the Iota Tau chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Now, Halsey passes the torch to Gray to take up the mantle of Mr Black LSU.

Gray was brought up with an appreciation for the community around him. Everything was about leaning on each other and providing for each other. He takes pride in serving with the Salvation Army to collect food and participating in clothing drives to provide for others in the same manner.

His trials built a resilience in him. It was a strength that carried him forward. Gray has maintained an acute understanding of the standard he sets for the youth around him. An example of how to keep a bright smile in every moment; especially in the times it is hardest to.

“It’s pretty cool just giving back to them,” Gray said. “They look at you as a reflection of who they want to be.”

Above all, Gray gives thanks to his mother. She was the constant foundation for his development. Her passion and determination to always find a way have been instilled within him. There was but one heartfelt message to say to her.

“I'm grateful and I love you mom,” he said.

White explained that the people you surround yourself with instill values in you. Just as iron sharpens iron, people empower people. Her friends were her upholding force. The ones who set her heart at ease when she was overwhelmed and imbued her with confidence to succeed.

“I am nothing without the ppl that supported me,” she said. “They deserve the award as much as me, it's their award as well.”

Gray and White seek to unify and expand black community following their coronation. The community’s presence has grown, yet there is always another level to reach. White emphasized that the black community must avoid division diminishing presence. The various organizations must come together as a monolith. As a community, we must further the community.