Inside MSU’s First Black Prom: Tradition in the Making? | Shine My Crown's Workspace What happens when college students create a space where Black culture, community, leadership, and celebration take center stage? At Michigan State University (MSU), a new campus event may be the beginning of a meaningful tradition. On October 11, 2026, Rising Black Men, a student organization at Michigan State University, hosted the university’s first annual Black Prom at the MSU Union in East Lansing, Michigan. The black-tie event brought students together for an evening of dinner, dancing, formal fashion, and the crowning of the Homecoming court. But beyond the elegant outfits and celebration, the event carried a deeper message about belonging, representation, and building community on campus. Founded in 2017, Rising Black Men focuses on empowering Black male students through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. Its mentorship program connects underclassmen with upperclassmen to help students navigate college life. Although the organization centers much of its work on supporting young Black men, its events welcome the broader student community. The idea for Black Prom first emerged in 2025 under former organization president Myles McGee. After Kenneth “KJ” Nathaniel became president in spring 2026, he revived the proposal and spent approximately seven months helping bring it to life. The inaugural celebration featured dinner, dancing, and the crowning of student Homecoming court winners. Seniors Taniya Perry and Seth Washington were named Homecoming queen and king, respectively, while other students received titles representing their class years. For students, the significance extended beyond one night of dressing up and having fun. African Student Union President Kadiatou Kaba highlighted the importance of creating spaces where Black students, particularly freshmen, can feel welcomed, appreciated, and connected to a community. Rising Black Men founder Dr. Tim Herd also had an opportunity to see how the organization has grown since its founding. His original goal was to create an uplifting environment for young Black men and challenge the negative narratives often associated with their experiences in college. Now, with MSU’s first annual Black Prom complete, an important question remains: Can this event become a lasting campus tradition for future generations of students? In this episode of Shine My Crown's Workspace, we explore the story behind Michigan State University’s first Black Prom, the students and organization who made it possible, and what the event reveals about Black student experiences, cultural representation, and the importance of community in higher education. WATCH TO DISCOVER: • What happened at Michigan State University’s first annual Black Prom. • How Rising Black Men turned an idea into a university-wide celebration. • Why the event matters for Black students and campus belonging. • How mentorship and student leadership helped bring the celebration to life. • Why Black cultural spaces can make a difference in the college experience. • Whether MSU’s first Black Prom could become a tradition for generations of students. Do you think Michigan State University’s Black Prom will become a lasting tradition? What role should cultural celebrations play in helping Black students feel represented and supported on college campuses? Share your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to Shine My Crown's Workspace for more stories exploring Black culture, Black student experiences, education, community leadership, and the people creating meaningful change. Like this video, share it with your community, and subscribe for more stories that inform, inspire, and celebrate the Black experience. #MSU #MichiganStateUniversity #BlackProm #RisingBlackMen #BlackCollegeStudents #BlackCulture #BlackExcellence #StudentLeadership #ShineMyCrown Welcome to Shine My Crown If you're interested in working with us email the team here: info@shinemycrown.com Subscribe To Our Channel @shinemycrown Follow on Twitter @ShineMyCrown Follow on Instagram @shinemycrown Follow on Facebook @shinemycrown Follow on TikTok @shinemycrown Visit: www.ShineMyCrown.com

Inside MSU’s First Black Prom: Tradition in the Making? | Shine My Crown's Workspace What happens when college students create a space where Black culture, community, leadership, and celebration take center stage? At Michigan State University (MSU), a new campus event may be the beginning of a meaningful tradition. On October 11, 2026, Rising Black Men, a student organization at Michigan State University, hosted the university’s first annual Black Prom at the MSU Union in East Lansing, Michigan. The black-tie event brought students together for an evening of dinner, dancing, formal fashion, and the crowning of the Homecoming court. But beyond the elegant outfits and celebration, the event carried a deeper message about belonging, representation, and building community on campus. Founded in 2017, Rising Black Men focuses on empowering Black male students through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. Its mentorship program connects underclassmen with upperclassmen to help students navigate college life. Although the organization centers much of its work on supporting young Black men, its events welcome the broader student community. The idea for Black Prom first emerged in 2025 under former organization president Myles McGee. After Kenneth “KJ” Nathaniel became president in spring 2026, he revived the proposal and spent approximately seven months helping bring it to life. The inaugural celebration featured dinner, dancing, and the crowning of student Homecoming court winners. Seniors Taniya Perry and Seth Washington were named Homecoming queen and king, respectively, while other students received titles representing their class years. For students, the significance extended beyond one night of dressing up and having fun. African Student Union President Kadiatou Kaba highlighted the importance of creating spaces where Black students, particularly freshmen, can feel welcomed, appreciated, and connected to a community. Rising Black Men founder Dr. Tim Herd also had an opportunity to see how the organization has grown since its founding. His original goal was to create an uplifting environment for young Black men and challenge the negative narratives often associated with their experiences in college. Now, with MSU’s first annual Black Prom complete, an important question remains: Can this event become a lasting campus tradition for future generations of students? In this episode of Shine My Crown's Workspace, we explore the story behind Michigan State University’s first Black Prom, the students and organization who made it possible, and what the event reveals about Black student experiences, cultural representation, and the importance of community in higher education. WATCH TO DISCOVER: • What happened at Michigan State University’s first annual Black Prom. • How Rising Black Men turned an idea into a university-wide celebration. • Why the event matters for Black students and campus belonging. • How mentorship and student leadership helped bring the celebration to life. • Why Black cultural spaces can make a difference in the college experience. • Whether MSU’s first Black Prom could become a tradition for generations of students. Do you think Michigan State University’s Black Prom will become a lasting tradition? What role should cultural celebrations play in helping Black students feel represented and supported on college campuses? Share your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to Shine My Crown's Workspace for more stories exploring Black culture, Black student experiences, education, community leadership, and the people creating meaningful change. Like this video, share it with your community, and subscribe for more stories that inform, inspire, and celebrate the Black experience. #MSU #MichiganStateUniversity #BlackProm #RisingBlackMen #BlackCollegeStudents #BlackCulture #BlackExcellence #StudentLeadership #ShineMyCrown Welcome to Shine My Crown If you're interested in working with us email the team here: info@shinemycrown.com Subscribe To Our Channel @shinemycrown Follow on Twitter @ShineMyCrown Follow on Instagram @shinemycrown Follow on Facebook @shinemycrown Follow on TikTok @shinemycrown Visit: www.ShineMyCrown.com

Inside MSU’s First Black Prom: Tradition in the Making? | Shine My Crown's Workspace What happens when college students create a space where Black culture, community, leadership, and celebration take center stage? At Michigan State University (MSU), a new campus event may be the beginning of a meaningful tradition. On October 11, 2026, Rising Black Men, a student organization at Michigan State University, hosted the university’s first annual Black Prom at the MSU Union in East Lansing, Michigan. The black-tie event brought students together for an evening of dinner, dancing, formal fashion, and the crowning of the Homecoming court. But beyond the elegant outfits and celebration, the event carried a deeper message about belonging, representation, and building community on campus. Founded in 2017, Rising Black Men focuses on empowering Black male students through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. Its mentorship program connects underclassmen with upperclassmen to help students navigate college life. Although the organization centers much of its work on supporting young Black men, its events welcome the broader student community. The idea for Black Prom first emerged in 2025 under former organization president Myles McGee. After Kenneth “KJ” Nathaniel became president in spring 2026, he revived the proposal and spent approximately seven months helping bring it to life. The inaugural celebration featured dinner, dancing, and the crowning of student Homecoming court winners. Seniors Taniya Perry and Seth Washington were named Homecoming queen and king, respectively, while other students received titles representing their class years. For students, the significance extended beyond one night of dressing up and having fun. African Student Union President Kadiatou Kaba highlighted the importance of creating spaces where Black students, particularly freshmen, can feel welcomed, appreciated, and connected to a community. Rising Black Men founder Dr. Tim Herd also had an opportunity to see how the organization has grown since its founding. His original goal was to create an uplifting environment for young Black men and challenge the negative narratives often associated with their experiences in college. Now, with MSU’s first annual Black Prom complete, an important question remains: Can this event become a lasting campus tradition for future generations of students? In this episode of Shine My Crown's Workspace, we explore the story behind Michigan State University’s first Black Prom, the students and organization who made it possible, and what the event reveals about Black student experiences, cultural representation, and the importance of community in higher education. WATCH TO DISCOVER: • What happened at Michigan State University’s first annual Black Prom. • How Rising Black Men turned an idea into a university-wide celebration. • Why the event matters for Black students and campus belonging. • How mentorship and student leadership helped bring the celebration to life. • Why Black cultural spaces can make a difference in the college experience. • Whether MSU’s first Black Prom could become a tradition for generations of students. Do you think Michigan State University’s Black Prom will become a lasting tradition? What role should cultural celebrations play in helping Black students feel represented and supported on college campuses? Share your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to Shine My Crown's Workspace for more stories exploring Black culture, Black student experiences, education, community leadership, and the people creating meaningful change. Like this video, share it with your community, and subscribe for more stories that inform, inspire, and celebrate the Black experience. #MSU #MichiganStateUniversity #BlackProm #RisingBlackMen #BlackCollegeStudents #BlackCulture #BlackExcellence #StudentLeadership #ShineMyCrown Welcome to Shine My Crown If you're interested in working with us email the team here: info@shinemycrown.com Subscribe To Our Channel @shinemycrown Follow on Twitter @ShineMyCrown Follow on Instagram @shinemycrown Follow on Facebook @shinemycrown Follow on TikTok @shinemycrown Visit: www.ShineMyCrown.com

Inside MSU’s First Black Prom: Tradition in the Making? | Shine My Crown's Workspace What happens when college students create a space where Black culture, community, leadership, and celebration take center stage? At Michigan State University (MSU), a new campus event may be the beginning of a meaningful tradition. On October 11, 2026, Rising Black Men, a student organization at Michigan State University, hosted the university’s first annual Black Prom at the MSU Union in East Lansing, Michigan. The black-tie event brought students together for an evening of dinner, dancing, formal fashion, and the crowning of the Homecoming court. But beyond the elegant outfits and celebration, the event carried a deeper message about belonging, representation, and building community on campus. Founded in 2017, Rising Black Men focuses on empowering Black male students through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. Its mentorship program connects underclassmen with upperclassmen to help students navigate college life. Although the organization centers much of its work on supporting young Black men, its events welcome the broader student community. The idea for Black Prom first emerged in 2025 under former organization president Myles McGee. After Kenneth “KJ” Nathaniel became president in spring 2026, he revived the proposal and spent approximately seven months helping bring it to life. The inaugural celebration featured dinner, dancing, and the crowning of student Homecoming court winners. Seniors Taniya Perry and Seth Washington were named Homecoming queen and king, respectively, while other students received titles representing their class years. For students, the significance extended beyond one night of dressing up and having fun. African Student Union President Kadiatou Kaba highlighted the importance of creating spaces where Black students, particularly freshmen, can feel welcomed, appreciated, and connected to a community. Rising Black Men founder Dr. Tim Herd also had an opportunity to see how the organization has grown since its founding. His original goal was to create an uplifting environment for young Black men and challenge the negative narratives often associated with their experiences in college. Now, with MSU’s first annual Black Prom complete, an important question remains: Can this event become a lasting campus tradition for future generations of students? In this episode of Shine My Crown's Workspace, we explore the story behind Michigan State University’s first Black Prom, the students and organization who made it possible, and what the event reveals about Black student experiences, cultural representation, and the importance of community in higher education. WATCH TO DISCOVER: • What happened at Michigan State University’s first annual Black Prom. • How Rising Black Men turned an idea into a university-wide celebration. • Why the event matters for Black students and campus belonging. • How mentorship and student leadership helped bring the celebration to life. • Why Black cultural spaces can make a difference in the college experience. • Whether MSU’s first Black Prom could become a tradition for generations of students. Do you think Michigan State University’s Black Prom will become a lasting tradition? What role should cultural celebrations play in helping Black students feel represented and supported on college campuses? Share your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to Shine My Crown's Workspace for more stories exploring Black culture, Black student experiences, education, community leadership, and the people creating meaningful change. Like this video, share it with your community, and subscribe for more stories that inform, inspire, and celebrate the Black experience. #MSU #MichiganStateUniversity #BlackProm #RisingBlackMen #BlackCollegeStudents #BlackCulture #BlackExcellence #StudentLeadership #ShineMyCrown Welcome to Shine My Crown If you're interested in working with us email the team here: info@shinemycrown.com Subscribe To Our Channel @shinemycrown Follow on Twitter @ShineMyCrown Follow on Instagram @shinemycrown Follow on Facebook @shinemycrown Follow on TikTok @shinemycrown Visit: www.ShineMyCrown.com

Inside MSU’s First Black Prom: Tradition in the Making? | Shine My Crown's Workspace What happens when college students create a space where Black culture, community, leadership, and celebration take center stage? At Michigan State University (MSU), a new campus event may be the beginning of a meaningful tradition. On October 11, 2026, Rising Black Men, a student organization at Michigan State University, hosted the university’s first annual Black Prom at the MSU Union in East Lansing, Michigan. The black-tie event brought students together for an evening of dinner, dancing, formal fashion, and the crowning of the Homecoming court. But beyond the elegant outfits and celebration, the event carried a deeper message about belonging, representation, and building community on campus. Founded in 2017, Rising Black Men focuses on empowering Black male students through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. Its mentorship program connects underclassmen with upperclassmen to help students navigate college life. Although the organization centers much of its work on supporting young Black men, its events welcome the broader student community. The idea for Black Prom first emerged in 2025 under former organization president Myles McGee. After Kenneth “KJ” Nathaniel became president in spring 2026, he revived the proposal and spent approximately seven months helping bring it to life. The inaugural celebration featured dinner, dancing, and the crowning of student Homecoming court winners. Seniors Taniya Perry and Seth Washington were named Homecoming queen and king, respectively, while other students received titles representing their class years. For students, the significance extended beyond one night of dressing up and having fun. African Student Union President Kadiatou Kaba highlighted the importance of creating spaces where Black students, particularly freshmen, can feel welcomed, appreciated, and connected to a community. Rising Black Men founder Dr. Tim Herd also had an opportunity to see how the organization has grown since its founding. His original goal was to create an uplifting environment for young Black men and challenge the negative narratives often associated with their experiences in college. Now, with MSU’s first annual Black Prom complete, an important question remains: Can this event become a lasting campus tradition for future generations of students? In this episode of Shine My Crown's Workspace, we explore the story behind Michigan State University’s first Black Prom, the students and organization who made it possible, and what the event reveals about Black student experiences, cultural representation, and the importance of community in higher education. WATCH TO DISCOVER: • What happened at Michigan State University’s first annual Black Prom. • How Rising Black Men turned an idea into a university-wide celebration. • Why the event matters for Black students and campus belonging. • How mentorship and student leadership helped bring the celebration to life. • Why Black cultural spaces can make a difference in the college experience. • Whether MSU’s first Black Prom could become a tradition for generations of students. Do you think Michigan State University’s Black Prom will become a lasting tradition? What role should cultural celebrations play in helping Black students feel represented and supported on college campuses? Share your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to Shine My Crown's Workspace for more stories exploring Black culture, Black student experiences, education, community leadership, and the people creating meaningful change. Like this video, share it with your community, and subscribe for more stories that inform, inspire, and celebrate the Black experience. #MSU #MichiganStateUniversity #BlackProm #RisingBlackMen #BlackCollegeStudents #BlackCulture #BlackExcellence #StudentLeadership #ShineMyCrown Welcome to Shine My Crown If you're interested in working with us email the team here: info@shinemycrown.com Subscribe To Our Channel @shinemycrown Follow on Twitter @ShineMyCrown Follow on Instagram @shinemycrown Follow on Facebook @shinemycrown Follow on TikTok @shinemycrown Visit: www.ShineMyCrown.com

TikTok video by Brooke Smith Sanders

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