In keeping with our “firsts” theme this week!
History was made over the weekend when the University of Mississippi crowned its first African-American homecoming queen.
Courtney Roxanne Pearson, a 21 year old senior studying secondary English education at the university, was elated about her victory.
“I am still in shock, but I am definitely very excited,” she told the Daily Mail. “It couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Courtney’s father, a military officer escorted her during the halftime festivities.
It was fifty years ago, October 1, 1962, that the University of Mississippi was integrated by James Meredith. Pearson understands how far the University has come. “It couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Pearson, “Ole Miss, get ready. We just changed the face.”