University of Maryland College Park - Terrapin / Reveille Yearbook (College Park, MD)

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Jackson ' s Campaign Trail Leads Him To College Park 22 When you say Jesse, there ' s excite- ment, said a labor representative as he spol e at Jesse Jacl son ' s campaign raliy in Cole Held house on April 24th, 1984. There was plenty of excitement as 2,000 people, ranging from pre- schoolers to the elderly, gathered to hear the charismatic Democratic presidential candidate, Rev- erend Jesse Jackson. Jackson had been campaigning all over the nation, but what marked an event for the University of fvlaryland and the local mass media was his speech on campus. Besides Jackson, other speakers included local delegates, lodge members, labor union leaders and representatives who praised Jackson ' s efforts to represent their needs. University Chancellor John Slaughter also stood on the platform and presented Jackson with a red and white tvtaryland jacket. Jackson ' s thirty minute speech was Together we can change the course of our nation continuously interrupted by claps and cheers as the audience responded to his comments. We need more than a new president, we need a new direction, said Jackson. According to Jackson, that new direc- tion would lead America into a fight for economic stability and a fight for a peace- ful foreign policy based on mutual re- spect. Throughout his speech he continuously emphasized the importance of unity and he pointed out that unity was the theme of his campaign organization, the Rainbow Coalition. The goal of his organization was similar to an analogy he made. In this analogy Jackson said America was like a quilt. It is made of all kinds of fabrics and colors, yet it is bonded by one common thread. To- gether we can change the course of our nation, Jackson said emphatically Jackson ' s idea of togetherness was evi- dent with the variety of people who at- tended the rally. There were people of all races, ages and economic levels. Accord- ing to Sherman Roberson, State Coordi- nator for the Maryland Commission for Jesse Jackson, 4, 000 free tickets were set aside for pre-schoolers, the elderly the poor, and the disabled. In addition a sign interpreter was hired and forty front row seats were set aside for the hearing im- paired. Jackson acknowledged the pres- ence of the hearing impaired by returning their hand sign of I love you. When the rally came to an end the ex- citement was intense as Jackson raised his arms and exclaimed, It ' s time for a change! As he stepped away from the podium, the crowd joined in the ferver of his speech by chanting and shouting, Win, Jesse, Win!

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' ,J :A- iT . Venus Eagle is already frustrated with her classes. Registration 21

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Miss Black Unity Pageant It was an entertaining evening that included beauty, talent, glamour and suspense, said Kevin Jolinson, a junior journalism major, as he described t ' ■ seventh annual 1984-85 Miss Black Unity Pageant The November 10th aftair attracted an audience of apporximalely 500 to ttic Adult Education Center auditorium Sponsored by the Nyumburu Cultural Cen- ter, the pageant featured tvi elve student contestants Andrea Beckford (the pageant ' s first runner-up), Porshe Ellerbe, Rhonda Ford, Gina House, Karmen Jackson. Kathenne Johnson, Lauren Jones, (second runner-up), Tracy Kane (third runner-up), Zina McGowan, Margaret Peterson, Sharon Smith and Ethel Wright make up the list ot contestants. Although each contestant performed like a winner, only one woman was crowned the new Miss Black Unity The 1984-85 crown was placed on the head ot Gina Charon House, a freshman communications major. I really wanted to win and it was like a dream come true, said the 17-year- old winner from Baltimore, Maryland, Not only did the young woman capture the crown but she was also selected Miss Congeniality by the contestants. House, who was sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc , received her crown accompanied by a host of other prizes They included a $500 scholarship, $100 cash, a free hairstylmg. bullet tickets and a 14k keepsake The list was topped off with a five-day. four-night surprise trip for two to the Bahamas House ' s evening was filled with smiles. It feels so good because it was something I really worked for. she said She did work as she held the audience captive during the talent presentations She performed dramatic inlerpretaion of a monologe on her blackness entitled. Just like you. The talent presentations varied from singing and dancing to a dramatic skit, a poetry reading and a piano solo. Yet, the highlight of th e evening was the colorful evening gown competition. The women dazzled the audience with glamourous designer dresses. After elegantly parading across the stage, the women were greeted with roses from their male escorts dressed in black tuxedos To add to the evening ' s events Lillye Simmons, the 1982-83 Miss Black Unity, brought a hush over the audience as she sang Everything must change. Donna Mosley. the 1983-84 Miss Black Unity first runner-up. also performed with a dance gymnaslic routine. This year ' s pageant coordinated by Ann Carswell, the assistant director of Nyumburu Cultural Center, stood out as a well-done affair. I thought the pageant was the most exciting event of the year. said Johnson. Miss Black Unity 1985 - Gina Charon House succ t Miss Black Unity 23