This is the fourth in a five-part series profiling the contestants of the Mr. Black MSU pageant.
Diondraie Robertson had a goal when he became a minority aide in Hubbard Hall for the 2000-01 school year.
“I wanted to be a resource for African American students because they are at a disadvantage on this campus,” the humanities and pre-law senior said. “They’re a small number at this university and any help they can receive provides a benefit toward their academic future.”
Robertson said he plans to continue working toward that goal if he becomes the next Mr. Black MSU on Saturday.
The Mr. Black MSU pageant, sponsored by Black Student Alliance, profiles black male undergraduates who stand out academically through their student leadership on and off campus.
Marketing senior DeAndre Carter, founder and president of DCI Motivational Services, a motivational speaking business, was crowned the first Mr. Black MSU last year.
BSA President Tonya Upthegrove said each of the participants in this year’s pageant have exhibited strong leadership qualities that judges will look for when they select the next titleholder.
“This year we had a lot of qualified applicants, and these five really stand out academically and socially,” the communication senior said. “They’re basically the cream of the crop.”
A member of the MSU Gospel Chorale and a McNair/SROP Scholars Program participant, Robertson said faculty and staff members have helped him overcome academic challenges in the past.
And Robertson said he hopes he can provide similar assistance to students through the title of Mr. Black MSU.
It’s a role Murray Edwards, senior coordinator for the Office of Minority Student Affairs, said Robertson is well-suited for.
“He’s very personable, very genuine and he has a laid-back approach,” Edwards said. “He has a very positive and comfortable manner that makes people feel free to come up and talk to him. I think that’s one of his biggest strengths as a leader.”
Robertson said winning the title Saturday would provide with a platform to aid in strengthening the black student community.
“I’m interested in representing something that has been under-represented at this university for a long time, and that’s black leadership,” he said.
While Robertson said he may not be able to achieve his goal alone, he plans to do everything he can to create a lasting impact.
“One person might not have all the answers, but one person can make a difference,” he said.
The Mr. Black MSU pageant is at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Kellogg Center Auditorium. Admission is free.
