Royal Court

Jalin Parker - Is a senior from Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic high school as an honor scholar. At Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic high school, Jalin was a part of the SGA, Captain of the track and field team, Vice President of the Home Coming Committee. While in high school, Jalin had five different interests, multiple scholarship offers, and President of the math club. At Fisk, Jalin currently maintains a 3.0 GPA. He currently serves his University with his involvement in organizations on campus such as treasurer for The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in cooperated; the Alpha Chi chapter, resident assistant, A member of Fisk Activity Board, and a member of the psychology club. Before his reign, Jalin became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. During the year, Jalin has volunteered for The Spruce St. Baptist church Tuesday Feeding Program. Jalin enjoys music, playing games, volunteering, learning, and making people laugh. After graduation, Jalin plans on attending graduate school to obtain his Ph.D. in psychology. With his psychology degree, he plans on educating black males that is ok to not be OK.

Cameron Brown - Is a Biology pre-medicine major, hailing from the motor city, Detroit, Michigan. She is the daughter of Randall Brown and Flecia Brown. One sibling precedes her; her older sister Jordan Brown. Cameron attended University High School Academy, a college preparatory high school, where she graduated in the top 10% of her class. Throughout high school, she was active both in an out of the classroom. While keeping a 3.8 cumulative GPA, she participated in numerous extracurricular activities and was also an active member of her church, regularly participating in community service outreach programs for the metro Detroit area and leading the youth choir in song. Cameron is now an Ella Shephard Moore Provost scholar, at our illustrious University. During her time here, Cameron has served as a Resident Assistant in the historic Jubilee Hall for three years, served as a student ambassador in the Fisk University art galleries, is president of Michigan club, a member of pre Health club, and an active member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated where she continues her community service work, and during her last year here she has taken on the role of Miss Senior. Cameron is a longtime member of Rose of Sharon Church of God in Christ but while in Nashville, she attends Friendship Baptist Church. During her time at Fisk, Cameron has given her time and effort to countless community service efforts as well as many on campus groups. Cameron earned and completed a paid research internship with the BioSS CREST foundation two summers in a row. Cameron goes through life living by the bible verse “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?’ Romans 8:31 (NIV)

Montez Holton - Was born and raised in East St. Louis, IL. Montez takes pride in his Midwestern spirit and charisma. Montez has two younger siblings that he is a role model for. His younger brother is 12 years old and his sister is 14 years old.  He attended East St. Louis Senior High school, graduating as Valedictorian and with an associate degree from Southwestern Illinois College, in May of 2018. Montez participated in a dual enrollment program offered at his high school, allowing him to obtain an associate degree while simultaneously graduating high school. After graduating, Montez enrolled at Fisk University in Nashville, TN where he is a junior studying Business Administration and Sociology. While at Fisk University he has joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc, severing as secretary of his chapter. Montez also holds the position of President of OutLoud, a LGBTQ and Ally student organization. In pursuit of his career goals of working in Public Health, Montez serves as a Health Education and Outreach Specialist for the I AM Experience at Fisk University. As a Health Education and Outreach Specialist he educates African American males that sleep with men between the ages of 18-24 on HIV/STD prevention and perform HIV and Hepatitis C testing. In his spare time, Montez’s hobbies are volunteering, event planning and fitness.

Cassondra Hanna - Is a Junior from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was drawn to Fisk University after hearing about the History of the school and witnessing the community it kept. Serving on the court she contributes to its mission of elevating the traditions and history of Fisk, but with a modern twist. Since arriving at Fisk, Cassondra has remained an active member of her campus community participating in clubs and organizations as well as volunteering in the Campus Libraries, and in the Offices of Admissions and Career Planning and Development as a Student Ambassador. 2020 marks Cassondra’s third consecutive year as the lead of the Fisk University Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Team.  At the most recent national competition in April 2019, Cassondra was one of the youngest players awarded an HCASC Division All-Star Award for her individual performance throughout the tournament. By far her favorite experience as a Student at Fisk was the fully funded opportunity to travel abroad to Cape Town, South Africa in the summer of 2019. As a scholar, Cassondra is completing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in History, and a minor in African-American Studies. A UNCF/Koch Scholar, Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar, Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow and member of the University’s W.E.B Du Bois Honors Program, after graduation Cassondra intends to continue on to graduate school and pursue a Ph.D. in African-American History, particularly focusing on 20th century African American History, Intellectual and Educational History.

Terrence Bearden Jr. - Is a Sophomore from Memphis, Tennessee.  He is a graduate of Memphis Catholic High School as an Honors Scholar. While there, Terrence was the leader of the Charger Club and Gospel Choir. He also partook in other leadership roles such as the Student Government Association. During his time in high school, Terrence was an intern at four primary corporate companies throughout Memphis. At Fisk, Terrence is majoring biology, pre-dental. He is currently maintaining a 3.48 GPA. Terrence has a passion for education and serving others. He is currently serves his University with his involvement in organizations on campus such as: an active member of the Fisk University’s NAACP, secretary of the Collegiate 100, member of Fisk University’s Black Student Union, Student Ambassador, member of the Pre-Alumni Council, Ambassador of the Office of Career Planning and Development, and president of the Pre-Dental Society. After graduation, Terrence will attend medical school, where he will pursue a career in Dentistry. Through his dental work, Terrence will educate his people on the significance of oral hygiene while giving them a bold smile.

Jailen Edwards - Is currently an international business major, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. She is the daughter of Marcia Payton and Travis Edwards. Jailen has three siblings; Toyeshia Edwards, Travis Edwards, and Justin Edwards. She attended Dekalb School of the Arts in Decatur, GA, where her major was dance and her minor was drama. Not only did she accomplish many of her goals, she was the only black student to graduate in the top ten percent of her class. Throughout high school, she remained committed to her academic success, participated in numerous clubs and organizations, spent numerous hours perfecting her craft of dance, and still found time to give back to her community. Jailen Edwards is a Provost scholar and a student in W.E.B. Dubois Honor Program, at the illustrious Fisk University. Jailen’s love for her HBCU, led her to dedicate her time to improving her institution through serving the student body and leading by example in the best way that she can. At Fisk, Jailen serves as Miss Sophomore, the co-captain of the Ladies of R.A.G.E., and the Fisk University Student Ambassadors program. Jailen is a longtime member of Beulah Baptist Church, in Decatur, GA. However, she attends Mt. Zion Baptist Church while away at school. Upon graduating from Fisk University, Jailen plans to attend law school and become a corporate lawyer, to continue making a difference in her community.

Charles Patterson Jr - Was born on February 17, 2001 in Memphis, Tennessee. He is the son of Bishop Charles Harrison Mason Patterson Sr and Mrs. Camille Leighanne Patterson Wright. Mr. Patterson was born as a result of a car accident. This car accident changed the direction of his life. However, it has enabled him to reach people he never may have met before. He has managed to grow into a leader his peers can admire. Instead of letting his challenges define him, he uses them to influence others to keep going, no matter what occurs. During his high school years at Christian Brothers High School, Charles served in several leadership capacities. He was a member of the honor band, basketball management team, the student ambassador program, and the National Honor Society. Along with his school involvement, Charles was extremely active in his community, volunteering and leading in both the Bridge Builder’s program, and his church. Throughout his life, he has lived the message presented in Philippians 4:13. Charles believes that he can do anything he puts his mind to because Christ is by his side.

Regan Shelton - Hails from Hermitage, Tennessee. She is the daughter of William Charles and Dana Colette Shelton, who is a lifetime member of the General Alumni Association of Fisk University, Class of 1992, and has three brothers. During her matriculation in high school, she was the captain of the varsity cheerleading team, varsity majorette and a member of National Honor Society. Currently, she is a Presidential Scholar enrolled in the Honors Program while pursuing a degree in Biology. She is also a proud member of R.A.G.E. where she can continue pursuing her 14-year passion for dance.  After her matriculation at Fisk University, she plans to attend Meharry Medical College with a career aspiration of becoming an obstetrician gynecologist. She is inspired by her desire to help others, and the physical and mental well-being of all mankind. She has always shown her deep-rooted passion to give back to the community by serving others. Her service to the Nashville community includes CCM Leadership Academy, Medical Mission Trip, and the American Heart Association/Little Hats, Big Hearts. She eager to represent the Class of 2023 as Miss Freshman and will work diligently to empower classmates to explore every opportunity Fisk has to offer and doesn’t mind rolling up her sleeves to create new ones.