Radio broadcasts began in the early 1900s. The first television broadcast aired on July 2, 1928. Hype men, which formally grew into the art of emceeing is estimated to be fifty years old. (Nobody really knows because in its early days, it was severely underappreciated) Without the talent of those working in each area, we’d still be communicating through telegraphs. Radio hosts, on-air personalities and emcees have one thing in common: storytelling.
Whether the radio host is moderating a program, whether the on-air personality is sharing news or discussing pop culture or whether the emcee is on the microphone reminding us of an events purpose as they usher us the audience through a well thought out playlist, each of these individuals is responsible for guiding the narrative through the art of story-telling. Hosts, personalities and emcees embody the art of ad-libbing and master live communication. These talented raconteurs are more than a party, radio segment, or TV show.
HBCU Hosts at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are notorious for raising awareness, expressing themselves creatively and without dilemma and one could say notoriously known for epic parties and experiences like GHOE (Greatest Homecoming on Earth) and Howard University Homecoming. HBCU students are also notorious for kick starting their careers prior to graduation. We celebrate these communication curators and recognize them for the creators they are, NOW. We want to know who best embraces the art of storytelling on your campus… whichever format it may be.
This year, brought back the Top HBCU Hosts competition. It is safe to say that this is our most popular competition ever with nearly 350,000 votes submitted. The students who ran in Top HBCU Hosts competition represent 23 historically Black colleges and universities and this is our most gender-mixed competition to date, with 10 young ladies and 13 gentlemen. Beginning on April 2, students rallied the support of their campus communities, friends, family and colleagues, setting their eyes on being one of the Top HBCU Hosts. Congratulations Christian Daniel Kornegay, also known as CDKonthemic, who hails from North Carolina A&T State University. The NCA&T Aggies win the first-ever Top HBCU Host competition.
CDK on The Mic – NCA&T
Christian Daniel Kornegay is a junior from Raleigh, NC and is pursuing a degree in Mass Communications. From day one, his energy and eagerness to win was identified through how he rallied his Aggie family and friends behind him. Kornegay even secured celebrity endorsement from Princeton of Mindless Behavior and WWE wrestling star Kurt Angle. With 45% of the poll himself, Kornegay claims a marginal victory with 152,792 votes. This is an unprecedented win! When asked what this victory would mean to him, he shared “This title gives me the credentials to be the voice of the HBCU community; to travel from campus to campus and exemplify the meaning of HBCU unity.”
Kornegay shares that his favorite thing about NCA&T is his nationwide network and the support that follows. His favorite quote is “Sometimes it ain’t about being the most talented. Sometimes it ain’t about being the smartest. Sometimes it’s not even about working the hardest. Sometimes it’s about consistency! Consistency!” – Eric Thomas
Juice on Da Loose – Morehouse College
Julius Harrison McAllister III is representing the brothers of Morehouse College. The political science major, educational studies minor hails from Tallahassee, FL by way of Chicago, IL.
McAllister garnered an impressive 29% of the total poll of nearly 350,00 votes for a total of 98,165 votes. This number is nearly triple the winning number of votes in our other Top HBCU competitions! …Triple! His favorite thing about Morehouse is the brotherhood he has gained throughout his matriculation at the nation’s only all-male historically Black college. McAllister lives his life according to Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Bri The Bull – Central State
Bria Spaulding held it down for the women throughout the course of the poll. Though she is ranked third, it is important to note that she is the No. 1 female HBCU Host. Spaulding is a graduating senior from Central State University studying Marketing.
The Cincinnati, OH native shares, “being the Top HBCU Host of 2020 would truly mean a lot. It would not only mean a lot to me, but it would be a significant win for all those who suffer from clinical depression and anxiety like myself who struggle to do everyday tasks and also those who have trouble believing in themselves.” She continues, “Win, lose, or draw in this contest, I want EVERYONE to know that you are somebody and you are LOVED. You are a Victorious Overcomer and God has ordered your steps so keep pushing day until and day out.” #BeTheBull
We hope that Spaulding’s success in this competition is an emblem of hope and a reminder for everyone to fearlessly pursue their dreams. We admire her courage. With 18% of the entire poll, Bri The Bull checks in with 61,387 votes! This number is about double the winning number of votes in our other Top HBCU competitions!
Her favorite thing about Central State is how “each and every individual that has touched our Illustrious campus lives their life in remembrance of the clock tower. Although we have things that come into our life that may try to sway us from our path or knock us down, we prevail, and we stand tall and STRONG just as the clock tower did April 3 & April 4, 1971.”
Tarin Anyae – Lincoln University (PA)
Miss Tarin Anyae Richardson hails from the first degree-granting historically Black university, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. The rising junior has maintained an impressive 3.66 GPA while pursuing a degree in mass communications, minoring in pre-law. The Chester, PA native shares her favorite quote, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
When asked what winning would mean to her, Richardson shares, “being selected as the 2020 Top HBCU host means I’ve been acknowledged for doing well in something I’m passionate about and I hope I have encouraged others to do the same. I’m hoping that others will be motivated to shine in their own respective areas of experience and expertise, striving for excellence along the way and bringing others with them.”
Her favorite thing about Lincoln University of Pennsylvania is how her campus feels like home. She loves how she is able to learn, share experiences and celebrate with people who look like her and with people in which she can closely relate.
With 3,986 votes, we congratulate Richardson and recognize her as the No.2 top female HBCU Host.
Kidd Meech – Delaware State
Demetreus “Kidd Meech” Lee rounds out the 2020 Top HBCU Hosts list. With a 3.7 GPA, Lee has the highest grade-point average of all the winners.
Lee hails from New York City and is representing the Hornets of Delaware State University. The Mass Communications major shares that his favorite quote is “The two most important days of your life are the day you’re born and the day you find out why.”
Lee says “being the 2020 top host would mean the world to me because I’ve really been hosting my whole life and me winning any accomplishment that has to do a hosting would do nothing more but show me that I’ve made the right decision with my life.” Congratulations on being named a winner, collecting more than 3,800 votes!
[crowdsignal poll=10530321]
