Courtesy of Tuskegee University
The Tuskegee University 2026–2027 Royal Court proudly represented the Golden Tigers during the 24th Annual HBCU Kings & Queens Leadership Conference, held July 16–19 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Joining representatives from more than 50 Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country, the Royal Court spent four days immersed in leadership development, professional growth, networking, and cultural celebration alongside some of the nation’s most distinguished student leaders.
Tuskegee University Royal Court representatives included:
- 29th Mister Tuskegee – Micah Bell, a senior double major in Secondary English Language Arts and English, from Memphis, Tennessee.
- 97th Miss Tuskegee – Leslie Green, a senior Health Science major, from Atlanta, Georgia.
- First Gentleman – Avery Thomas, a senior, Supply Chain Management major, from Florence, Alabama.
- Second Gentleman – Charles Griffis IV, a senior, Business Administration major, from Los Angeles, California.
- First Attendant – Breyana Houston, a senior, Nursing major, from Birmingham, Alabama.
- Second Attendant – Chelsea Smith, a senior, Sales and Marketing major, from Atlanta, Georgia.
“The HBCU Kings & Queens Leadership Conference provides our students with an incredible opportunity to grow as leaders while celebrating the traditions that unite our institutions,” said Abena Myers-Taylor, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs. “Watching our students represent Tuskegee University with excellence, build lasting relationships, and receive recognition among more than 50 participating universities is a testament to the character, confidence, and leadership they embody every day.”
Throughout the conference, the Royal Court participated in leadership workshops, professional development sessions, networking opportunities, etiquette experiences, and ceremonial events designed to strengthen their role as ambassadors of Tuskegee University. The conference challenged students to grow as servant leaders while sharpening their communication, public speaking, and personal branding skills.
Outside of the educational sessions, the Royal Court also embraced the vibrant culture of New Orleans, including the opportunity to participate in a traditional second line through the historic French Quarter—an unforgettable experience that celebrated the city’s rich heritage and the spirit of HBCU fellowship.
One of the conference’s most memorable moments came during the Royal Academy Awards, the grand finale recognizing the accomplishments and camaraderie of participating royal courts. Mister Tuskegee Micah Bell was honored with the Friendliest King Award, a peer-selected recognition celebrating his warm spirit, genuine kindness, and ability to foster meaningful connections throughout the conference.
“One of my favorite quotes says, ‘Character, not circumstance, makes the person.’ Receiving the Friendliest King Award means so much because it reminds me that people don’t remember you simply for what you accomplish—they remember how you made them feel,” said Bell. “Throughout my campaign, I shared that ‘the crown is in the climb.’ Along that climb, I learned that the greatest form of leadership begins with kindness, consistency, and genuinely investing in people. Thank you to everyone who allowed me to be myself. This award isn’t just about being friendly—it’s about choosing character every single day.”
© 2026 Tuskegee University
