Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

Clark Atlanta University Panther October 19, 1990 Homecoming Coronation Gets Back To The Basics By CYDNEY WILLIAMS Managing Editor The crowd filtered in slowly like sand running through an hour-glass. Eventually, the Vivian Wilson Henderson Gymnasium was filled with people anxiously awaiting Coronation 1990-1991 to get underway. What a difference a year makes. Coronation 1989-1990 took a journey back home to the motherland. The queens were dressed in African attire accompanied by the strong rhythm and beats of drums. However, Coronation 1990- 1991 danced to a new beat and tune called tradition. According to Gay-linn Gatewood Jasho, homecoming committee member, the themes are “based on the queen’s wishes.” Therefore, last year’s idea of going back home to African tradition was the idea of Annalise Fonza, 1989-1990 Miss Clark Atlanta University. Everything must change with a new beginning. The same holds true for time and Coronation 1990 was a perfect example of this. Her Highness, Trecia Wilhite, chose to go back to the basics and made this year's coronation tradi tional with a touch of elegance. The audience had the delight of enjoying the sounds of Clark Atlanta University’s Jazz Orchestra which filled the air on this special occasion. However, the jazz orchestra may have had to pull a couple of extra songs from underneath their hats. Coronation got off to a tardy start this year. That is something this year’s coronation had in common with last year’s coronation. Nevertheless, as the crowd waited for festivities to begin, they grew restless. This is exactly when the sounds of the band came and embraced the air. When the mistress and master of ceremonies, Cha- ronne Pittman and Robert Gilchrist, announced “We will now have a special selection,” and there was no special selection at that moment of the program, the crowd remained silent. No need to fear however, things picked up quite nicely. The Royal Court made their way to the stage, each adding their touch of class and grace. Just as soon as everything was beginning to look up, wham! The entire gymansium trans formed into a complete picture of darkness. The entire Atlanta University Center was dark because of a power outtage. Through the midst of darkness the queen and her court remained on stage. Neverthe less, within minutes the lights came on glowing and bright. First Attendant to Miss CAU, Durrell S. Davis, said, “All we could do was pray at the time the lights went out.” In spite of all the technical difficulties the show still went on. The royal court proceeded by the class, Greek, dormitory and service organization queens displayed their beauty. However, the highlight of the evening was soon to come. The moment was now at hand, the crowning of the queen. Ms. Fonza took her final walk as queen. The moment now belonged to Ms. Wilhite who glowed like a sunbeam. Dr. Thomas W. Cole, president of Clark Atlanta University, placed the crown on her head along with draping the royal cape along her shoulders. The moment belonged to Ms. Wilhite. Many people said that this year’s coronation was nice and simple. Farina Hayes who particiapted in coronation this year and last year said, “1 enjoyed this year more than last year because it was straight and to the point.” She referred to last year’s coronation being very lenghthy with all of the entertainment. Without a shadow of a doubt each person has a different opinion of homecoming this year and last year. “I enjoyed working with last year’s homecoming the best,” said Ms. Jasho. She explained how much she loved helping with all of the clothing from Africa which she helped to sunni", Ms. Jasho has lived in „mui and is also married to a man from Kenya. She has a wardrobe full of African clothing, she said. However, despite the changes from coronation 1989 and 1990 there seems to be one common factor and that is tardiness. Other individuals who attended cronation this year used the opportunity while waiting for the show to begin to complain and make compari sons from this year’s and last year's. Everyone has been talking about this year’s court and how beautiful they are. “Not only are they beautiful but they are also spiritual,” said Rev. Paul Easley, campus minister. “Therefore, this year’s court has something on the inside as well as the outside.” Ms. Wilhite stressed in all of her public addresses during homecoming week how she puts Christ first in her life. “That is the only way I can make it.” This year’s coronation was also accompanied by a new twist of preentertainment. There was a slide presentation by Tyraun Patterson, better known as “Ty.” Patterson is a graduate of CAU. The slide presentation consisted of the queen and her court in action around the city. It also gave a look at some of the campus life at CAU. PHOTO BY DERWIN ROSS The CA U Cheerleaders pump up the spirit during the Homecoming Parade. Homecoming Highlights .. t* y s PHOTO DERWIN ROSS Tiffany Strawbridge, 2nd A ttendant gather after the Homecoming Coronation ceremonies. (Left to right) DurellDavis, 1st Attendant; Dr. Thomas W. Cole, Jr., president of Clark Atlanta University; Trecia Wilhite, Miss CAU; and PHOTO BY DERWIN ROSS Mr. and Mrs. Honors Program, Luster of onlookers at the Homecoming Parade. Chauncey and Dana Patterson, wave to a crowd