Purpose
The HBCU Kings & Queens Conference aims to equip college students with essential leadership and etiquette skills, enriching their collegiate and personal growth. This conference specifically targets students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who hold prestigious leadership titles such as King, Queen, Miss, or Mister of their institution. Each year, these student leaders come together to network and gain valuable insights from trained professionals on topics such as public speaking, stage presence, etiquette, confidence, and professionalism. In addition, participants receive year-round support, including mentorship, resources, and hands-on training, ensuring continuous growth and development.
About Us
In 2002, Dr. Dale Williams, a former queen and royal court advisor, founded Leadership for Queens, a conference dedicated to the empowerment of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Queens, in Nashville, TN. Three years later, in 2005, Anthony Jones, a former king, royal court advisor, and presenter at the Leadership for Queens conference, established Kings' Konnection, a network for HBCU Kings. The two organizations united that same year in Birmingham, AL, to co-host the inaugural HBCU Conference for Historically Black College and University Kings and Queens.
This annual leadership conference attracts and prepares newly elected Kings and Queens as they begin their reigns, while also offering training and networking opportunities for other members of the royal courts and appointed advisors. Recognizing the significant responsibility these students hold on their campuses, the conference’s founders, along with a team of trained presenters and volunteers, ensure attendees receive the leadership training, mentorship, and resources they need for a successful reign and beyond into their post-collegiate lives.
Our History
In 1996, Tennessee State University (TSU) recognized that the role of Miss Tennessee State University had become increasingly demanding, requiring a dedicated advisor from the Student Activities staff. The university sought an individual with strong leadership skills and qualifications, as well as experience as a campus queen. By incorporating the responsibility of advising Miss TSU into a staff position, Dr. Dale Williams, a former Miss TSU, was given the opportunity to assess the unique needs of campus queens.
Through extensive research, Dale uncovered the emotional, physical, and mental challenges faced by student leaders who were not adequately prepared for their roles. She found that most campus queens received training from staff members who were already managing multiple responsibilities, leaving limited time for personalized guidance. Additionally, many colleges and universities offered little to no formal training in leadership or etiquette for queens (or their royal courts) prior to assuming their roles. As a result, many queens began their reigns without the necessary resources and support, making it difficult to meet the high expectations placed upon them.
In the summer of 2001, while leading a workshop at the NASAP student leadership institute, Dale had the opportunity to engage with college queens and quickly realized their needs were far greater than could be addressed in a 90-minute session. This experience inspired her to create the Leadership for Queens Conference, designed to address the concerns, goals, and aspirations of HBCU queens. The conference fosters an environment that prioritizes mental, physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being, while also honoring the rich cultural history unique to HBCU queens.
Meanwhile, after working with both kings and queens at Talladega College for over 20 years, Anthony M. Jones, Jr. recognized the need for a similar program for campus kings. As a long-time presenter at the Leadership for Queens Conference, Anthony felt it was time to provide kings with the recognition and resources they deserved. Initially, a separate conference called Kings’ Konnection for kings was planned. However, because kings and queens often collaborate closely on campus, both organizers decided to join forces and co-host a single, unified conference. This collaboration led to the creation of the HBCU Kings & Queens Conference, the only conference of its kind, dedicated to empowering and supporting both campus queens and kings.
Today, Leadership for Queens has grown into a nonprofit organization offering scholarships, leadership guidance, and other supportive opportunities for both kings and queens. The HBCU Kings & Queens Conference is one of the premier programs under Leadership for Queens and Kings' Konnection.
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