“Come to OU and try new things and experiences. It’s easy to do what you did in high school, but don’t limit yourself to just that. Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. You never know — you might find your passion.”
Jasmine Burrell, an OU junior, was crowned as OU Black Royalty on her platform, “Take Up Space Initiative,” a program designed to connect on-campus students with resources and opportunities to combat Imposter Syndrome. Imposter Syndrome is associated with the fear of being inadequate in one’s environment. To challenge the idea and uplift people of color on campus, Jasmine is committed to bridging the gaps for her classmates to ensure they have the resources, environment, and community they need to succeed.
Q: Why did you choose to run for OU Black Royalty?
Jasmine: I have been on campus for a while and have seen a culture shift in the Black community. I feel like with this title, I can focus more on unifying the community as a whole post-COVID and focus on giving back the knowledge I’ve gained in my four years at OU.
Q: The OU Black Royalty Pageant was a way to showcase Black excellence, how did you and your fellow contestants encapsulate that vision?
Jasmine: We showcased Black excellence by genuinely being who we are while on stage. You were truly able to see our personalities and the things we are passionate about while competing. Black excellence isn’t this crazy idea that only a certain group of people can achieve, rather that it is something that is found and showcased in all of us every single day.
Q: What did it feel like to earn the title of OU Black Royalty?
Jasmine: Surreal, honestly. I’ve always gone to the former Mr. and Miss Black OU pageant since my freshman year, and I never felt like it was something I was capable of because it is such a big title for our community. It means so much to us as Black students on this campus. So to hear my name called was an unreal moment. There are moments where it doesn’t feel real — that I am Black Royalty and everything that comes with the title.
Q: What is your favorite resource on campus?
Jasmine: Probably the Office of Student Life. Everyone in the office is always there to support any student that walks in, whether it be to provide a listening ear, answer any questions, or even provide a snack. That’s also where our BSA and NPHC advisors are, and they are huge helps in my day-to-day life. I am not sure where I would be without them.
