LaMonee Morris Photo Credit: UVI
LaMonee Morris, the current Miss UVI 2024-2025, is set to represent the University of the Virgin Islands at the prestigious 39th Annual National Black College Queens Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. The event, held during the Alumni Hall of Fame weekend from September 22 to 29, will showcase the best and brightest ambassadors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the United States.
Morris, a 21-year-old junior at UVI majoring in psychology, began her journey to Atlanta on Wednesday with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of pride. She aims to represent the vibrant culture of both the University and the Virgin Islands as the only HBCU in the Caribbean, showcasing the unique heritage of the territory on a national platform.
As Miss UVI, Morris has chosen the platform "Keeping Virgin Islands Culture Alive Through HBCU Pride". Her commitment to this cause is evident through her involvement in the UVI Cultural Titans and UVI Twirlettes, two organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting Virgin Islands culture.
The UVI Cultural Titans started as a mocko jumbie workshop, where Morris has been instrumental in engaging both local and international students. She teaches them the art of stilt walking, a practice deeply rooted in Virgin Islands history and tradition. In addition to her work with the Titans, Morris is the captain of the UVI Twirlettes, a performance group that brings the lively spirit of UVI to numerous events throughout the academic year.
Morris joins a distinguished group of Miss UVI ambassadors who have previously made a significant impact at the National Black College Queens Competition. Past titleholders such as Elisa Thomas (2014), Che' Raina Warner (2016), and Jackeima Flemming (2021) all earned the title of Miss National Black Alumni Hall of Fame, enhancing UVI's reputation for producing exceptional leaders and culture bearers.
With her dedication to her platform and commitment to representing UVI and the Virgin Islands, Morris hopes to continue the legacy of excellence that has defined UVI’s participation in the competition.
