Academically, personally, socially and spiritually, Carson Myers’s college experience at Ball State University (BSU) has been one marked by growth and success. His crowning as one of the few Black homecoming kings or queens in BSU history is a testament to the time and dedication he put into his education and self.
“I knew what I was involved in, I knew what I brought to this campus, as far as organizations and notoriety, as far as people know who I am, and my character, and how I carry myself on campus. All the other candidates carried themselves in a great way, but I had a lot of confidence in myself knowing what I brought to the table stood out.”
Myers is vice president of Man to Men – an on-campus program focused on uniting minority males of color and providing them with the resources to get through college successfully. He is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and co-founder and president of Mentally Empowered Men – an organization he founded to combat the negative stigma behind mental health for Black men.
Although he was heavily involved in various on-campus activities, he never thought of running for homecoming king until a classmate suggested the idea of them running together.
From there, he campaigned to earn the popular vote and become one of the final top 10 homecoming candidates. Myers achieved this goal through campaigning on social media and creating a viral video with his friend.
Myers knew after attending the banquet dinner and interview with the BSU Homecoming Committee – comprised of BSU alumni who vote on the candidates that best represent the title of homecoming king and queen – that he would be crowned Homecoming King.
“I had a good enough interview to know that there’s no way that I don’t win,” said Myers.
After officially finding out he won, Myers said it did not sink in at first, but the homecoming parade was something he did not take for granted.
“The experience was crazy, especially the parade because we were going on streets that I’ve been walking on to get to class for three years now and seeing all these streets filled with little kids and parents cheering. I saw my mom and dad at the parade, and I saw some of my teachers, faculty and my boss there, so it was super cool to see the whole community celebrating Ball State, celebrating homecoming, and I got to be a part of that celebration.”
Myers fully embraced the opportunity to represent the Black Community at BSU as Homecoming King.
While the Black community makes up just under 7% of BSU students, he says that number does not accurately show the impact Black students have on campus.
“When you see the impact and the events that are being held, and you go into the classrooms and see who’s talking or presenting the most, you’ll see more Black figures in the classrooms doing events and hosting things,” he said. “When it comes to leadership, we all have that same mentality; that’s why I was so happy to represent us, and that’s why it meant so much to me to be a Black male representing.”
Myer’s mom, Jenice Myers, emphasized how big of a moment his win was for the school as a whole.
“It was definitely a very, very proud moment not only for him, but for our family and the culture,” she said.
Although Myers’s college experience has come with its own struggles – his freshman year was during the height of COVID-19, and with online classes and the new freedom college brings, it took him time to acclimate – he credits perseverance, a strong support system and his relationship with God as vital in placing him on his current path to success.
“I can truly say that God has been at the forefront of my entire life, and without him, I would not be able to do anything I’m doing right now, so I think for me, it was just knowing that there was a plan for my life set in stone and right now I’m just following the path.”
Myers is majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology and concentration in mental health counseling. He plans on attending graduate school after earning his degree and, eventually, opening a private practice in clinical psychology.
While Myers is one of the few Black males or females to win Ball State Homecoming King or Queen, he does not want his historic win to stand on its own.
“At this moment, I’m representing as a homecoming king, and it’s very prominent this year because I’m a Black homecoming king, but I want moving forward for there to be no prominence on me being Black. I want there to be such a diverse level of kings and queens and representation at this university that I’m looked at more as a trailblazer than an anomaly.”
- Contact staff writer Garrett Simms at (317) 7627847 or by email Garretts@indyrecorder.com.
