Scholar’s Spotlight : Stoney McKnight | Spelman College

David Jordan Jr: Why did you choose to attend Spelman College?

Stoney McKnight: I chose to attend Spelman College because I wanted to break barriers. At Spelman we say, coming to Spelman is making a Choice to Change the world and that is exactly what I plan to do. I come from a large family and was raised by my Grandmother who didn’t finish elementary school, and my parents did not attend college as my mother has a high school diploma and my father only elementary. I knew I wanted to be the one to be different and show my family that we are not defined by where we come from, but by what we do to grow from our circumstances. I also admired the rich tradition of Spelman, I knew that Spelman produced women who were not only leaders in every field, but women who lead with their minds and hearts. By choosing Spelman, the #1 HBCU in the nation, I was able to show my family that we are more than capable, and I hope one day to be a testimony for others.

David Jordan Jr: What inspired you to pursue your degree in that field?

Stoney McKnight: I am from Louisiana which falls at number 50 overall, 46 in education, 48 in opportunity, 42 in fiscal stability, and sadly 46 in health care. Louisiana has one of the highest maternal mortality rate at 58.1 deaths per 100,000 births. The racial disparities in the health system are despicable, as four black women die during childbirth for every white woman that dies. I feel as a black woman, it is my duty to ensure that my community of fellow black women feel represented and safe when seeking healthcare, especially when entrusting someone to help them bring new life into this world. It is my dream to become an OB/GYN, because not only will I be adding to trusted healthcare providers my community can rely on, but I will make a difference to change the narrative when it comes to our mothers and children and, to a large extent, those who are marginalized.

David Jordan Jr: The privilege of attending an HBCU is an extremely unique experience. What do you think makes obtaining an education from an HBCU different from other institutions across the world?

Stoney McKnight: HBCUs are a family, when you attend an HBCU you are not simply gaining an education but a lifelong community that pours into you at every stage of your life. HBCUs also a hub that gives you a safe space to be yourself and learn more about your community, where you come from. Not many institutions can say they develop you as a person as well as giving you an education. HBCUs make sure you know about your history and impower you in every step you take. The network of alum within HBCUs are like no other. These alum view you as family and truly want to see you succeed. By obtaining an education from an HBCU you are learning your past to impact your future. Like Marcus Garvey once said, “A people without the knowledge of their past, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” and our HBCU’s water our roots so we may branch off into the future.

David Jordan Jr: You were recently named 2025 Miss NBCA Hall of Fame, the 40th coronation for that honor. What does it mean to you join that illustrious group of Miss NBCA Hall of Fame Queens?

Stoney McKnight: I am huge on legacy and honoring those who came before me. It is such an honor to be the 40th Miss NBCA Hall of Fame, and for me that means there have been 39 Queens who legacy I cherish and must build upon. These Queens have become a representation of the excellence all of our HBCUs represent and to be the next Queen to represent that means I am also an advocate for HBCUs nationwide. It means that I am no longer just fighting for myself and my Spelman and Morehouse community, but I am also stepping into this space as a voice to more mountains for those everywhere who feel as though they cannot speak for themselves. Joining this legacy is so much bigger than myself and I cannot wait to make change in those I come across lives.

David Jordan Jr: As you are an esteemed scholar student, how important is it for you to be an example for young scholars that want to be in your position one day?

Stoney McKnight: As a first-generation scholar, one thing I value deeply is being a testimony for those who are just like me. Coming from a low-income background, showing that my past did not break me is what keeps me going because I know there is someone who has gone through what I did who may be on the verge of giving up and all they need is that gleam of hope. I am here to be the light in their lives but also help them develop the light they have within. We are the writers of our stories and every twist and turn we face in life does not erase the hard work we put in or the future that we will soon have. To those who want to be in my position one day, remember that you can and you will. Being a Queen, a leader, is not letting your role or crown lead you but you shape it around who you are. There is no one look to a Queen or a leader as that definition changes as you step into the role.

David Jordan Jr: Can you share the best piece of advice that you’ve received in life that has enabled you to achieve the success you have thus far?

Stoney McKnight: The best piece of advice that I’ve received in life was from my mentor at Harvard, Dr. Michelle Joseph. She told me that failure is a gift, it is what creates the best in us because you must rise and fall before you can hit your target. Failure is not the end all be all but redirection because it causes you to see life differently, you view your mistakes not as failures but different paths we took before we reached our destination. If I looked at everything I’ve done wrong in life and stopped without trying again I would not be where I am today. Sometimes all it takes is going back to the same thing again because that second or third time you may strike gold, or even better you create something new, because you had that past experiences and knew what to do the next time.