African-American trio makes history in UGA student elections

UGA students elected, for the first time, African-Americans to the top three posts in its student government association. From left are Treasurer-elect Destin Mizelle, President-elect Ammishaddai Grand-Jean and Vice President-elect Charlene Marsh. PHOTO CREDIT: University of Georgia.

UGA students elected, for the first time, African-Americans to the top three posts in its student government association. From left are Treasurer-elect Destin Mizelle, President-elect Ammishaddai Grand-Jean and Vice President-elect Charlene Marsh. PHOTO CREDIT: University of Georgia.

Three University of Georgia students from metro Atlanta will make history next week when they become the first group of African-Americans inaugurated to the top three positions in its student government.

Ammishaddai Grand-Jean, a third-year student from Jonesboro majoring in political science and economics, was elected president. Charlene Marsh, a third-year political science and international affairs major from Norcross, was elected vice president. Destin Mizelle, a third-year psychology major from College Park, was elected treasurer.

The three students campaigned together as what they called the “believe” ticket, UGA officials said in a news release Thursday. Their top three goals: making student government simpler and more connected to students, cultivating transparency and discussion on issues like diversity, sexual assault and mental health and fostering a spirit of cooperation among student organizations.

A record 8,006 students voted in the election, about 21 percent of its undergraduate student body, UGA officials said. About 8 percent of UGA’s undergrads are African-American, according to state data.

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday on campus.