Reflections of a Queen: Jacqueline Jones Ragland on Lincoln’s Legacy

Miss Lincoln University 1969–70, Jacqueline Jones Ragland, reflects on the legacy of Lincoln’s queens—Sharon Ann Allnut Williams (1968–69) and Ida Ballard Simon (1970–71).

Editorial Disclaimer: The views and memories shared in this personal remembrance are those of the author. This piece is not intended as a verified historical record, and some details may differ from documented facts.

The years 1966-70 were seen by Lincoln students as the best of times for some and the worst for others. For most, it was a combination of both. Those years were marked by civil rights activism and campus unrest, including new emotions following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Queens were crowned to represent Lincoln University, as at other HBCUs during those years.

I am pleased that this honor now includes—and has, for 22 years—the honor of kings. For that reason, I want to clarify that there is no disrespect to the “kingly position,” as this article honors two special Lincoln queens from my time at Lincoln. My most sincere congratulations to Lincoln University’s elected queen and king for 2025-26, Yessnia Austin Dixon and Jesse Canamore.

Authentic regal responsibilities are often viewed as inherited, selected privileges—guaranteed financial perpetuity and biological rights. However, royalty, in any category, is designed for respect, protection, and appreciation of a grand and pristine selection, along with its benefits of safeguarding and representing sovereignty, species, purposes, ideals or organizations.

Now to bring queenship home. College queenships began with May Day activities in 1927, when a queen was crowned and headed the May Day parade. The tradition evolved into what is seen today at HBCUs, with kings and queens representing their schools’ legacy and sharing in student leadership and honor (Patterson, 2022).

It is my honor to share my appreciation for being bestowed the title of Miss Lincoln University 1969-70. Having such an honor was never a mentally attainable conception when I entered Lincoln in 1966; however, I am deeply grateful for the privilege. This article places me between two great campus queens I desire to honor: Miss Lincoln 1968-69, who crowned me, and Miss Lincoln 1970-71, whom I crowned. My respect to both of these amazing women.

Sharon Ann Allnut Williams was from Kansas City, Missouri. She entered Lincoln University in 1965, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. Sharon also attended Northeast Missouri State University for graduate studies.

While at Lincoln, Sharon was crowned Miss Lincoln University for 1968-69 and was also selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She was a vivacious cheerleader and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the One and Only Alpha Iota Chapter, which we both shared.

Sharon taught at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Jefferson City before joining the Kansas City School District. She taught for 24 years at Phillis Wheatley, Wendell Phillips and Mary Harmon Weeks elementary schools until she could no longer work due to illness. She loved people and never met a stranger. While in the nursing home, I was told that Sharon wanted her door open so she could greet everyone who passed by—workers and residents alike.

She introduced and shared her visitors throughout the facility. Sharon was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1977, just eight years after graduating from Lincoln, and with colon cancer in 2017. During her many years of suffering, it was said that Sharon never complained or asked, “Why me?” She had a cheerful outlook and a beautiful, sweet spirit. According to her family, Sharon would always say that she was blessed.

Although Sharon’s accomplishments were great despite her physical challenges, what made her regal was beyond her abilities, accolades or conditions. I remember her sweet, radiant spirit on campus and her smile that lit up any room or conversation. Sharon made organizations, situations and students better. She was gentle and positive, yet always intentional, caring and nurturing, with a consistently positive outlook on life.

She was very sisterly toward me. Interestingly, we both came from families with six daughters, and she often nurtured and encouraged me as if I were one of her own. I remember her coming to my room in Anthony Hall, where I was a counselor, on the night of school elections to give me the results. Sharon entered with a disappointed look, implying I had not been selected for Miss LU. I told her it was OK because, if it had been meant for me, I would have won. Sharon smiled and said “psych,” then revealed that I had won by a landslide.

It was my pleasure to have been nurtured and crowned by such a beautiful, brilliant and warm soul.

Ida Ballard Simon, a native of my hometown, Memphis, Tennessee, entered Lincoln in 1967. Ida was chosen as the campus queen, Miss Lincoln University 1970-71. While at Lincoln, she was also elected Miss Sophomore, Miss Finer Womanhood by Zeta Beta Sorority, and Head Drum Majorette.

In 1971, Ida graduated from Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She received a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1972. Upon completing her graduate work, Ida worked briefly for the Albert P. Brewer Center for Mentally Challenged Children in Mobile, Alabama, and for the Memphis City School System. Shortly thereafter, she found her professional niche in sales and marketing with IBM.

As the first marketing director for the United Negro College Fund, Ida raised funds for small, private Black colleges. In 1987, she earned a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York.

Between 1995 and 2000, Ida was chief fundraiser for several colleges. She was appointed vice president and chief development officer of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund Inc., which provides funds for students attending large public historically Black colleges and universities. In 2003, Ida shared her fundraising expertise with her alma mater, serving as vice president of university advancement and executive director of the Lincoln University Foundation until her death.

In January 2004, Ida was diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away that May. In 2005, she was posthumously inducted into the Lincoln University Hall of Fame.

Although Ida’s accomplishments were great, what made her regal went deeper than abilities or accolades. I remember her beautiful spirit walking in strides as if she glided across unseen air, yet always within reach. She was bold yet gentle, determined and tenacious.

One fascinating fact about Ida, Sharon and me is that all three successive queens came from large families with at least six sisters. Another is that Ida and I were born five days apart in September 1949. Had I not entered college a year earlier, I might not have had the opportunity for a royal honor—it belonged to Ida in 1970. It was my pleasure to crown such a deserving soul. Ida’s life was cut short, but her influence and legacy continue to grow within the institution we all love.

I have discovered that life has a divine royal connection, with the promise of an everlasting crown. Both Sharon and Ida are now wearing these beautiful crowns. Their lives were about giving more than receiving, inward genuineness more than outward persona, assurance more than insurance, guiding grace more than a rushing race.

Sharon and Ida both faced disease and hardship with dignity and left a royal blueprint for students, administrators and alumni to follow. “Keeping it 100,” you do not have to have “queen” or “king” in your title to be royal, for regality is a matter of the heart and spirit. Lincoln, you are Royal Blue Tigers. Congratulations on 100 years of Homecoming!

— Jacqueline Jones Ragland (76 years of life), Miss Lincoln University 1969-1970