Inside A CAMPUS NEWSLETTER FOR FACULTY, STAFFMOREHOUSE AND STUDENTS APRIL/MAY 2009, ISSUE 6

Mansa Bilal Mark King talks Jazz Ensemble Hosts Jazz Legend Spring Sports Teams Win SIAC Titles Commencement/Reunion 2009 about his name change Terrence Blanchard Schedule

Actress Cicely Tyson and Scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. to Address Class of 2009; Hall of Famer Hank Aaron to Receive Honorary Doctorate

By ADD SEYMOUR JR. dren, Tyson is also a founder of the and Tina Turner back to their fam­ Also during Commencement Dance Theater of Harlem. Currently, ilies’ beginnings in Africa. weekend, alumni from across the * JB When 52tf' Morehouse she is involved with the Market Tyson, Gates and baseball Hall nation return to campus for Re­ seniors enter the lush Women’s Project with President Cicely Tyson of Famer Hank Aaron will each re­ union 2009: A Gathering of Men. W V Century Campus on Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and ceive an honorary doctorate of Hu­ Classes with graduating years end­ May 18 for their final few moments FuturePac, an organization dedi­ mane Letters. ing in four or nine will be honored as men of Morehouse, they will be cated to raising funds to support Aaron is one of the most re­ during activities that include the given advice from Emmy-award women with political aspirations. spected figures in sports after a 23- May 16th Reunion Banquet at the winning actress Cicely Tyson and Gates, one of the nation’s pre- year baseball career that ended Ritz-Carlton in downtown Atlanta. Harvard professor Henry Louis mier African American scholars, with him being a near unanimous One alumnus likely to have the Gates Jr. during the College’s 125th has become a chief storyteller of choice for the Baseball Hall of most fun will be Rynalder D. Ram- Spring Commencement. African American history and lin­ Fame. Amid repeated death beau Sr. ’34 as he returns to campus. Tyson is a trailblazing actress eage. The Harvard professor has threats, Aaron became best known The retired educator from and activist who, through an edited influential anthologies such for breaking one of baseball’s most Donaldsonville, Ga., is 98 years old award-winning film career playing as The Norton Anthology of African revered records: he hit his 715th and will be the oldest alumnus on strong black women, has raised the American Literature and the career home run in April 1974 to hand during Commencement/ consciousness of audiences world­ Schomburg Library of Nineteenth break Babe Ruth’s long-standing Reunion this year. But he won’t be wide. She was the first black actress Century Black Women Writers, and mark. Aaron finished his career the only one celebrating in the to co-star in a television drama se­ co-editing many others, including with 755 home runs. Rambeau family. His son, Rynalder ries; she portrayed “Rebecca” in the The Civitas Anthology of African After leaving his playing career Jr. ’64, will also be attending memorable film “Sounder;” and American Slave Narratives. behind, Aaron spent 13 years as Reunion 2009. she won an unprecedented two Among his many groundbreak­ director of Player Development for For a full schedule of Commence­ Emmy awards for the title role in ing pieces of work, Gates has been the Atlanta Braves, becoming a ment/Reunion events go to page 8 or “The Autobiography of Miss Jane behind the African American Lives senior vice president in 1989. go online to:http://www. more- Pittman.” series in which he traced the roots Aaron also has become a distin­ house.edu/events/2009/commence- A world ambassador for UNICEF of celebrities such as Oprah guished businessman. ment/index.html. ■ and a volunteer for Save the Chil- Winfrey, Tom Joyner, Chris Rock Hank Aaron

Morehouse Hosts Rare Public Appearance Inside Morehouse is by Fed Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke Going Green and Online

By ADD SEYMOUR JR. “To me, it was indeed a coup,” We are doing our part in the said Denise Moore, director of College's efforts to go green and be When the world witnessed Federal Government Relations. “He could environmentally conscious as you Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke tell have gone to his own alma mater are now holding the last printed a Morehouse College audience the Harvard or even Yale.” edition of Inside Morehouse. Start­ economy was slowly improving, the Bernanke spoke for 25 minutes ing with the September issue, nation’s fiscal health was hardly the in the filled Bank of America Audi­ Inside Morehouse will be available only newsworthy item. torium as national print media and online at www.morehouse.edu! What turned heads was the fact cable television outlets such as Fox Each edition, every story and that Bernanke was at Morehouse. Business News, CNBC, CNN and picture, will be available to a much Rarely do Federal Reserve board MSNBC followed every moment. wider audience as anyone with members make public appearances. He then took an array of But seeking to sooth frazzled nerves probing questions from Morehouse Internet access will be able to see over the economy, Bernanke has senior business and economic what's happening with faculty, been looking to explain to people students, Tristan Allen, Anthony staff and students at Morehouse how the Fed works and to detail the Roberts, Ricardo Rabathaly and College. If you have questions steps he is taking to fix the nation’s Zantoine Truluck. about the change, contact editor fiscal problems. “I think it’s important for people Add Seymour Jr. at So in the midst of a global to understand [what’s happening Fed Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke (second from left) gets a tour of the Martin Luther [email protected]. economic nosedive, he chose King International Chapel from Phillip Howard '86 (left). President Robert M. Franklin Jr. '75 (second from right) and Lawrence E. Carter Sr., (right), dean of Morehouse as the place to speak. (Please see Morehouse Hosts Bernanke’ page 4) the Chapel. 2 CO NEWS INSIDE MOREHOUSE. APRIL/MAY 2009

______MY WORD______Inside Morehouse is about the people who make up the Morehouse College community. To tell those stories, Children Suffer From Injustice WE NEED YOU to send us your ideas, comments and thoughts, By Unequal Schools along with your news, information about your new BY JONATHAN WALL predominantly white schools for structions. The intended fun of the books or publications and grades k-8, and a predominantly event was not felt by these students. “There is no reason for your commentary for (Wall’s guest editorial appeared in black school for grades 9-12 helped The mathbate was just another ex­ the Atlanta Journal Constitution on me see more clearly the dividing line ercise in which they saw their Cau­ sections like My Word. April 20, 2009) of educational quality. At Mathfest, I casian peers outperform and win. there to be such a wide To send us your information, Recently, I was a judge at Georgia saw the overwhelming disparities Being a judge, I had an obligation contact Inside Morehouse Mathfest, an event where more than that now plague America’s public to fairness, impartiality and neu­ gap in the academic Editor Add Seymour Jr. at 5,000 kids engaged in mathematical schools. trality. I would search for reasons to activities, games and all-around fun. Of the 20 teams on each grade give the African American groups a [email protected] skill set of students...” One of the main events was level, about 15 were completely Cau­ few extra points, so the scores would math-bate, a combination of math casian/Asian/Non African American, look respectable, but my searches and debate in which teams were two or three were all African Ameri­ came back empty. 1 didn’t quite re­ there to be such a wide gap in the ac­ given scenarios and had to analyze can. Only two or three were a mix. alize to the full extent what I was For more up-to-the minute ademic skill-set of students in the and solve them mathematically. There were tremendous gaps in the witnessing until the event was over same grade in the same state. information about academic They also had to think critically speaking and reasoning ability of the and the winners had been crowned. Disproportionate education is departments, administration, about the various situations and African American groups. The Cau­ I can’t even begin to describe the injustice. Everything starts with a apply reasoning and logic. Once casian/Asian groups would stand in feelings and thoughts that raced athletics, registration, foundation, the roots if you will. they solved a scenario, they gave a front of us with confidence and through my heart and mind as I financial aid, as well as Elementary/middle schools are the presentation in front of me and a pride, using immense vocabularies walked group after group to the roots from which we sprout up dur­ the people and places at fellow Morehouse brother. While we consisting of words far beyond what podium to be awarded their first ing high school, college and life. Morehouse College, go to scored them based on the correct­ 1 thought the average kid their place plaques. Of the 40 individual When a root isn’t getting the proper ness of their math, most of the age understood. winners, only three were black. And www.morehouse.edu nutrients that it needs to grow, it points derived from their ability to The African American groups two were on the same team. shrivels. It may be harsh, but if we explain their reasoning and the gen­ were significantly less prepared, get­ It troubles me that America’s pub­ don’t make a change, this is what will eral fluidity of their presentation. ting a majority of the problems lic schools (and private, but that’s an­ continue to happen to generation What we witnessed in our many wrong and having one or two stu­ other situation) are still unequal and after generation of our youth. There hours judging events was disheartening. dents do the talking while the others lack not only diversity, but equality has got to be a better way. And we are Inequalities in education and the just stood there. Not because they in the distribution of resources. all in charge of finding it. ■ underlying factors are something didn’t want to speak, but because Some try to blame it on the intellec­ Inside MOREHOUSE that I’ve always been passionate they didn’t know the information. tual capacity of the kids, but that is Jonathan Wall wants to be a civil about understanding. Going to Some even struggled to read the in­ not the case. There is no reason for rights attorney. Director of Public Relations Toni O'Neal Mosley [email protected]

Executive Editor induced fear among the Meccans, Vickie G. Hampton who rejected the Islamic call to live [email protected] The Lesson in My Name righteous lives. Islam’s potential to establish a Editor just society seemed a threat to their Add Seymour Jr. BY MANSA BILAL MARK KING scholars who lived in West Africa’s unbridled quest for political, eco­ [email protected] scholarship centers for nearly 1,000 nomic, and status superiority. Bilal e can learn a lot from a Calendar Editor years. Today, the inheritors of these embodied the political threat when, name. In the best of instead of obeying his owner’s Julie Pinkney Tongue manuscripts often live in impover­ African traditions, a per­ [email protected] ished conditions. Yet, analyses of the command to whip a Muslim, he Wson’s name tells you about her or his papers have already begun to embraced the faith, too. Photographers life journey and/or life purpose. My connect African American non­ Though he was tortured for his Philip McCollum parents named me Mark Alexander violence traditions to West African disobedience, a wealthy Muslim Jim Robinson King. non-violence traditions. That is, soon purchased Bilal and set him Add Seymour Jr. Mark was a disciple of Jesus and they connect the Rev. Martin free. Bilal spent the rest of his life as Yusuf Davis thus a man of faith. For my family, Luther King Jr. ‘48 to the Mansa- a defender of justice and religious though, Mark was also the son of supported scholars of West Africa’s freedom. He also became the first Graphic Design “The Rifleman” (a 1960s television Again, following African traditions, Golden Age. muezzin, a person of great piety Musick Design western). My father was an expert I did not release my name entirely. I Finally, there is Bilal, the name 1 who calls the Muslims to prayer. I marksman in the Army. So, he is the added to it. Through this practice, ask friends to call me. Bilal lived in strive to have faith like Bilal did - Web Services “Rifleman” and I am his son. African names tell the story of a Arabia. However, he was from against all odds. Hana Chelikowsky And Mark is Greek for “strong person. Habesha, which is part of modern- So, my ancient names tell stories Kara Walker defender.” Alexander was a Greek So, my story continues with day Ethiopia. Bilal was one of the that are quite relevant today. I made ruler and empire builder. names from Islamic Africa. Mansa first residents of Mecca to embrace my name change legal after encoun­ With my surname, King, we Inside Morehouse is published is the Mandinka word for “ruler” or Islam. He did so despite being held tering bureaucratic troubles. The again find this connotation of a de­ monthly during the academic “king.” Most of us have heard of the in slavery, or perhaps because of it. “separation of church and state” fender of people or a conqueror. year (with a combined November/ Mansa named Musa. On his pil­ The Islamic message on slavery does not (and cannot) prevent our The best war a king can wage, December issue) by grimage to Mecca, he gave away so features equity requirements. These secular laws from regulating how though, is against his lower self. To Morehouse College, Office much gold in charity that it hurt the include: feeding and clothing one’s spirituality is expressed. But, that is neglect the internal war while rul­ of Communications. Northeast African economy. This slaves as one eats and dresses; help­ another chapter in the story of ing over others invites any king to Opinions expressed in was just one Mansa who ruled Mali. ing one’s slaves with their hard my name. ■ tyranny. Such is the calling of the Today, Mali is rising again be­ work, and freeing slaves as atone­ Inside Morehouse are those Mansa Bilal Mark King is an assistant names given to me by my parents. cause of the Timbuktu papers. ment for sins. This requirement to of the authors, not necessarily professor of sociology. After I embraced Islam, I released of the College. These priceless treasures give voice humanize slavery was among the one name and added two new ones. to the indigenous, literate Muslim many elements of Islam that CO KUDOS 3 INSIDE MOREHOUSE, APRIL/MAY 2009

Employees Recognized During Staff Appreciation Celebration

Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, delivered the evocation during the inaugural ceremony for new Johnson C. Smith University President Ronald Lee Carter 71.

Twenty-eight Morehouse employees Giles Conwill, chairman of history, was featured Recognized for years Sheree Benton Clarence Hollis were honored during the Staff Apprecia­ in the March 13 edition of The Georgia Bulletin as of service: Debra Harper Andrea Manning part of an article about professors who are tion Celebration on April 30 in the African Shelia Worthy 30 Years 15 Years Catholic priests. Conwill is a priest for the San American Hall of Fame for their years of Diane Alexander Patricia Jackson Henry Goodgame Diego Diocese. dedicated service to the College. Nour Belkeir Margaret Jackson Phyllis Smith "You represent the spine of this nerv­ Kevin Branch Frances Terrell ous system," said President Robert M. 25 years Brenda Dodd Franklin Jr. 75. "You are the foundation Barnetta Green 10 Years Walter Frye for which this House stands." Sterling Hudson Gerald Bowden Derick Nelson Special recognition also was given to Denise Whitely Allen Carter Judith Richmond Alvin Darden, dean of the freshman class, was all of the College's professional admin­ Christopher Doomes 20 Years Cedric Strudivant named an honor roll semi-finalist in the "Out­ istrative assistants. Each will receive a Jenetta Grace-Butler Craig Boyd standing First-Year Student Advocate" category for special pen and pencil set as apprecia­ Kimberlyn Gresham the National Resource Center for the First-Year tion for their hard work. Pamela Heath Experience and Students in Transition's 28th Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience in Orlando, Fla. in February. 2008-09 Faculty Publications and Presentations

Morehouse faculty members contribute to intellectual scholarly discussion on a range of topics through many venues - Alison Ligon, assistant professor of English, journals, books, articles and other publications. presented a paper titled "Not Everybody's Protest Novel: Reimaging Selected Works of Postcolonial Published works in 2008-2009: Presentations and invited talks in 2008-2009: Fiction from Latin America and the Caribbean," at the 30th Annual Convention of the Southern Ebenezer Aka, professor of political science, book chap­ Joseph Agee, associate professor of Spanish Conference on American Studies in Charlotte, N.C., ter in Urbanization and Social Development in Africa, 2008. Marcellus Barksdale, professor of history on Feb. 12. Lawrence Blunter, professor of biology, co-author, "Inter- Mary Behrman, assistant professor of English spective Competition in Bean Beetles," in Tested Studies Consuella Bennett, assistant professor of English for Laboratory Teaching, Vol. 30; co-author, "Rapid Loal Subhash Bhatia, assistant professor of chemistry Adaptation in Bean Beetles," Ecological Society of Amer­ Lawrence Blumer, professor of biology Toni O'Neal Mosley, director of public relations, ica, Teaching Issues and Experiments in Ecology, Vol. 6. Harold Braithwaite, associate professor of psychology has been elected chair of the Atlanta University Center Council of Public Relations Officers. Her Stephane Dunn, assistant professor of English,"Stand­ Giles Conwill, associate professor and chairman of history term ends in 2011. ing Up for Bad Words, Chronicle of Higher Education," Leah Creque, assistant professor of English March2008; Badd Bitches and Sassy Supermamas: Black Maureen Dinges, associate professor of speech Power Action Films, (University of Illinois Press, 2008) Stephane Dunn, assistant professor of English Alton Hornsby Jr., Fuller E. Callaway Professor of His­ Parthenia Franks, associate professor of speech tory published his 18th book, Black Power in Dixie: Apo­ Greg Hall, associate professor of political science litical History of African Americans in Atlanta (University Triscia Hendrickson, assistant professor of biology For the second year in a row, senior finance major of Florida Press, 2009), a comprehensive and longitudinal H Claude Hutto, assistant professor of kinesiology, sport Johnathan Ware finished in the top 10 out of 2,000 study of black politics in Atlanta. Focusing on the mayoral studies and physical education worldwide contestants in the 2009 Interactive terms of Maynard Jackson '56 and Andrew Young, the Asha Ivey, assistant professor of psychology Brokers of Collegiate Traders Olympiad. Ware ranked book looks at how black Atlanta leaders used their elec­ eighth and won a $10,000 third place prize for gener­ toral power to win influence with white leaders and gain Duane Jackson, associate professor of psychology ating returns of more than 70 percent in two months. concessions in race relations. Michael Janis, assistant professor of English Alison Ligon, assistant professor of English Last year, he won $10,000 when he finished third and Daniel Hummer, assistant professor of psychology, co­ became the first student from a historically black Samuel Livingston, assistant professor of history author of the article, "Period Gene Expression in the Diur­ college or university to place in the competition. nal Degu Differs from the Nocturnal Lab Rat," in The Alexandra Peister, assistant professor of biology American Journal of Physiology, Feb. 2009. Patricia Pogal, associate professor of Spanish David Poyer, associate professor of economics Lance Shipman Young, assistant professor of David Poyer, associate professor of economics, co-au­ thor, "Motor Vehicle Output and GDP," Atlantic Monthly Gregory Price, professor of economics chemistry, was inducted into the 2008 class of the Journal, 2008; "The Black Enterprise Magazine Ranking of Walter Sharif, assistant professor of biology Project Kaleidoscope Faculty for the 21st Century Colleges for African Americans: A Structural Analysis," Lawrence Shipman, assistant professor of chemistry Network. Project Kaleidoscope is a national network of emerging leaders in undergraduate The Beview of Black Political Economy, Vol. 35. Larry Spruil, assistant professor of history science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Gregory Price, economics professor and Delores Stephens, professor of English chairman,"Does Religion Constrain the Risky Sex Behav­ Troy Story, professor of chemistry ior Associated with HIV/AIDS," Applied Economics, 2009; Robert Wilson, associate professor of kinesiology, sport "Hurricane Katrina: Was There a Political Economy of studies and physical education Death?" Beview of Black Political Economy, 2008; "The Lydia Woods, assistant professor of kinesiology, sport Linda Zatlin, professor of English, has been Problem of the 21 st Century: Economics Faculty and the studies and physical education named the New York University Faculty Resource Color Line," Journal of Socio-Economics, 2009. Henrietta Yang, assistant professor of Chinese Studies Network Scholar-in-Residence for the month

Albert Turner, assistant professor of English, book chapter, - Information provided by Phyllis Bentley, of June. "At Home on These Mean Streets," in Finding a Way Home: Director, Academic Operations A Critical Assessment of Walter Mosley's Fiction, 2008. 4 CZ3 N ;. \ ' S INSIDE MOREHOUSE, APRIL/MAY 2009

NEWS BRIEFS Morehouse Makes Honda Final Four

CAMPUS COST-SAVINGS TIPS In light of the current state of the economy, below are a few cost sav­ ings suggestions that the Division of Campus Operations believes the campus can all put into immediate practice with very little effort. • Turn off lights in unoccupied areas; keep in mind there’s no need to leave lights on and doors open for housekeeping in the evening. • Unplug appliances (coffee pots, microwaves, etc) at the end of the day. It’s also considered a good energy saving practice to completely turn off computers and monitors at night. • Minimize use of space heaters as they consume significantly more energy than central heating. • Ensure all faucets are completely turned off after use. • Report all water leaks to the Physical Plant (404) 215-2664 or [email protected]. • Secure all keys to facilities to avoid costly replacement expenditures. • Recycle paper products using recycle bins provided on each floor. • Utilize both sides of paper before placing in the recycling bin (i.e., use the blank side of a fax confirmation sheet for future printing rather than placing it in the recycle bin). • Consider using double-sided printing and copying whenever possible. Though they may seem insignificant, if the entire campus contributes, collectively the entire Morehouse community can make an impact. If you have additional cost savings suggestions you would like to share, email them to [email protected].

Morehouse continued a strong history in the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge with a Final Four showing in the 64-team, 2009 LOST AND FOUND competition. The Maroon Tiger squad, consisting of senior Berkley Christopher Thomas, junior AkiI Hunter Jackson, fresh­ The Lost and Found Department of Morehouse College resides at man Robert Myrick and senior John Torrey (pictured above) and freshman Paul S. Adamson, made the competition's Sweet the main office of the Campus Security/Police Department located 16 where they defeated Howard and Maryland-Eastern Shore before losing to eventual champion Oakwood College in the inside the Robert Hall Annex. semi-finals. The team earned $15,000 in grants for their showing. In the competition's 20-year history, Morehouse has won The Campus Security/Police Department operates on a 24/7 basis four national championships, is an 11-time semi-finalist and has won grants totaling $392,000. The team is coached by and all lost and found items should be immediately turned in to the English instructor Charles A. Walton Jr. ■ Police Department. Please do not hold items while attempting to locate owners as they are likely frantically searching in the Lost and Found Department for their belongings. Contact Campus Security/Police Department at (404) 215-2666 for William Bynum Jr. Named College's more information. ■ Vice President for Student Services Fatherhood Conference Focuses on National William Bynum Jr., vice presi­ chant for developing and renewing Policy to Help African American Fathers dent for Student Affairs and Enroll­ student-based programming. We ment Management at Lincoln anticipate that the Office of Student By ADD SEYMOUR JR. Policy in Washington, D.C. She University, has been selected as Services will flourish under his lead­ pointed to new employment and Morehouse’s new vice president for ership and that the student body will he absent African American education ideas, potential prisoner Student Services. reap the benefits of his expertise.” fathers who are not taking care re-entry programs and even a Bynum, who begins at More­ The Office of Student Services - of their families too often proposed Earned Income Credit for house on July 1, replaces Kevin comprised of Athletics, Counseling, Tget the headlines, believes Georgianon-custodial parents. Rome ‘89, who left the College in Housing, Student Health, and Ca­ Labor Commissioner Michael “So there are a number of pieces 2008 to become vice chancellor of reer Planning for Non-Business Ma­ Thurmond. of legislation that have been put out student services at North Carolina jors, among others - is the official William Bynum Jr. “Rather than focusing on the there since President Obama took Central University. Herman “Skip” liaison between the College and the fathers who don’t do, I say we office and the new Congress took Mason Jr., the College’s archivist student body. The vice president has worked at Clark Atlanta University focus on the fathers who do do,” their seats,” she said. and historian, has been serving as overall responsibility for student and the Georgia Institute of Tech­ Thurmond said during the Turning That kind of information is why interim vice president for Student conduct, decorum and quality of life. nology. the Corner on Father Absence in the conference is key, said MRI ex­ Services for the past year. A graduate of Davidson College, Bynum told the Lincolnian, Lin­ Black America Revisited conference ecutive director Obie Clayton, who “Morehouse is pleased that Dr. Bynum also earned the Master of coln University’s student newspaper, held in the Executive Conference was honored by the NFLG for his Bynum is joining us in the Office of Arts and doctoral degrees from he will miss the school, but looks Center’s Bank of America Audito­ work in putting the conference to­ Student Services,” said President Duke University, where he was an forward to returning to Atlanta. rium on April 29. “Good fathers gether and continuing his work to­ Robert M. Franklin Jr. ’75. “He is Endowment Fellow. “For my family, this means once come in all varieties, so we have to wards the plight of African well versed in the culture of small Bynum has been a Lincoln for again begin a part of the greater expand our horizons on what is American males. liberal arts institutions like More­ nearly a decade and is a 20-year ed­ Atlanta community,” Bynum said. good fatherhood.” “To impact policy, especially with house and he understands the stu­ ucator who also has an extensive “For us, moving to Atlanta will That was just one of a number of the administration’s emphasis on dents who make up our population. background in administration. He allow us to continue our spiritual ideas brought forth during the con­ trying to get men re-engaged with Dr. Bynum has demonstrated a pen- has strong ties to Atlanta having growth as a family.” ■ ference presented by The National families and employed,” he said. “So Fatherhood Leaders Group (NFLG) we have grassroots organizations and the Morehouse Research Insti­ here for the conference because they tute (MRI). Social service profes­ need to be abreast of the policy.” Morehouse Hosts Rare Public Appearance “It’s apparent to me that Dr. sionals from across the country LaShawn Hoffman, CEO of the Bernanke’s team had decided they attended the conference, which was Pittsburgh Community Improve­ by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke wanted to do some type of outreach a follow-up meeting to the 1998 ment Association who grew up and have him involved in educa­ National Conference on Manhood, without a father, can attest to the ef­ (continued from the cover) Franklin Jr. ’75 and Philip Howard tion,” Moore said. also held at Morehouse. fect the conference’s work can have. with the economy] so they can un­ ‘86, vice president for Institutional According to Franklin, More­ The conference gave attendees While Hoffman, who has since derstand why policies are what they Advancement, at a Congressional house was the natural choice to host an opportunity to see how the patched up the relationship with his are,” Benanke said. Black Caucus banquet in 2008. such an event. plight of African American fathers father, said job creation in black Moore pointed to relationship Later, Franklin was on a panel with “This really highlights More­ is being addressed nationally. neighborhoods is important, the building as the main reasons why Bernanke’s wife, Anne. house’s role as a national convener “Policymakers are looking at key is building strong communities. Bernanke, a former economics pro­ Bernanke was invited to More­ of thought leaders and change ways to boost fathers,” said Vickie “Without strong communities, fessor at Princeton and Stanford, house to speak as part of the Execu­ agents who inform and shape Turetsky, director of family policy we can’t really have strong families,” came to Morehouse. Bernanke met tive Lecture series, an invitation that Morehouse students to become re­ for the Center on Law and Social he said. ■ Moore, President Robert M. the Fed chairman decided to accept. sponsible civic leaders,” he said. ■ co 5 INSIDE MOREHOUSE, APRIL/MAY 2009

THE MARTIN Quotable Quotes from 2008-2009 LUTHER KING JR. STATUE'S SILVER From a celebrated athlete to the nation's first black attorney general, ANNIVERSARY campus guests shared their unique perspectives with the Morehouse community throughout the 2008-09 academic year. One encouraged self- reliance, another self-reflection and yet another touted the virtues of global diversity. Their advice, albeit on different subject matters, encour­ aged our ongoing pursuit of building the beloved community.

Magic Johnson -“The one thing you have to do is make sure your business plan is tight. If you don’t have your business plan together, forget about it.”

Legendary television journalist Actor and activist Hill Harper Tom Brokaw Tom Brokaw - “Young people who’ve come along after the civil rights act, going to integrated schools, going to integrated work places, they have a different attitude and I think Obama is a symbol of that.”

Marc Morial - “I think they have to overcome [complacency of their peers] by understanding the sense of being Morehouse 2009 is the Martin Luther King men, they have a responsibility. They are standing on tall Jr. Statue’s Silver Anniversary One day in 1983, Lawrence E. shoulders. They are special.” Garter Sr., dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, President Hugh Gloster Hill Harper - “The future does not belong to those who are Marc Morial man Earvin "Magic" Johnson and sculptor Ed Dwight were content with destiny, but rather the future belongs to those trying to envision a new statue who can bring passion, belief and courage.” of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. ’48. “Dwight said, ‘What will this Shirley Franklin - “[Vivian Malone Jones] took the road less- statue look like?”’ Carter remem­ traveled as a young woman, not much younger than you.. .The bered. “I simply stood up and [pointed forward]. Dr. Gloster question is how strong will your shoulders be that others said, ‘That’s it!”’ stand on?” Carter’s gesture became the image of the only statue of King in the state of Georgia and one of Eric Holder-“The President and I are bound and determined the most visited and iconic spots to revitalize the[U.S. Justice Department’s] Civil Rights Divi­ on campus. The statue is now one of the most photographed sion make it the kind of division that you will be proud of.” Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder spots at the College as thousands of families, tourists and students have posed at its base. &8SääBt3C& May 20 is the statue’s silver anniversary. In 1984 it was cov­ Hip Hop in the House ered in bubble wrap and trucked to Atlanta from Denver, Colo, where Dwight, who also sculpted the statue of Hank Aaron at Hip Hop Courses Link Hip Hop and Civil Turner Field, did his work. The statue was a gift of the National Baptist Convention Rights Generations U.S.A. and that group’s presi­ dent, T.J. Jemison. By ADD SEYMOUR JR. as a non-violent movement. In many the “What is Hip Hop Studies, of Humanities and Social Sciences, King’s 20-foot likeness points Students who sign up for Jocelyn ways, it is linked to the issues and the Bringing Hip Hop to the Academy,” points to the fact that several More­ towards the Century Campus, Wilson’s Hip Hop courses at More­ movement of the civil rights era.” conference at Morehouse in April. house professors who grew up in the oldest part of campus where house are in for a rude awakening. During one class, students Students and scholars talked the hip hop culture involve their ex­ approximately 500 men of More­ “When they start class, they have looked at some rap lyrics and the about a variety of topics, along with periences with their research, which house graduate each year. no clue,” she said. “They are like views of two newspaper columnists viewing a screening of the docu­ becomes critical race theory. That’s The base is made of 10 slabs Books? What do we need books for who saw the lyrics as being negative. mentary, “Walking with Guns,” why he believes Morehouse is the of Georgia marble and contains in here?’” Wilson asked students to look at which features Grammy-winning perfect place for those kinds of dis­ a time capsule to be opened in What they get are doses of an­ both sides of the coin and analyze rapper T.I. and former Atlanta cussions and linking the civil rights 2084. It contains 119 items, some thropology, sociology and politics not only the lyrics, but how they can mayor Andrew Young discussing and hip hop generations. of which date back 5,000 years through the lens of the hip hop cul­ be perceived. the perils of guns and violence. “It does in fact represent a youth and come from Africa. There is ture. Wilson teaches two classes in “It’s really a way to engage young But the bulk of the conference culture that goes beyond the enter­ also a Bible signed by students, the African American Studies de­ people into understanding what the featured students discussing topics tainment aspect of it,” he said. “So faculty, staff, administrators, partment, Black Aesthetic/Hip Hop issues are,” Wilson said. “We’re at such as the idea of “keeping it real.” it’s important for us to elevate and trustees and civil rights leaders and Black Aesthetic/De-Construct- Morehouse, a place that deals with “I know [hip hop producer and raise the discussion of hip hop to this such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson. ing Obama, which uses hip hop to issues of not just African Ameri­ artist] Pharrell didn’t shoot or kill more scholarly, intellectual level.” Included on the base are bridge generational gaps and ex­ cans, but of African American males anybody,” said senior English major That’s exactly what Wilson is quotes from a 1955 King address plain the world to students. and this is a way to do that and get Julius Pryor. “I think the problem in hoping to bring each class period. in Montgomery, his 1967 Christ­ “When many people see hip hop, young men, and young women, to hip hop is if [an artist] says some­ “Hip hop for me has been very mas sermon on peace, his “Letter therapeutic,” she said. “It has really they see violence,” Wilson said. the class to talk about the issues that thing in hip hop you have live it. From Birmingham Jail,” and his “They see misogyny. They think of they will face when they step out of Hip hop is a microcosm of the given me some insight in the issues 1964 Nobel Peace Prize lecture in all the negative things. Hip hop is so here with their degrees.” macrocosm. What you find in hip my generation faces. This a way for Oslo, Norway. ■ much more than what it was stereo­ That was one of the main reasons hop you’ll find in the real world” me to help my people and it’s a tool typed in being. Hip hop started out that Wilson and her students held Terry Mills, dean of the Division for teaching.” ■ INSIDE MOREHOUSE, APRIL/MAY 2009

Monica Stevenson Fulfills Lifelong Dream with Debut Gospel CD

Ala. She was a background singer for artists such as Dorothy Nor­ wood, Dottie Peoples and Juanita Bynum. In 1997, she formed her own group, Lisa Stevenson and Company, and has been on the road, performing all over the coun­ try. Her husband, Derrick, is her music director and producer. Stevenson’s first CD is a culmi­ nation of a lifelong dream for the wife and mother of four whose days By ADD SEYMOUR JR. begin each morning with a 6 a.m. prayer team meeting and ends As a youngster, Monica Lee many nights after 1 a.m. in studios,

Stevenson intently listened to the in interviews or on a stage. Terence Blanchard performs with the Morehouse College Jazz Ensemble during their Spring Concert in the Martin Luther King blues and gospel songs that her fa­ “It’s a lot, but I know I’ve been Jr. International Chapel. ther, mother, aunts and uncles all equipped to do it,” Stevenson said. performed throughout Alabama. “But God doesn’t place anything on Her father’s group was called The us that we can’t bear.” Grammy-winning Jazz Trumpeter Inspirational Souls. Her work is paying off. She was By the time she was seven, named Best Female Artist at the Stevenson, her sister and three 2008 Gospel Choice Awards. Terence Blanchard Thanks Morehouse cousins formed their own group, Stevenson also won the 2008 Sickle The Little Inspirational Souls. Smart Award from the Sickle Cell By ADD SEYMOUR JR. Morrow. I tried to get him to stay [at films during his career, many of “My family sings,” Stevenson Foundation. Her song, “Lord Keep Morehouse). But I have to thank those by Shelton “Spike” Lee ’79. said. “When that’s all you see them Me,” is featured a compilation CD Morehouse for everything.” One was Lee’s documentary on do, you automatically pick it up.” project for the Foundation. egendary jazz trumpeter Ter­ Blanchard then launched into Hurricane Katrina, “When the Lev­ It has turned into a career for the Stevenson will also be perform­ ence Blanchard was about to several tunes with the Jazz Ensem­ ees Broke.” The documentary in­ College’s NASA/Project Space ad­ ing on BET’s “Bobby Jones Gospel” perform a tune with the More­ ble during its annual Spring Con­ spired Blanchard to write and ministrative assistant. Stevenson has in July. Lhouse College Jazz Ensemble beforecert in the Martin Luther King Jr. record his Grammy-award winning been singing gospel professionally One of the things she looks for­ an appreciative audience on April International Chapel. CD, “A Tale of God’s Will (Requiem for years, but has now released her ward to the most: performing with 18. But first he wanted to show how Performing songs by songwriters for Katrina),” his musical interpre­ debut CD, “Finally...In God’s the legendary Albertina Walker on much he appreciated Morehouse. such as Lionel Hampton, Duke tation of the devastation the hurri­ Time. May 18. Stevenson covered one of The devastation of Hurricane Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael and cane left on the Crescent City. The CD is a mix of gospel styles Walker’s songs, “Lord Keep Me,” on Katrina in 2005 forced Blanchard’s Earth Wind and Fire, Blanchard and While grateful that Morehouse that Stevenson hopes will reach a her CD. son, Terence Jr., away from their the 21-piece ensemble had the gave his son a temporary home, diverse audience. Her debut CD is being played on home in New Orleans and the crowd swaying throughout the Blanchard said he has always had “I think it is cross-generational,” radio stations not only in Atlanta, school he was attending, Dillard evening. the highest respect for the College. she said. “I have something for the but throughout the nation. University. Two established Atlanta-based “Morehouse is one of the defin­ older section and for the younger “This is my dream,” Stevenson “Morehouse was kind enough to musicians, pianist Louis Heriveaux ing institutions for African Ameri­ group. I like a variety.” said. “When I started singing, I said, take him in,” Blanchard said. “[The and drummer Che Marshall, also cans,” he said, “ft has been that way Stevenson has been performing ‘This is what I want to do.’ It’s been College) took him in for an entire performed with Blanchard. for a number of generations. So it locally since moving to Atlanta in a big thrill for me. I’m very excited semester. He was in the vocal de­ Blanchard is a multi-award win­ means a lot for me to be part of the 1986 from her native Wetumpka, about the future.” ■ partment and studied under David ner who has scored the music for 43 institution in any way.” ■

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■MBMBBaMaHllli fid WIMIB ill WB II fi WWW ■! HHHSSKBSHBHHBHHi Carter Brings the Underwater World to Morehouse Through Scuba Diving

By ADD SEYMOUR JR. We’ve had students from the we’ve had 86 students who have other colleges trying to take the been certified since we started ne thought flashed through class but they can’t because there are the course. A lot of students, Nathan Carter’s mind once no vacancies.” after they leave here, go on for he started scuba diving as an Carter’s class is more than just additional training or they’ll go on OArmy Ranger 25 years ago. jumping into the water and swim­ dive trips.” “Man, this is pretty cool,” he said ming around. While it is a physical But students are hardly the only with a laugh. education course, the class also ones in the Morehouse community He liked it so much that he be­ includes science, physics, biology who scuba dive. came an instructor and pushed to and math. J.K. Haynes, dean of the Division bring a scuba diving course to Then comes the actual pool time of Science and Mathematics, is an Morehouse seven years ago. where diving skills are taught along avid diver who has been diving all Scuba diving has long been popu­ with using underwater equipment over the world, including the Gala­ lar at mainstream institutions, Carter and learning emergency procedures. pagos Islands off the western coast Senior Jamie Davis swims in the pool at Archer Hall during his scuba diving class. said. But once he got out of the Army But Carter is also a certified div­ of South America. Biology profes­ after a 30 year career, he knew he ing instructor which means that, sor Errol Archibald has been diving environment - and see species of “Nate is a very interesting guy,” wanted to bring scuba diving to a while it is not a course pre-requisite, since 1991. fish and how they interact with each Haynes said. “I think he’s been ex­ historically black college setting. students can become certified to “For me, it’s an opportunity other and how they exist.” tremely effective in teaching scuba “When we started out, we had be able to scuba dive anywhere in to visit other cultures and places Haynes praises the work Carter diving to our students.” one class per semester with 15 stu­ the world. and it allows me to get away from has been doing at Morehouse, That’s exactly what Carter set out dents,” Carter said. “Now we’re up “My ultimate goal is to prepare the norm,” Archibald said. “It’s as well as in Atlanta where he to do several years ago. to three classes per semester and them for open water, if they a skill that allows me to visit another has trained many of the city’s “My goal was to bring it to an every class has been completely full. choose,” he said. “Right now I think environment - the underwater black divers. HBCU,” he said. “It’s been great.” ■ CZ3 SP< )R1 S 7 INSIDE MOREHOUSE. APRIL/MAY 2009

Track and Field, Golf and Tennis Squads WIN CONFERENCE TITLES

By ADD SEYMOUR JR.

pring 2009 turned out to be a banner season for Morehouse Maroon Tigers Sspring sports teams as the golf, tennis and track and field teams each won their respective Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament titles.

Several Maroon Tigers from each squad were named to All-Tournament teams and

each head coach was named the conference's best.

That is exactly what happened as Allen finished five shots ahead of TRACK AND FIELD the Maroon Tigers netters defeated his nearest competitor and was regular season’s top team, Fort Val­ named the tournament’s Most Valu­ The Flying Maroon Tigers did ley State University, to win their sec­ able Player for the second year in a what they have done for each of the ond SIAC championship in three row. He also earned a spot on the past four years - they won the SIAC seasons. SIAC All-Tournament squad. Track and Field championship. “Definitely it’s exciting for two “He’s the captain of the team and In the championship meets 21 reasons,” said Alexander, who was he’s probably the best player, so he’s events held at Edwin Moses Track at named the tournament’s most out­ leading by example,” said Lewis. B.T. Harvey Stadium April 16-18, standing coach. “Historically we’re Two other Maroon Tigers fin­ Morehouse continued their SIAC still always a contender or the team ished in the tournament’s top ten Dreyfus Clemons won two events during the SIAC Track and Field Championships dominance by finishing first with to beat. So that’s one thing to be able players, Olajuwon Ajanaku (third) and was second in the 3000-meter steeplechase. 209 points. Albany State was a dis­ to uphold that. But then this is one and Thaddaeus Hill (10th). tant second with 153 while Benedict of the first years the team didn’t win Ajanaku joined Allen on the All- College had 145. just because we had superior play­ Conference team. Top individual performers in­ ers. I feel like my actual coaching - Allen, Ajanaku, Hill and Bryan cludes Dreyfus Clemons who won being able to strategize with the McElderry were named to the the 800- meter and 1,500- meter lineup, being able to strategize regular season All-SIAC team. runs and was second in the 3,000- on the court - played just a big part McElderry was named Freshman of meter steeplechase; Abraham as the players’ ability did. Those the Year while Hill, a business ad­ Kiprotich who won the 5,000-meter things make this one feel much ministration major with a 3.59 run and finished third in both the more special.” grade point average, was chosen for 10,000 meter run and the 3,000- Josh Harris and Tory Martin the All-Academic team. ■ meter steeplechase; Barry Batson, were named to the All-Tournament the SIAC’s Field Athlete of the Year, singles squad while Martin and Ben who finished first in the long jump Seagle were named to the All-Tour­ and triple jump and Matt Tuffuor nament doubles team. McCladdie, Wright and who won the javelin and was second Maroon Tiger tennis players also in the decathlon. won several regular season honors. McGowan Named All- Clemons was named first team Harris and Martin were named first SIAC Baseball Players All-SIAC in three events while Bat­ team All-SIAC while Michael Stew­ Three Morehouse baseball son, Tuffuor and Turner Coggins ard has a third-team pick. Steward players have been honored by the were also named to the first team. was also named SIAC Freshman of The Morehouse golf team won the College’s first SIAC Golf Tournament title Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Khiry Lee, Steven Patterson, Norvell the Year. Martin and Seagle were since 1980. Conference for their stellar play Van were chosen for the second team. named to the All-SIAC doubles or academics during the 2009 The Maroon Tigers were also team. season. honored for having the highest Senior Hank McCladdie and team grade point average among pitcher Joshua Wright were both SIAC track and field teams. GOLF second-team, All-SIAC picks for Also, the U.S. Track & Field and the 2009 season. Cross Country Coaches Association Philip Allen picked up where he McCladdie, who hit .299 this named sprinter Damian Prince the left off in 2008 as he helped lead season, finished second in the South Region’s Track Athlete of the Morehouse to the 2009 SIAC Golf SIAC with 11 home runs during Year and Batson as the region’s Field Tournament championship. the regular season. He also won Athlete of the Year. Morehouse finished 28 strokes four games as a starting pitcher. ahead of Benedict College in win­ Wright picked up four wins from ning the College’s second-ever con­ the mound for the Maroon TENNIS ference tournament golf title and Tigers, who finished 14-26 over­ first in 29 years when the Maroon all, but had a .500 record in con­ Before the 2009 Maroon Tigers Tigers last won in 1980. ference play. tennis season started, head coach “It came around. When we first Designated hitter/catcher Walter Terry Alexander was hoping his started off in September, it wasn’t McGowan was an SIAC All-Acade­ team would finish the season just as good,” said first year head coach Bill mic team pick. The junior psychol­ the 2007 squad had done - with a Lewis, who was named Coach of the ogy major carried a 3.6 grade point The Maroon Tigers Tennis squad celebrates after winning the 2009 SIAC Tennis Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Year. “It definitely came together. average this semester. ■ Tournament championship. Conference championship. We definitely played better golf.” co C YLFNDAR INSIDE MOREHOUSE. APRIL/MAY 2009 MAY

125th COMMENCEMENT AND ALUMNI REUNION SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

1974 Henderson Lounge, Merrill Hall 1979 Nabrlt-Mapp-McBay, Lecture Room 1 1984 Nabrit-Mapp-McBay, Lecture Room 2 i-4 pm - Reunion Registration, Kilgore Campus Center 1989 Sale Hall, Chapel of the Inward Journey 9 am - Golden Tigers 50-Year Alumni Breakfast, Douglass Hall 1994 Sale Hall, Classroom 105 •Noon - Individual Candidate Photos Taken, Lobby, 1999 Sale Hall, Classroom 107 Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel 2004 Sale Hall, Classroom 106 (King Chapel) Class Photo, Steps of Kilgore Campus Center Noon - Reunion Luncheon, Chivers Dining Hall Reunion Picnic, B.T. Harvey Stadium 1 pm - Group Photo, B.T. Harvey Stadium Distribution of Reserved Commencement 2 pm - National Alumni Association General Body Seating Tickets, Sale Hall Lobby Meeting, Sale Hall, Chapel of the Inward Journey John Hope and Benjamin E. Mays Memorial Gravesite Service Honoring Deceased Alumni 2 pm - Baccalaureate and Commencement Over the Past Year, Hope and Mays Rehearsal, King Chapel Gravesites 4 pm - Rite of Passage Ceremony (New Alumni In­ Line up for Baccalaureate Service, Front of duction), King Chapel Nabrit-Mapp-McBay Hall 6 pm - Morehouse-Spelman Joint Reception, Baccalaureate Service, King Chapel Westin Peachtree Plaza, 210 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30303 Alumni Reunion Cocktails, Ritz Carlton Atlanta, 181 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30303 SATURDAY, MAY Alumni Reunion Dinner, Ritz Carlton Atlanta, 181 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30303

8 am - Class Agents Meeting, Kilgore Campus Cen­ ter Seminar Rooms SUNDAY. MA’ 11 am - Class Reunion and Fundraising Meeting, Various Locations 5:45 am - Candidates Report for Final Commencement 1939 Kilgore Campus Center, Lounge Instructions, King Chapel 1944 Kilgore Campus Center, South Lounge 6:30 am - Alumni Corridor Formation (With Maroon 1949 Snack Bar, Kilgore Campus Center Blazer and Hat), Campus Gate 19541st Floor, Kilgore Campus Center Entrance at Brawley Hall 1959 Kilgore Campus Center, Seminar Room 6:45 am - Candidates Line Up for Commencement, King Chapel 1964 President's Dining Room, Kilgore Campus Center 7:30 am - Processional Begins from King Chapel 1969 Sale Hall, Classroom 109 8 am - Commencement, Century Campus

“I do recruitment and admissions, so for try to increase their population here at half of the year I travel to high schools, Morehouse. And that’s one of the goals here college fairs, and meet with prospective at Morehouse - to expand the pool of stu­ students mainly in Indiana, northern dents we attract to the College. California, New York City, south Florida and “I like the opportunity to deal with pre­ in the Caribbean. During the other half of college age students. I think they are really the year, I spend more time on the admis­ optimistic and eager about their futures. sions side, where I come back and Morehouse is a unique environment and, as review files, follow up with students and a graduate, I like being able to share that talk with parents after the students have environment with these prospective stu­ been admitted. dents. Students I meet with generally have “I went to law school at Emory, but an interest in Morehouse, and the ones I can decided not to practice, at least not for now. bring to Morehouse really seem to feel this is I had an interest in international law, but I a good environment for them and they are Name: Kory C. Hawkins 00 Something not commonly known about Kory: As a got into higher education, which I like a lot. excited about being here, so that’s fun. Spanish major at Morehouse, Kory studied in Spain Title: Assistant dean of Admissions But as a Spanish major at Morehouse, one I think we have a really good staff here. It’s a and Recruitment and the Dominican Republic, and as a law student at of the things that I’d like to do is recruit fun staff to work with.” ■ Emory University, he studied in England. Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana students who are of Hispanic descent and Tenure at Morehouse: Four years