ZVID COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS Donnell Williamson of slaves with the signing of the Emancipa­ certain Morehouse alum paved the way for Campus News Editor tion Proclamation in 1863, and then the cen­ him and allowed him to be where he is to­ [email protected] tennial year of the naming of the college, I day,” Starks said. expect President Obama to reflect on these Starks is prepared for the charge that nce President John Wilson ’79 an­ events and to place his own life story in the Obama will give his class to go out and nounced that the speaker for the context of the events as a means of encour­ change the world. class of 2013 commencement would aging the class of 2013 to go forth and serve “I also think he will talk about the Obe President Barack Obama, students, alumas leaders­ in our community,” Daniels-Flem­ coming challenges in the educational sys­ ni, faculty, staff, family and friends all stood ing said. tem as well as the world we are all about to to their feet in amazement. Students have set high expectations for enter,” Starks said. “I do not think he will Obama will address the class on May the president. Senior Political Science ma­ address any specifically divisive issues, but 19 at the 129th Commencement of More­ jor Adam Starks is in the midst of those stu­ will use this opportunity to challenge More­ house College. His first HBCU commence­ dents, too. house as an institution and our class as black ment took place at Hampton University in “I feel ecstatic, almost too overjoyed to men to continue to be on the cutting edge of 2010. explain, but when I sit back and think there social progression and never stop pushing Everyone who has a communal rela­ are three key points that come to mind,” forward in education because the future of tionship with the Morehouse community America, in the eyes of our president, is in began to tweet and update their Facebook “President the hands of a heavily specialized and edu­ cated population.” statuses, relaying the message around the Barack Obama ...will be world: Barack Obama will be the speaker at The class of 2013 is ready to embark Morehouse’s commencement this year! a Morehouse Man” upon a new chapter of their lives. They The class of 2013 is elated with this op­ tare preparing for Obama to give them the portunity to hear the first African-American Starks said. “The first is what an honor it is “hope” to change the world, cited about president deliver their commencement ad­ for my class to be sent out to the world as Sheftall receiving a Bennie award. dress. Morehouse Men by the president of the Unit­ “Sheftall has been here for a long African-American Studies major and ed States, simply remarkable. time,” Butler commented. “Over the many Senior Class President Michael Daniels- “The second is more personal because years that he has been here, I know that he Fleming ’13 is among those who are excited since I will be commissioning as a 2nd Lieu­ has made many contributions to the Col­ about Obama coming to speak. tenant in the Air Force, on that day the Com­ lege.” “Understanding all of the sacrifices mander in Chief will commission me to my However, some students have begun to real­ that former Men of Morehouse have made life of military service, something I never ize the importance of the Gala, despite the to secure President Barack Obama as this dreamed would be the beginning of my ca­ fundraising aspect. year’s commencement ceremony speaker, I reer,” Starks said. “Finally it will be amazing “One of the primary purposes of the am extremely honored to be a beneficiary of to say that once President Barack Obama re­ Gala is to raise money for the college; how­ such tireless efforts,” Daniels-Fleming said. ceives his honorary degree he will be a ever, the Gala has a more symbolic pur­ Daniels-Fleming will be addressing the Morehouse Man and a member of the class pose,” Leonard said. “Having the opportu­ class of 2013 along with Obama. His expecta­ of 2013. That is pretty amazing.” nity to learn of the accomplishments of the tions for Obama are high regarding the an­ Not only are students excited about the award recipients makes me realize why I niversaries that have occurred this year. president coming to speak at commence­ chose to attend Morehouse College.” “Given the importance of the century’s ment. They are also shaping their minds Students are truly inspired by the re­ events, the anniversary of Morehouse Col­ around things that will have a lasting effect cipients and are thankful for the commit­ lege’s Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have A on them for the rest of their lives. ments that they have made and will make in Dream’ speech delivered at the March on “I believe President Obama will go the future. Washington in 1963, the granting of freedom down Morehouse history and discuss how » Recycle The Maroon Tiger BMAROONTICER REFLECTIONS OF THE PARENT amis™ l sam-vil n EDITOR-IN-CHIEF [email protected] EXCELLENCE closet START CAMPUS CLOSET MANAGEMENT Justin McKnight acclaimed actor, director and pro­ Jordan Jones are challenged to be dressed at all, provid­ Contributing Writer ducer. Associate Campus News Editor ed that Morehouse is comprised of diverse jtaylor.jones92@gmailxom backgrounds, including economically. TRE'VEIL R. ANDERSON T3 Justtechl2@gmailxom Throughout the discussion, not only The campus closet, which is not MANAGING EDITOR did the honorees speak about their [email protected] As notable alumni, parents, do­ yet named, is aimed to provide students in experience of reaching success, but As the students of the At­ nors, and celebrities dressed to the nines need with these essential clothing items. AHMAD BARBER T3 lanta University Center walk around they also talked about their goals and in their formal evening wear for the 25th One of the goals stressed by Belva Weath- CHIEF LAYOUT EDITOR their campuses, they are unaware of setbacks as young men. Candle In the Dark Gala, many students ersby, the chair of the Clothes Closet [email protected] what their reflections of excellence Little said, “Preparation, passion, on campus struggled to afford suits, shoes, Committee, is dignity. and even dress shirts as they prepared for “One of the things as you will see ZACH THOMAS ’13 will one day be. Last Saturday in the commitment, and faith are the four PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Ray Charles Performing Arts Center, main components of reaching suc­ the spring’s demands for job interviews in the closet is that we wanted to represent dignity, that even if you have a need you zachthomas 199I @gmail.com Tracye Hutchins, the anchor of CBS cess and you must also keep pushing and internships. However, in the midst of the can still have dignity,” Weathersby said. Atlanta/ Better Morning, and the dis­ against your doubt - get past the fear JONATHAN MARCHEL '15 Gala’s decadence and formality of Found­ “These sons will think they’re in Macy’s ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR of saying the four words, ‘I need your tinguished 2013 Bennie and Candle er’s Week, the Morehouse College Parents and that’s exactly how we want them to [email protected] Award honorees came together to help.’ ” Council has worked tirelessly to ensure feel. That there is pride and dignity even Although the Candle Award honor­ MAX TYLER'13 offer their own “Reflections of Excel­ that there is a place where students in need when you are in need. CHIEF COPY EDITOR lence” to the audience. ees did not attend Morehouse Col­ can go to dress themselves with essential “We want this to be discreet ac­ [email protected] The discussion was a part of More­ lege, they all stated that the college clothing items and accessories; a campus cess, but we certainly want to make sure house Colleges celebration of 146 had an impact on their success. clothing closet. that they have a place where they can got CURTIS JACKSON '14 Last Friday, parents, administra­ to get those things that they need.” years of leadership and excellence. It “One day standing outside a man ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR tors and students crowded together in one One of the major efforts of [email protected] walked past and said, ‘Hey, you’re was organized for honorable black corner of Forbes Arena at the entrance of the council, in addition to establishing men to speak about their success Larry Fishburne,’ ” he said. “This man MORIBA CUMMINGS '14 the administrative offices, awaiting for the the closet, is naming the closet; how­ ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR and what it took to reach their “ex­ was Spike Lee. He told me that he maroon ribbon to be cut and the campus ever, instead of giving the closet a name [email protected] cellence.” The panel also answered would one day write and direct great closet to be unveiled. Dr. Felicia Jack- themselves, they have decided to create a questions from individuals in the films about black people and I be­ son, president of the Morehouse College contest where the students can vote on the audience. lieved him.” Parents Association and representative name. ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR from Region I (Georgia and Alabama), “The next challenge that we have is [email protected] The panelists, three of whom are “Laurence Fishburne is a master of presented the closet at the grand opening. spreading the word,” Jackson said. “And Morehouse graduates, were 2013 his craft,” sophomore psychology “This is a celebration of a vision right now that is the Office of Student EDITORS Bennie and Candle Award Honorees: major Desiree Booker said.