We Are Morehouse Monthly: April 2018

WE ARE MOREHOUSE A MONTHLY PUBLICATION FROM THE MOREHOUSE COLLEGE YOUNG ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

MONTHLY

APRIL 2018

Renaissance Man

WUNDERKIND KENNARD GARRETT ’01's MUSIC IS TOPPING THE CHARTS AND HIS INNOVATIVE WORK IS CHANGING LIVES

. . . & W E L L- G RO O M E D

Well-read, spoken, traveled, dressed, balanced, & now we add, well-groomed.

Intended to alleviate dr y, itchy scalp while keeping hair healthy & moisturized.

Exper tly made by a Board-Cer tiied Dermatologist, Spelman College c /o ‘96.

L I V S O.C O M

APRIL 2018 Contents 3

Letter from the Editor 5

Steadfast, Honest, True 12

Vows

Eric Thornton ’07 14

Kennard Garrett ’01

Wunderkind producer hits number 1 on the charts 20

Bryan Rand ’01

Investment Banking in style 22

Jawanza Colvin ’97

Outspoken and conscious theologian and academician 26

George Peters ’03

Mr. Everything talks journeys, opportunities and Morehouse 34

Herberto Horne ’15

The Perfect Gentleman talks branding and gambits 36

CRESCENT CITY CHARM

Justin Reese ’04, New Orleans attorney is starring in BravoTV's 'Southern Charm New Orleans' which airs on Sundays at 9/8C. Read more about Justin on page 8.

Brock Mayers ’99

Wunderkind producer hits number 1 on the charts 42

Echol Nix ’95

Educator and theologian pens vital historical books 44

Brandon Williams ’99

The entertainment lawyer took a huge leap and it worked 48

Kevin Woods, ’99

Saving lives daily as a Chief Endocrinologist 50

Ronald Newman ’01

Former Obama appointee continues to fight for justice 54

Jason Crain ’10

Tech entrepreneur takes PartPic to the top 56

Arrivals ON THE COVER Kennard Garrett ’01, record producer, formerMorehouse CIO as well as the creator of the Morehouse Music Business Program. Learn more about Steven on page 14. Photo by Roger Humphrey ’03

58

Fare Thee Well

Timothy J. Cunningham '04 60

"And in all things that we do"

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Today's recurring gift to the Annual Fund sustains Morehouse's future for Jarrod ’39 GIVE TODAY BY CLICKING HERE INTERESTED IN BEGINNING YOUR CHARITABLE LEGACY AT MOREHOUSE? Contact the Office of Institutional Advancement today.

PHONE: (470) 639-0545

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > FROM THE EDITOR compensation for his efforts.

Why? He simply wanted to give back.

I

t never occurred to me that a close friend from college would depart this vale long before his time.

However, my classmate, neighbor, brother and friend, Commander Timothy J. Cunningham, Sc.D. '04 recently transitioned.

I am moreso overcome with emotion because of the void and absence in my life now that my brother is gone.

Our last conversation was about 'A Candle in the Dark' and our plans to hang out before and after the Gala. Tim was not only a proud Morehouse Man, but also a generous, consistent and loyal donor as well.

In addition to supporting Morehouse financially, he taught here as well. Free of charge.

Yes, the Harvard educated epidemiologist taught classes at Morehouse and received no

When he was teaching at Morehouse, he was also working at the CDC, and on those afternoons where he would arrive to campus early, or I would stay late, we would meet in my office, and talk about nearly everything under the sun.

His opinion always mattered to me, and I felt after each of our interactions, I was a better person for having had each conversation.

I've had several conversations with other classmates and contemporaries with similar stories or recollections of how Tim helped them as well, literally asking for nothing in return short of the pleasure of their company.

His example as an alum is extraordinary. For instance, in 2014, Tim wore a pair of Morehouse sunglasses to our 10 year reunion cookout. When I inquired as to where he'd gotten them, he mentioned that they were a gift for all of those who registered for reunion.

Understanding the importance of his donations to our alma mater, Tim registered, when most of us didn't. That was Tim; supporting Morehouse and effortlessly inspiring others to do the same in a meaningful way.

year class reunion, we will properly remember the legacy and the example that our classmate set for us, and we will work tirelessly so that his efforts to help others is not forgotten, nor seen as an anomaly.

To honor Tim's legacy, please consider making a donation to Morehouse's General Scholarship Fund in the Memory of Commander Timothy J. Cunningham, '04.

I hope that you enjoy this month's issue. Next month, I'll be adding a section called 'Fatherhood', as well as a few more sections about food, wellness, and eventually a classifieds section so that we can know how best to patronize your business or hire you for business services.

If you have a story or accomplishment that you'd like to share, please email me at joseph.carlos@morehouse.edu.

True Forever, Joe Joe Carlos, III ’04 Program Manager Young Alumni Engagement Program http://www.wearemorehouse. com

In the days and months ahead as my class prepares for our 15

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Uncommon Schools operates 52 public charter schools that are closing the achievement gap and preparing more than 18,000 students from low-income communities to graduate from college.

“If you’re ready to change the game and ensure that every student has the ability to enter, succeed in, and graduate from college, come teach with us. We work hard to make sure that

we are growing as professionals so that our students can continue to grow as well.”

Quinterrence Bell Morehouse College Alumnus Uncommon Teacher & Instructional Leader

JOIN OUR TEAM! UncommonSchools.org/careers

STEADFAST, HONEST, TRUE NEWS & VIEWS FROM YOUNG ALUMNI >

SCENE STEALER Brian Tyree Henry ’04's breakout role in the smash hit "Atlanta" has his star rising Emmy nominee Brian Tyree Henry ’04 is a versatile actor whose career spans film, television and theater.

Henry originated the role of “The General” in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, for which he received

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > STEADFAST, HONEST, TRUE rave reviews.

He currently stars alongside Donald Glover in the Golden Globe and Peabody Award winning and Emmy nominated FX series Atlanta. He portrays Alfred Miles, Atlanta’s hot of-themoment rapper who is forced to navigate fame while remaining loyal to family, friends and himself.

He received an MTV Movie & TV Award nomination for the role.

This spring, he guest-starred as “Ricky” on NBC’s Golden Globe and Emmy nominated drama This Is Us, for which he earned an Emmy nomination.

Henry is currently in production on several films, including Steve McQueen’s Widows opposite Viola Davis, Hotel Artemis with Jodie Foster and Sterling K. Brown, the indie comedy Fam-i-ly alongside Taylor Schilling and Kate McKinnon, the romantic drama Irreplaceable You, co-starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and White Boy Rick, with Matthew McConaughey.

In 2016, Henry co-starred in Focus Features’ Puerto Ricans in Paris and completed production on the indie film Crown Heights.

On television, Henry has appeared in numerous shows, including How To Get Away With Murder, Vice Principals, Boardwalk Empire, The Knick, The Good Wife and Law & Order.

Henry’s wide range of theater credits include The Fortress of Solitude and The Brother/Sister Plays/The Brothers Size (Helen Hayes Best Actor Nomination) at The Public Theatre, as well as Romeo and Juliet and Talk About Race at New York Stage and Film and The Public.

A graduate of Atlanta’s Morehouse College, Henry received his MFA from Yale’s School of Drama. He currently resides in New York.

Nashad Carrington ’08's Black History Podcast Informs and Educates Nashad Carrington ’08 hosts the Black History Podcast and is the managing attorney for The Carrington Firm, LLC. The "“Black History” Podcast which ventures to introduce an innovative topic, influential person or present interesting aspects of history related to the African diaspora to those seeking knowledge and enlightenment."

Past podcast features include: Marcus Garvey, Haile Selassie, Steven Biko, Thomas Sankara, Satchel Paige, Kathleen Cleaver, George Alexander McGuire, Emily Morgan, Vincente Guerrero, and Susie King Taylor among others.

Nashad is a St. Louis based attorney who earned his J.D. at the University of Arkansas.

To listen to episodes of the "Black History" Podcast, please visit, https://www.thisiscarrington.com/ podcast.

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CAREER MOVES Rev. Charles L. Fischer, III ’97, was recently named the Associate Vice President for Development and Special Assistant to the President of Saint Augustine's University in the Raleigh-Durham area. Previously, Charles was the rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Atlanta. The former Wall Street executive earned his M.Div. from the Virginia Theological Seminary. He worked at Morehouse as the Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Programs.

HOMECOMING 2018 We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 7

Justin Reese ’04 a New Orleans based civil litigation personal injury attorney is a cast member of the new Bravo TV show, Southern Charm: New Orleans. In his practice, Justin focuses on personal injury (wrongful death; catastrophic injury); class action, auto accidents, maritime personal injury, mesothelioma, toxic torts, sports law, contract drafting and negotiation. After Morehouse, Justin earned his J.D. from Loyola University College of Law in New Orleans.

After graduation from Loyola, Justin took his passion for litigation to the Beasley School of Law at Temple University, where he graduated with an L.L.M. in trial advocacy.

While in Philadelphia, Justin worked as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Sandy L.V. Byrd in the Philadelphia County Criminal Court. Justin is a Member of the Louisiana State Bar, the National Bar Association, as well as the Thurgood Marshall Americn Inn of Court. Justin is a Certified Contract Advisor with the National Football League Players Association.

Justin Reese ’04 stars in BravoTV's Southern Charm New Orleans

The proud New Orleans native is well established in the city he calls home. According to BravoTV, “Stylish and social, Justin is determined to not only work hard, but to also enjoy all life has to offer. Justin is actively working to rebuild his childhood home that was impacted during Hurricane Katrina.”

Southern Charm New Orleans premiered on Bravo TV on Sunday, April 15th and airs on Sunday nights.

HOO-RAH! MJ Johnson ’17, former Morehouse starting quarterback, graduated from USMC Officer Candidate School in March.

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Jay Johnson ’98 named the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of DiamondRock Hospitality Co. Jay Johnson ’98 was named the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of DiamondRock Hospitality Company.

Marcus Edwards ’07 named a Partner at Shreveport's Mayer, Smith & Roberts, L.L.P. Marcus Edwards ’07 was named a partner at Shreveport's Mayer, Smith & Roberts, L.L.P..

He joined the firm after having served as a law clerk to Louisiana’s 1st Judicial District Court from 2010-2012. In law school, Edwards served as an Editor of the "Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law" and as an officer of the Tulane Moot Court Board. He serves as both a member of the Executive Board of the Shreveport Bar Association and as a member of the Louisiana Bar Association. Mr. Edwards proudly served as a member of the LSBA Leadership Class for 2012-2013, and is a member of the Harry V. Boot-Judge Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court.

Prior to joining DiamondRock, Jay served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Host Hotels & Resorts, a lodging real estate investment trust. He was responsible for the company's financing activities globally, including all capital raising, liability management, corporate liquidity, enterprise risk management and acquisition financing. While at Host, he completed more than $14 billion in debt and equity capital transactions in 12 countries and managed a balance sheet that encompassed over $5 billion of available debt capital. In 2016, he was named to the Washington Business Journal's list of top 40 under 40 business executives.

Prior to Host, Johnson served in a variety of banking roles at KeyBank Real Estate Capital and Bank of America. Prior to those banking roles, he held positions at Deloitte & Touche LLP, Prudential Securities and the industrial markets trading division of Enron Corporation.

Mr. Johnson received an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelors degree in economics from Morehouse College.

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El-Mahdi Holly ’98 running for Georgia House seat 111 El-Mahdi Holly ’98 is running for Georgia State Representative House District 111's seat. The district includes Hampton, Locust Grove, McDonough and Stockbridge, GA. Currently, he is an educator at Eagles Landing Middle School in Henry County, and the Executive Director of Veterans Lead, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose sole mission of improving the lives of America's returning military veterans.

El-Mahdi is running because he believes that every child deserves a top-notch education, he believes that working families are the backbone of Georgia and he believes that affordable access to healthcare is a right. He's also running because he believes that everyone deserves respect and equality and that a safe community is a strong community. To learn more about El-Mahdi's campaign, please visit http://www.elforstaterep.com

DID YOU KNOW Morehouse is consistently a top feeder of African American male students to top graduate programs such as Harvard Law School, Harvard Business School, the Kellogg School of Management, the Fuqua School of Business, Union Theological Seminary as well as the Stanford Graduate School of Business Jozmond Black ’13 running for Georgia House seat 60 Jozmond Black ’13, a former staffer for Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) is seeking to become the next State Representative in Georgia House District 60.

If elected, Jozmond's priorities include; women's rights, the economy and increasing employment opportunities and ensuring equality and inclusion for all Georgians.

To learn more about Jozmond's campaign, please visit, http://www. jozmondblack.com.

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE APRIL 2018 Volume 1, Number 6 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joe Carlos, III ’04 Program Manager, Morehouse College Young Alumni Engagement Program CONTRIBUTING EDITOR D. Aileen Dodd Interim Executive Director of the Morehouse College Office of Strategic Communications COPY EDITOR Peggy J. Shaw Morehouse College Office of Strategic Communications 2018© Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, includingphotocopying, recording, or information storageor retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

WE ARE MOREHOUSE, is published monthly by the Morehouse College Young Alumni Engagement Program and the Morehouse College Office of Strategic Communications 830 Westview Dr., SW Atlanta, GA 30314-3773 Phone: 470.639.0925 www.wearemorehouse.com Letters, comments and suggestions: joseph.carlos@morehouse.edu

SAVE THE DATE A GATHERING OF MEN REUNION 2018

MAY 18-20, 2018 FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.MOREHOUSE.EDU/REUNION

We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 11

WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > VOWS

Eric Thornton ’07 + Orie Lovett LO C AT I O N : AZUL BEACH RESORT RIVIERA MAYA

CANCUN, MEXICO D AT E :

MARCH 17, 2018

On March 17th, 2018, Eric Thornton ’07 married the former Orie Lovett at the Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya in Cancun, Mexico.

The wedding party included Morehouse Men Darius Baker ’07, Robert Harris ’07, Christopher Hollins ’07, Keith Lamar ’07, Charles Love, III ’08, Adam Prescott ’07 and Kyle Yeldell ’06.

Several Morehouse Men were among the well wishers including; Henry Bailey ’07, Christopher Settle ’04, Elgin Tucker ’07 and Adam Williams ’07.

Thornton is a Vice President, Premier Banker II at SunTrust in Atlanta. Orie is a double graduate of Florida A&M University. She's currently a Regional Human Resources Manager for PruittHealth.

The couple resides in the Atlanta area.

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Renaissance

MAN

Kennard Garrett ’01 left lucrative opportunities in engineering to pursue a career in music production. His journey has taken him all over the world and to his first #1 song in the world; "Don't Make Me Wait"

by Sting and Shaggy We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 1412

PHOTO BY ROGER S. HUMPHREY '03

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > COVER STORY WAMM: How does a Dual Degree Engineering grad end up being a music producer to the stars?

"Man, a lot a of prayer and great foundational relationships! I've got to give to Morehouse a huge amount of credit for my success, and I'm not just saying that because I'm talking to you! I graduated and got my first job at Georgia Power.

I wanted to stay in Atlanta for so many reasons but the music scene was definitely one of them. I was in Georgia Power's Professional Development Program. After getting my first check, I ran to Guitar Center and got my first synthasizer. I started trying to write and produce songs in my apartment bedroom, teaching myself how to record. One of my Alpha Rho (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated) frat brothers told me that he had a buddy of his from high school that was also producing and that we should meet. Man, that meeting cemented a lifelong friendship and the beginning of my professional career. I became apart of a production team named, Clubba Lang, and we got our first production deal with mega songwriter Sean Garrett (no relation). We got to work on so many projects with some of the biggest names in the industry meanwhile picking up some major credits for production, songwriting and arranging. Fast forward 10 years and I just got my first number 1 with Sting and Shaggy."

Congratulations on the success of "Don't Make Me Wait"! You worked with Sting and Shaggy and made an amazing song that debuted at the GRAMMYS. How did all of this

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happen and how surreal was it to work with such icons and superstars?

"It all started in the winter of 2015.

I was working with long time collaborator Kameron Corvet on songs for his newest EP as well as writing and producing demos for us to place with other artists. Kam had just come back from the Netherlands, where he had shot a video for the single that I had produced, "Leave it Like That". He came back with a couple of song ideas, one being an infectious acoustic guitar and hook. I spent some time creating the production for the song and we later met up in the studio at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center and finished the demo for what is now "Don't Make Me Wait". It was another undeniable track among many in our library. I think Kam shopped it to an artist in Amsterdam, but he didn't bite on it. The track needed a home. I remember playing it for my music production class on many occasions, using it as an example of how to build production around a guitar concept.

That December, I was completing my ballot for the Grammy awards and noticed a nomination for a friend of mine. I called him to congratulate him on his nomination and wish him the best.

After talking for awhile, he asked if I had any tracks that he could write to because he was going to work with Shaggy in the next couple of days. I told him that I had a really cool record that had a reggae vibe to it. I sent it to him and within 10 minutes he called me back telling me how he thought the song was incredible. About a week later I

get a call from Shaggy. He tells me how much he loves the song and that he loves the sound of Kam’s vocal on the hook. He wanted to use the song as the first single of his new album and wanted to feature Kam on it. I’m thinking that this is great for us to land another placement and also great for Kam, as an artist, to be featured on it. A couple more weeks go by and I get a call from that same friend of mine (by the way, he won that Grammy) telling me that he had good news and bad news. The bad news was that Kam was no longer going to be the featured artist on the song with Shaggy.

The good news that he was delivering to me was that Sting was going to be the new feature on the song. I remember my first reaction being, “Sting who — the Police Sting?” I knew then that this would be a big record and then the waiting began. Two years of waiting to be exact. It got to the point where I was thinking that the song would never come out. That happens a lot in this industry.

Fast forward to January of 2018 and Universal Music Group reaches out about releasing the song as the first single from, now, Sting and Shaggy’s joint album.

To top that, they mention that the song will be debuted at the 60th Grammy award show. But it doesn’t stop there. Even after the song being played 3 times during the Grammy telecast, we were informed that Sting and Shaggy would perform the song for the the Tailgate telecast for the Super Bowl. Two major performances on the world stage in just 2 weeks was unbelievable. Needless to say, “Don’t Make Me Wait” hit No. 1

WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > COVER STORY on many charts worldwide and has been performed on many major shows here in the states and oversees in promotion of the the forthcoming album “44/876” to be released on 4/20/2018. It was also the first No. 1 record for both Kameron and me.

For me, this feels like a dream. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many major artists and have had success on many fronts in my musical career, but being able to create a No.1 record for both Sting and Shaggy and inspiring them to make one of the greatest collaborative projects, is definitely a highlight of my career. This type of record takes your credibility in this industry to a new level and once again reaffirms what you already feel about your work. I will be joining Sting and Shaggy in NY on April 24 for their performance of “Don’t Make Me Wait” on Live with Kelly and Ryan."

erything that the folks wanted me to. I checked off the boxes... this was natural for me to go on to the next thing. Music just happened to be that thing."

WAMM: What gave you the confidence to pursue music production?

"I was 3 years old, man. Santa brought me a little Casio keyboard for Christmas. I still remember what I played. I had a cousin that played it first and I just remember playing it back. That was the start for me."

"Once again, I was surrounded by cats in college already making their way into the industry. There was a guy named Stannis Smith, who lived down the hall, who was already writing songs for TLC and 112 Sophomore year. There was Justin Henderson getting placements in movies. I wasn't going to get left behind. It's that competitive spirit. And of course, I think that everything that I compose or produce is 'golden' and should be heard by the masses!

Probably one of the biggest motivators for me was that there was a space in music where what I could offer just didn't exist. I didn't rewrite the book on making records, I just connect the dots between what touches the sound from the past and bring those elements to the future. I say future because I've learned that I've got to make records that have to be timeless because who knows when the label and artist will get to putting them out!"

How did you know that this path was the one for you?

WAMM: What has been the most cathartic or spiritual experience you've had in a studio?

"I've always felt connected to it.

There were so many things that I wanted to do but this has always been calling me. My mom has a very musical family. It wasn't that it was expected for me to go into this but no one told me not to. I did ev-

"So, we were working on an album for an Interscope artist at Silent Sound studios here in Atlanta and Akon walks in, interrupting the session but it was a welcomed interrupton. He's just coming in town from Vegas working with

WAMM: When did you hit your first lick?

Michael Jackson. He was going to executive produce, if we had known then, what would have been Michael's final album. After about an hour of us playing back records and him telling these incredibly hilarious MJ stories, he says to someone from his team to go out to the car and grab the CD with the new Michael demo that they had just recorded. The whole time

I'm thinking that I can't believe that I'm about to hear the new MJ record that the world has never heard! He plays it twice. The song is "Hold My Hand." You see, I'm a huge Michael fan. It was like having an out of body experience listening to that. I will never forget that session. A year later Michael dies, the project wasn't complete and I'm thinking that the song would never see the light of day,

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but it did on the postumus album.

It still wasn't the version that I heard but close enough."

WAMM: With your demanding schedule and with the importance of family time, how do you make time to unwind?

"It's hard sometimes but I just have to completely unplug. No phone, no email, no internet. I find that at dinner time most nights of the week. Of course as a family, we try to get away here and there. I love the outdoors. I draw a lot of my creative energy from the beauty in nature. Getting away from it all has to be a priority or you'll just put it off for something that you think is more important. Your body will let you know when it needs rest. I try not to have it give me the signal but when it does, I listen!"

WAMM: What's your ultimate vision for the Music Business program at Morehouse?

"My ultimate vision is to create a full interdisciplinary program around Music Business and Recording Sciences. We have an opportunity to change the way that we engage students and educate them about the music industry.

I would like for our program to not only prepare our students to succeed as artists, producers, songwriters and composers, but also excel in the development and progress of the technology which has drastically changed how we listen, distribute and create music.

Our contributions to the multibillion dollar music industry is undeniable, but like many other careers, we are grossly underrepresented within the business, trade organizations, and technology that control the industry. Morehouse men can close that gap. First of

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all, we've got to make them aware of the opportunities that exist and provide them with rich, practical, and diverse experiences to prepare their minds to be innovative and well versed. The way that I see it, music technology has always been the long game in this industry. We have an incredible Music Department. I am so thankful for the support that I've been given and what they have allowed me to come in and do. There's so much more that we can do for our students and the college."

WAMM: What are you listening to right now and what suggestions do you have for who we should be checking out?

"I'm actually listening to a lot of songs from 1983 to 1984. I love that time in music. I had a friend of mine once suggest that I make a playlist of the top songs for each year from all genres. I'm all over the place when it comes to listening to stuff. Of course PJ's "Gumbo" is on rotation. Be sure to also check out Sting and Shaggy's '44/876' album dropping on 4/20. That should be a great 'repeat' album for the Summer. Also check out Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah if you don't have any of his albums in your rotation."

WAMM: What are the ten songs on your ultimate playlist and why?

"Billie Jean - Do I need to say anything about this record?

Timeless. Jamming.

Another Part of Me - One of my favorite MJ songs and it only has one verse!

You Got It All - The Jets - cheesy ballad that I can't get enough of

musically. The tragedy and backstory of the writer who wrote it makes it just that more endearing.

Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton Incredible backstory for that song, incredible melody. It was Eric writing a song to his young song that had just died.

Soldier of Love - Sade - the most creatively produced song that I've ever heard. The fact that you have a war going on with the instruments at the end of the record is insane.

The guitars are mimicking machine guns.

Elevators - OutKast - that song is Atlanta! Summer of '96.

All Night Long - Lionel Richie - The man basically pulled music from all over the African diaspora into an incredibly produced pop hit.

I Got It Made - Special Ed - The first beat that I ever replayed on the "original drum machine," my metal elementary school desk using my pencil with the extra eraser as a drumstick.

Don't Make Me Wait -Sting and Shaggy- Hey, it's my first no. 1, but moreso we brought two international superstars from different genres together to make and incredible song and start a lifelong collaboration.

One in A Million - Aaliyah- the first time that I heard this song, I knew exactly what I wanted to do in music. Timbaland's drum programming changed the game with that one."

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE > Cover Story

BRYAN RAND ’01 INVESTMENT BANKING EXECUTIVE WITH A PASSION FOR MOREHOUSE We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 16 20

WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > BUSINESS

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Morehouse was seemingly churning out Wall Street first year analysts. There seemed to be a direct pipeline from the hallowed corridors of Wheeler Hall to the tony, posh offices of world renowned financial institutions.

Bryan Rand ’01 is one of those Wheeler Hall products who did just that. He started his career in New York as an analyst for Credit Suisse First Boston, and today, he’s a partner at Belstone Capital, LLC. At Belstone, Bryan serves as the lead deal-person on transaction execution and investment evaluation. He works extensively with executive management teams, consultants, lawyers and accountants in conducting indepth due diligence. Bryan develops valuation and return analyses, structures and negotiates deal and financing terms and manages the pool of junior deal professionals.

The Harvard MBA is also a father, a husband and a consistent Morehouse donor. He took the time to answer questions about his career.

WAMM: What attracted you to IB work?

"I always wanted to understand how various companies and institutions worked and I saw investment banking training as a great way to learn about a wide variety of companies by being there when they are going through major strategic transactions like mergers, acquisitions and capital raises."

WAMM: What about your work inspires you?

"I enjoy working directly with owners and operators who are trying to take their businesses and families to the next level. I love being a part of those critical moments where entrepreneurs realize the value they have spent decades trying to build or get access to the capital that is going to allow them to achieve their goals."

WAMM: You are a consistently generous Morehouse donor. Why do you give and how do you hope your support will help Morehouse improve in the future?

"Morehouse has been far away the most impactful institution in my life. I met my wife through a Morehouse connection as well many of my closest friends. I also began my career through Morehouse relationships and continue to do deals with my peers from Morehouse. The full academic scholarship I received to Morehouse changed my entire life and I want to pay that back over time.

"I'm supporting Morehouse in a few ways - financially through giving, mentorship, hiring and working with Morehouse grads as well sending my only son there Drake will be enrolling this fall!"

WAMM: What impact have fellow Morehouse Men had on your career trajectory?

"Morehouse Men have been there at every major step of my career.

Everything from prepping me for

my first Wall Street internships and entry-level positions to giving me insider tips on how to get into Harvard Business School. I continue to do deals with Morehouse Men to this day."

WAMM: How do you define success professionally and personally?

"I am always looking to grow all of my most important relationships over time - both professionally and personally. All of my most important mentors have emphasized the importance of long-term relationships and value creations."

WAMM: With all of the options that high achieving students have in 2018, why should a student consider Morehouse?

"Morehouse provides a truly unique environment where young black men can grow into manhood and pursue their dreams in an environment tailored specifically for them in a world that can so often be hostile to them."

WAMM: In your estimation, how can Morehouse leverage its unique market position to be a viable option for investors/donors?

"The We Are Morehouse campaign is a great start that we can continue to build on - I think showcasing the impact that recent donors are having on their respective fields and communities will resonate every one of Morehouse's key stakeholders (potential and current students, alumni and major donors)."

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REV. DR. JAWANZA COLVIN ’97 SPEAKING OUT, SPEAKING UP AND TRANSFORMING LIVES EVERY DAY Dr. Jawanza Colvin ’97 is the 6th pastor of the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland. As servant-leader of this 4,000 member congregation, Pastor Colvin follows in its historic tradition of community builders, preacher-scholars and social activists.

After receiving earning his B.A. with a double major in History and Religion, he earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and holds a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) from Columbia University.

A proponent of Christian praxis, Pastor Colvin has sought to integrate personal devotion and critical reflection into a ministry of social action and transformation.

He has been a voice in the pulpit

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and activist in the community on matters of justice, equity and reform.

Pastor Colvin has distinguished himself as a clergy and civic leader, having been the recipient of numerous honors and citations noting his commitment to Christian ministry, scholarship and service. Among his recognitions include induction in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College, the recipient of the William Augustus Jones Social Justice Award at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the National Action Network in New York City and being named to Cleveland Power 100, among the most influential individuals in Northeast Ohio.

Committed to service in both the public square and within sacred

walls, Pastor Colvin continues to serve on numerous community and faith-based organization, advisory boards, committees and working groups.

He was a founding co-chair of Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC), the largest multi-racial, interfaith social justice coalition in northeast Ohio and serves on the board of Cleveland Museum of Art, The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, The Martha Jennings Holdings Foundation and the St. Luke Foundation.

After Morehouse, you earned your M.Div. at Union. How prepared were you for the rigors of divinity school?

"Interestingly, early on at Morehouse I did not perform well academically. In fact, my mother who’d sacrificed a great deal

WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > CLERGY financially for me just to be there, had cautioned me that if I didn’t improve I would probably be looking at attending community college the following semester. I had not been adequately prepared for the rigors of Morehouse.

However during a period of self-doubt of whether I belonged, I recall hearing an alumnus of the college, a minister, Matthew Johnson, who’d earned a Ph.D from the University of Chicago sharing his own experience at Morehouse early on. I will never forget, when he said how he’d had some early challenges academically but the one thing he knew of himself and held confidence in was his “ability to think”. That moment changed everything for me. I was not a great student initially but I had been gifted with strong mind. Morehouse sharpened that mind; taught me good study habits and surrounded me with people with similar drive and ambition. I never looked back my gpa kept rising till I graduated with honors, got accepted and graduated from Union Theological Seminary in NYC and eventually completing my doctorate at Columbia University."

You are an outspoken champion of social justice, what inspires you to fight the good fight? Why don't you back down when others want you to refrain from being so vocal and active in the face of social injustice.

"I am blessed to have been born into a culture and community where faith, struggle and justice were intertwined and blended as a social and Christian witness. My father was member of the Black Panther party while a studying

at UCLA and he instilled in me a strong sense of pride in the Black Freedom struggle in all its expressions. Adjacent to my office at the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland where I serve as pastor, is a conference room where I have hanging on the walls surrounding the entire room, “a cloud of witnesses”. These are black and white photographs of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Malcom X, Fannie Lou Hamer, Medgar Evers, of course, Martin Luther King, Jr and others.

They are there to remind me, those of us who feel a sense of call to do the work of justice and social change at the community based level, the charge we have to be serious about this task which does come at a social or personal price.

When you work against deeply entrenched institutional powers, whether they be political, economic or even religious, you have to be willing to count the cost.

However, that wall in my office and having close connections to Morehouse brothers others doing this work, like Otis Moss III in Chicago, Raphael Warnock in Atlanta, Anthony Bennett in Connecticut and so many others lets me know I’m keeping good company."

What challenges have you faced while assuming the leadership of such an iconic church?

"Olivet is a great church with tremendous history. I have the privilege of following in a tradition of great servant-leaders, like my predecessor Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., who had established and laid the foundation within the congregation a view of the Chris-

tian faith not rooted in the Eurocentric triumphalism we see active in most churches, including black churches in America today.

Olivet has embraced a historically accurate understanding of the Jesus movement, one which recognizes hope, faith and action themselves are revolutionary tools against spiritual and social oppression. This is the Olivet tradition and what has distinguished each period of the OIBC story is the ways in which we seek reach people and impact society. Truly I am blessed to be simply adding a few chapters to an already inspiring story."

You seem to be so involved in so many things in and around Cleveland, what do you do to relax?

"I am a nerd. I have accepted that after all these years. I like to read... a lot. However, I am huge sports fan. It’s funny after having lived, studied and worked on the east coast all of my life, I was initially worried about how I would adjust to life in Cleveland and the Midwest. A friend of mine reminded me, “Cleveland has a professional baseball, football and basketball team. You will be alright.”

He was right!"

For you, how important are your sounding board friends? The friends who will tell you the absolute truth and not rubber stamp your ideas or opinions?

"It is so important to have people who can speak not only “to you” but “into” you. The Reverend Steven Carter ’98 along with others like the Revs.

Dequincy Hentz ’96 and Kevin Johnson ’96 are among the people who I know I can call anytime or at any moment if I need an ear or I need some personal or professional advise.

Because we have shared so much

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > CLERGY history and so many experiences at such a important stage of our lives, there is a bond and trust there that goes back now more than 20 years.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The force of character is cumulative.” I take that to mean that we should be seeking perfection but we should be making progress and always trending in the right moral direction. I am fortunate to have friends who are not only great ministers but great people who when I need it, I know they will give it to me straight, always having my best interest in mind."

In what ways do you remain engaged with Morehouse College, its students and its alumni?

"In recent years, I have become more consistent in giving to the College’s Annual Fund. We call it alma mater, “our dear mother” for a reason. Morehouse helped so many of give birth to our ambitions, our social conscience

and critical consciousness. We have moral responsibility to ensure that holds for the next generation and beyond. In addition, I seek to promote the college being a promoter of its values within the city and within our congregation.

We are fortunate to have had quite a few church members walk through the halls of Morehouse over the years. I am quick to tap a promising young man on the shoulder and make mention of his potential and the prospect of becoming a “Man of the House”.

We currently have one student enrolled in the college and another just got accepted a few weeks ago.

We try do our part to keep ‘strong men a comin’."

What advice do you have for an aspiring minister?

"Preparation wise I would say embrace the idea of a true liberal arts of education, as an undergraduate and the study of within the liberal

theological tradition at the graduate. The humanities and the social sciences offer the mind the greatest ingredients for nurturing a strong mind. We are living at a time that your thinking has to be in conversation with the world. If you are threatened by ideas that conflict with your own it is important to understand them and more importantly understanding your

own beliefs and examining the extent to which your beliefs align with the liberation themes

Of the Hebrew Bible and the ministry of Jesus Christ. I agree with Howard Thurman, too many of us practice a religion ‘about’ Jesus but not the actual religion ‘of ’ Jesus. There is a difference. Learn it and liberate your ministry from insignificance."

How far will the Cavs go this year?

"This is an easy one. Is No. 23 from Akron, OH playing? Our ticket to the finals is already punched!!!"

For more information about Pastor Colvin's work at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, please visit, http://www. oibc.org.

Also, please read the Politico article about Pastor Colvin by clicking HERE.

WE ARE MOREHOUSE PRESENTS

Journeys A lecture series focusing on Alumni sharing their experiences with love, loss, triumph, defeat, success, change and more.

The Podcast Conversations surrounding young alumni achievement with topics and guests that run the gamut of the depth and breadth of the Morehouse experience.

Coming soon.

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ENTERTAINER • WRITER • PRODUCER ACTOR • ARTIST • CREATIVE • DJ SOCIAL ENGINEER • WORLD TRAVELER DIRECTOR • HUSBAND • SON • BROTHER • FRIEND • HUMANITARIAN SPRINGCOMING CO-FOUNDER George "Twopointoh" Peters, II ’03 is a man for all seasons.

Creative, versatile and seemingly fearless, he lives and works in a fast paced entertainment industry whose wims change by the moment, but somehow he's managed to remain ahead of trend.

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > CREATORS

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > CREATORS George "Twopointoh" Peters, II ’03 has performed on some of the biggest stages imaginable to the delight of crowds the world over.

Best described as a 'creative', George has cultivated and honed a career marked with triumphs, success, innovation and risk taking with major dividends.

WAMM: How does an English major from Voorhees, NJ dazzle people on stages across the world and end up founding SpringComing?

"I didn’t know it at the time, but I owe a lot of my creativity to the English department. During my tenure on 'the yard', I found ours to be an exceptionally diverse department. I took class with

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future lawyers, college professors, screenwriters, television showrunners, political news correspondents and entertainers.

That was important to me, especially coming from Voorhees.

I’d grown up as a minority, often the only black kid in my classes.

But I knew I was iron. So I sought out other iron to sharpen myself.

"Morehouse, specifically the English department, was challenging.

I learned how to communicate.

I learned how to learn. I learned how to communicate what I learned. From there, I became a more confident performer and a more confident director. I became aware of my own need for artistic verisimilitude and as a writer, I felt

comfortable writing the material that became my first national tour.

A one man show about black masculinity called Any1Man. I realized that as a writer, with a degree, I could write anything. I was always a fan of words and one day while daydreaming about my favorite holiday, SpelHouse Homecoming, I joked with my co-founder, an FAMU alum, what if we threw a homecoming in New York... in the Spring? Thus, SpringComing was born.

"HBCU SpringComing, the largest gathering of Historically Black College/University Alumni in the NorthEast (nation?) was born out of my experience at the House. It is essentially homecoming in the

spring for those that can’t make it back to their homecoming or reunions during graduation. The intent is for them to celebrate that spirit that made them love their alma mater well after graduation.

It is open to everyone, but caters to graduates of all HBCUs that currently reside in NYC. We are proud to provide scholarship assistance to applicants from the Greater New York City area. These scholarships are set aside specifically for high school seniors that want to attend HBCUs but need a little help. As a former student, I know that a little help can go a very long way."

WAMM: What series of events led you to know that you were destined to be in the entertainment business?

"I booked my first commercial when I was 5. It was for a local bank. New York was calling me to come up from South Jersey twice a week after that. They were calling me out of school left and right. My mother, was an educator and she wasn’t having that. When I turned 15, she let me start auditioning again. I booked an NFL commercial and started getting involved in school plays and acting competitions. One Spring, after being talked into skipping track tryouts, I auditioned for the school musical. That was it.

"But, it would be years before I realized that there were sustainable opportunities for me on both sides of the camera and stage.

As a performer, I was able to speak the language and as a producer, I was able to connect the dots. I discovered how my skills in both areas of entertainment could take productions from Idea to

Execution. That is what has kept me in the entertainment industry and ultimately what led to the founding of my production company, Listen TWO Me. I believe I belong in front of the camera, but I also believe I know which camera should be used."

WAMM: The History Channel...what's going on there?

"The History Channel. Who would have thought? I mean, I audition a lot and ever since my short stint on HLN & The Daily Share, I get a lot of calls for on-camera hosting gigs. This was one of those calls.

They sent over a relatively short script and told my agent the audition would be on TelePrompTer. But I memorized it anyway. I have experience with PrompTer, but I knew I could be a little more nuanced if I committed it to memory. They cast me after a second round of call backs. I am now among a select group of hosts of History’s (they are rebranding without “channel”) History Topical series in which we revisit moments of great historical significance and retell them in unique ways.

I tell my family to catch them on YouTube because the episodes air according to the day in history on which the event actually occurred.

The target audience is your average high school student, which makes so much sense, especially when you think about recent events like 9/11 occuring before they were born.

"The day I went into read, they warned me not to be disappointed if I couldn’t get through the copy.

They anticipated that I’d read 5-6 episodes. I read 9. Thank you Dr. Watts."

WAMM: Though you live in New York, how do you currently stay connected to Morehouse?

"Morehouse has a robust alumni community here in New York, specifically in Harlem. My Pastor, Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. is a Morehouse Man, our Musical Director is a Morehouse Man. But beyond the church, the Morehouse Manhattan Alumni Association has a full calendar of activities one of which, the annual Martin Luther King, Jr Awards Breakfast has asked me back as it’s host for the last four (4) years.

Every year, I meet both an older and a younger brother that remind me just how important Morehouse is.

"I also travel a great deal. So, I get to see a lot of my classmates and friends and their new families and their children. That’s a real blessing. One of the cities I frequent the most is Atlanta. I always make the trip to the bookstore. I think being a living example of the modern Morehouse Man, even if it’s just wearing a shirt in the airport, can have as big an impact as any other brochure can.

"This past year, I made a commitment to give annually to the school, beginning with the gift of my honorarium for an engagement at the University of Louisville. Being on their campus and seeing how their alumni engagement impacted the student body compelled me to promise to do better by the campus that helped shape me.

"Socially, my partners, Larry Yarrell ’03 and Benny Walk ’02 and myself have been throwing Friday night parties for Homecoming for the past 15 years. That has kept me in

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > CREATORS contact with alum from my tenure at the college as well as 5 years my junior and 5 years my senior."

WAMM: Where do you draw on the necessary confidence to perform on-stage in front of tens of thousands?

"Man, I’ve been on some huge stages, and I’ve been on some small stages. I treat them pretty much the same. What worked at the Ft. Valley vs. Morehouse Football game during NSO ‘00, also worked in Rio on tour with Winehouse in front of 150,000. I used to boast that I never got nervous and I thought that was just confidence.

But as I get older, I recognize just how big a deal it is to have had Prince hand you a microphone and tell you to freestyle, or to have collaborated with The Roots, or to have DJ’d and sung behind Jidenna on The Late Show, and designed sets with Janelle Monáe for the Grammys.

"Now, I get a little bit more anxious. That’s not a loss of confidence, that’s a gain of appreciation. I’ve been performing since my parents started asking me to moonwalk for their dinner guests. I just appreciate it a little more now."

WAMM: What is the abbreviated etymology of your Wondaland experience and how has it changed your life?

"I took English senior seminar from Rahming and sat next to Chuck. Nate and I were in a singing group called Mystique and used to sit in Perdue and listen to music for hours. Mikael and I used to do

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poetry slams and hoop in Archer Hall. Janelle lived across from Club Woody and would ride with me back and forth to the studio.. These are all the managing partners of Wondaland. So, for me, Wondaland has always been entwined into both my Morehouse and Atlanta experience. I used to bring as many people as I could pack in my car over to the studio for listening parties. (and when I didn’t have a car, I’d bribe people to drop me off by promising good music and good times!).

"Wondaland proper, was my first stop after graduation. We all moved into a space where we could work, learn, trust and grow.

Everyone was doing everything---together. So when Janelle was prepping for her first tour, I went.

We all went! I had no idea what a tour was like. I didn’t even know what value I could provide.

But, I learned what I was supposed to be doing while I was on the job. Necessity is the mother of all invention, right? I mean, I’m walking into union venues,

a 20- something, bald headed, Black kid, dressed to the nines and interfacing with these 20-year professionals with hardhats and attitudes. But I had the confidence of a Morehouse Man! To be clear, confidence, for me, wasn’t acting like I knew everything. Confidence was asking questions, because I knew I could learn anything. In my years on tour I learned to shoot, edit, produce, patch a stage, stage manage, production manage and even DJ. I would open up Janelle’s shows around the world with a phrase from the native tongue, because I’d study the language on the tour bus city to city. Morehouse taught me how to learn.

"How has it changed my life? Well, a lot of people don’t know this, but I got my stage name at Wondaland One typical studio evening, while I was upgrading my desktop software to Windows XP (yeah, that long ago) I attempted to use my full name as my username. But that didn’t fit within the username character limit. So, Nate and I just started throwing stuff at the wall to

see what would stick. We came up with the sobriquet: 2.0 and George Twopointoh was born. I also met my wife at Wondaland. I don’t think anything has been more life changing."

WAMM: When did you hit your first lick?

"Some people will say it was Drumline. But I don’t think I have hit a lick yet, per se. I think there have been a bunch of small victories to keep me hungry and a few close calls to keep me humble."

WAMM: How exciting and tiring is it to be looked to to provide the good time for so many...all the time?

"You know, I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to provide the good time. Once people see you on, they never want to see you off.

They think you are an extrovert and that you enjoy it as much as they enjoy it. You become like a TV and what good is a TV when it’s off, right? But, a few years ago, I read a study that helped me to understand that I am more of an ambivert than an extrovert. I learned that I don’t really get my energy from people as extroverts often do. I get my energy from being alone, or from being around people and simply observing as introverts, or in my case ambiverts like to do. That excites me. That is where I draw inspiration. That gave me a lot of peace because I realized that providing a good time was my service, my contribution. I do it for friends willingly. But for everyone else, expect an invoice...and that excites me too!"

WAM Ultimate 2.0 Playlist Flamenco Sketches - Miles Davis Water No Get Enemy - Fela Kuti Brand New Funk -DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince Georgia On My Mind - Gerald Albright Web - The Roots The Panties - Mos Def Got To Give It Up (Part 1) - Marvin Gaye Dreams and Nightmares - Meek Mill Hosanna - Kirk Franklin Total Praise - Live - Richard Smallwood That Name - Yolanda Adams Squeeze 1st - Jay-Z This Is Your Day - 112 Never Too Much - Luther Vandross Juicy - The Notorious B.I.G. Body Rock - Busta Rhymes Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson Electric Relaxation - A Tribe Called Quest The Lady in My Life - Michael Jackson Off the Wall - Michael Jackson Party Is Goin' On Over Here - Busta Rhymes What's Yo Name - T.I., The Neptunes Turnin' Me Up - BJ the Chicago Kid Get You - Daniel Caesar HelGa - Phony Ppl How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore Prince Edge of Desire - John Mayer Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 Cherry Wine - Nas, Amy Winehouse Doin' Just Fine - Boyz II Men

You Be Alright - Musiq Soulchild Breathe (In the Air) - Pink Floyd Going to California - Led Zeppelin Rocket Man - Elton John Otha Fish - The Pharcyde No Mo Play in GA - Pastor Troy Liberation - Outkast Summertime - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon You Can't Hurry Love - The Supremes What A Fool Believes - The Doobie Brothers Trampoline - Jidenna The Beautiful Ones - Prince We Were Rock & Roll - Janelle Monae My Favorite Things - Outkast Mah Na Mah Na - Rolf the Dog Fu-Gee-La - The Fugees Till It Happens To You - Corinne Bailey Rae No Greater Love - Fred Hammond Da' Butt - E.U. With Each Beat Of My Heart - Stevie Wonder Purple Rain - Prince Get Your Mind Right Mami - Jay-Z Love's In Need of Love Today - Stevie Wonder They Won't Go When I Go - Stevie Wonder Seems So Long - Stevie Wonder Chega Mais - Banda Black Rio Una Furtiva Lagrima - Luciano Pavarotti The Marriage of Figaro - Mozart

Available on Click HERE to play We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 31

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W. Kamau Bell, host of the critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning CNN Original Series,United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell will preview the show's "HBCU Episode" at Morehouse College from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 23 and moderate a panel discussion following the show.

The episode includes interviews with faculty, students, and staff from the Atlanta University Center.

The special preview is open to Atlanta University students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell follows sociopolitical comedian W. Kamau Bell as he explores communities across the country, using humor to start a conversation about race and how our differences unite and divide us. In season three, Bell visits the coast of South Carolina to meet the Gullah Geechee people, travels to Hawaii to talk to natives, heads up north to Canada, meets with students at Historical Black Colleges and Universities, explores Sikhism in America, talks to members of the disabled community, and visits his dad in Mobile, Alabama to retrace his family roots.

United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell is produced

by Main Event Media and All3Media America with Bell, Jimmy Fox, Donny Jackson, Gregory J. Lipstone, Layla Smith, Amy Entelis and Lizzie Fox serving as executive producers. The new season begins on Sunday, April 29, at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.The series will regularly air Sundays at 10 p.m.

ET/PT on CNN.

REGISTER HERE

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HERBERTO HORNE ’15: THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN IS A BRAND AMBASSADOR ON A MISSION TO HELP OTHERS BE BETTER How does a ’15 grad become one of Jezebel Magazine's 'Hottest Atlantans and a trusted brand ambassador for highly respected international legacy brands?

Berto Horne spoke to us about his perfect gentlemen journey.

WAMM: When did you hit your first lick?

"In 2014, I got my first big start as the assistant Brand manger of Ciroc for Atlanta under Ashley Cleveland. The first lick I caught was being named the Atlanta Influencer for Mercedes Benz & their brand new stadium."

WAMM: How did it feel when you knew that this is what you wanted to do?

"Fulfilling! There was no better feeling than knowing I could make a living off me just being me."

WAMM: How did you gain the authority and confidence to advise others on how they should comport themselves?

"My mama always tells me, “Herberto, you aren’t better than anybody and nobody is better than you, but you are going to be somebody!” This is what I was put on earth to do!"

WAMM: How do you define success and how do you define failure?

"Success is being able to provide

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for me and my family and leave a legacy behind. I look at Failure as growth. Not accomplishing a task is a learning lesson. As long as I learn from my mistake than I am growing!"

WAMM: What precipitated you taking the leap of faith and leaving Coca Cola?

"I joined Coca Cola June 7, 2015, a couple weeks after graduation.

I started TPGent February 19, 2014. Running my own business and working a full time job was very time consuming. As TPGent started to grow, my performance at Coca Cola started to decrease.

For TPGent to continue to grow, I would need to put 100 percent of my time into my business. I would never be able to soar if I didn’t take a leap."

WAMM: Where do you see yourself and TP Gent in 10 years?

"Traveling the world with my family. My foundation will be celebrating its 10th year anniversary of being a beacon of light to black men across the US. I’ll be spending my days as a

creative director for a few different brands, while being the face of luxury and legacy brands.

WAMM: What have you drawn on from your Morehouse experiences that's helped you throughout your career thus far?

I was a great student in college, and I’m not speaking of the classroom I paid attention to the men of Morehouse/Morehouse Men, how they acted, talked, lived and more.

Because of Morehouse I was able to start my business as well as build my network. My mother built the foundation, Morehouse molded me into a Renaissance Man, and I taught myself how to be The Perfect Gentleman."

To learn more about Berto's work, please follow him on Instagram and Twitter at @tpgent and online at tpgent.com.

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MAJOR

IMPACT With service as his mission, educator and humanitarian Brock Mayers ’99 works tirelessly to bring out the best in countless generations of students

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If you've been to a campus sporting event in the last several years, you've seen Brock Mayers ’99. His presence is undeniable; tall, commanding voice with a New York accent, staunchly supportive of the men in maroon and almost always remarking in a comical way, heckling refs and opposing players. But that same Brock Mayers is someone whom people approach with reverence and dap up, or shake his hand or ask his opinion. He's the wise counsel when needed, the person who knows everybody, the trusted constant for scores and scores of students navigating the maze of college life.

Brock is also the Homecoming

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King, annually hosting a tent where all are welcome, and good times are had.

Brock is also the educator, working diligently as the Associate Director of Morehouse's Federal TRiO Programs, a position he's held since 2013. In that role, he partners with the program's director with Federal funding proposal preparation resulting in grant awards that have totaled over $2 million.

Brock provides educational leadership in the development of curriculum and the implementation of instructional programs for the Morehouse College Ronald E. McNair

Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program and the Greater Orlando Upward Bound Math/ Science Program, including the regular evaluation of program activities.

Brock is also in a doctoral program at Drexel University, where he's earning his Ed.D. in Education Leadership and Management with a concentration in Human Resources Development.

WAMM: Though you were doing it as a student as well, why has supporting Morehouse Athletics been so important to you?

"I’ve always been a rabid sports fan.

In HS I used to go to away games

WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > EDUCATORS and sit on the Home side and trash talk. A lot. Loudly. Win. Lose. Or draw. If you were going to beat us, you were going to do so with me in your face all game. That kind of attitude just carried over when I got to Morehouse. Back then I think I did it for bragging rights.

But today, supporting Morehouse athletics has changed for me in that, I don’t really care about bragging rights as much as I care about showing up to support our student athletes—my Morehouse brothers on the field of play. Being in my role I’ve had students I work with participate in many activities on campus. I try to support as often as I can, regardless of what it is. It’s a good feeling to see them on campus where they express their appreciation for me just showing up. Showing up is such an integral part of working with this generation of students, more specifically the unique student population we have at Morehouse."

WAMM: What motivates you in the work that you do?

"Generally speaking, my daughter Kori motivates me to strive towards being a better version of myself each day. I know she looks to me for answers on how to maneuver through this complex world " I hope I’m providing those answers through my living example.

Professionally, watching students grow into themselves also motivates me. In my position, I have had numerous opportunities to see the “light bulb” turn on for students when they find their direction. One of the programs I direct is a graduate school preparatory program for Morehouse students. Some years

ago, I accepted a young man who told me the day after he was accepted into the program that he changed his mind. He said he was more inclined to attend law school than graduate school. I saw something different for him. He has a natural tendency towards introspective thinking and problem solving. So I convinced him to stay with the program and keep an open mind. He completed his PhD in Community Psychology this year. These stories motivate me. Seeing students through their journey, working with them passed obstacles and celebrating their victories is what pushes me not only to keep doing the work I do, but also to improve on how I do it."

WAMM: You've earned your Masters degree, and you're in the process of earning your Doctorate. What do you envision you'll be doing in the next 5 to 10 years as Brock Mayers, Ed.D.?

"I’m in proposal phase of my doctorate and despite having more behind me than ahead of me, the idea of being Dr. Brock Mayers seems so distant right now. But I get goose bumps every time I say it. With that, I see myself continuing to direct programming that allows me to provide interventions that support favorable educational and career outcomes for underserved and underrepresented student populations. After working exclusively with males here at Morehouse for about twelve years, I was given the role of also directing a coed, residential, college preparatory program. Now, with the added responsibility of

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supporting a very different student population than I was accustomed to, I realized the necessity in learning how to effectively support high school and female students in the same way that I had my male undergraduate students for years. I became very deliberate about connecting and relating to these new students as well as recognizing and checking my male privilege and gender biases that I may have been unaware of previously. This new role put me in a position to become a more effective and well-rounded higher education administrator in supporting the needs of diverse students groups.

With this experience under my belt, I would like the opportunity to eventually expand the community of students that I support in a Student Affairs role that more broadly serves the campus. When I was a student at Morehouse, Dr. Berenecea Johnson, Dean Sterling Hudson, Dean Thomas Blocker amongst others, supported my growth and development by providing me with opportunities to grow and MUCH NEEDED direction. I want to be that for this generation of students."

WAMM: This past NFL season, you were quite vocal about boycotting the games and instead spending each Sunday doing some type of community service. What have been the lasting effects of your work, what did you learn about yourself in the process and how do you look to expand on your work during the 2018 season?

"From the onset, I was never really comfortable with the term “Boycott” as it related to not watching football this season.

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It just didn’t seem to fit when I considered other periods of similar protest in our history. I chose to abstain from watching football because of what I perceived as an injustice. Personally, I questioned how I could support an institution that would purposefully (in my estimation) freeze out one of the great talents of the game based on his political views. But simply not watching football didn’t make sense to me. Following the example of Colin Kaepernick, I committed myself to replacing the time I would have spent watching football with instead, serving the community. During the 17 week NFL season I read to children, participated in mentorship programs and supported those living through poverty. And honestly, I think the service had

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"...my season of service reminded me that supporting my community is part of my responsibility as a global citizen."

WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > EDUCATORS more of a lasting impact on me. In my service I tried to stretch myself beyond my level of comfort and in that space I grew tremendously. As a student, I enjoyed doing community service, but found that I stopped making the time for it the further I moved away from graduation. In this stage of life, you convince yourself that you don’t have time to do things like that in addition to “adulting”. But my season of service reminded me that supporting my community is a part of my responsibility as a global citizen. I have continued service projects beyond the NFL season, mostly supporting a local non-profit organization called Love Beyond Walls—an organization providing dignity to the homeless and working poor through support services towards self-sufficiency. Additionally, I have been more deliberate about incorporating service initiatives into the educational programs I direct on campus.

"I’m not sure what I’m going to do for the 2018 season yet. For the final service project held during Super Bowl Sunday, I partnered with 2 CAU alums for a feed the homeless event at Wheat Street Baptist Church in downtown Atlanta. Since then, we have been discussing ways to make service and volunteering within our demographic more of a sustainable priority rather than a once off event."

WAMM: On a daily basis, you're one of the best dressed people on-campus. Where does the need to be sartorially splendid come from?

"I’m not sure I would consider myself one of the best-dressed

people on campus but certainly appreciate being mentioned in this arena. My mom was my first fashion icon. She was sartorially splendid! It didn’t matter if she was going to Easter service or the supermarket. She was always fresh.

Impeccable style sense; 'Fully accessorized; Shoe game on psychotic; Nails did, hair did, everything did!' She impressed upon me that how you look often dictates how you are received. She would ask, “What’s the story being told about you by your outfit?” So I hope I’m telling the story of a serious professional who is relatable and respected by the campus community."

WAMM: When did you know that the work that you're currently doing was right for you?

What was your first affirmation?

"The teachers and advisors I’ve had over the course of my life really established my interest in student development. I have always wanted to work with young people, but early on wasn’t sure in what capacity. Over the course of my career I have had the opportunity to work with various student groups of different ages and backgrounds. I was ultimately led to work with the McNair Scholars Program at Morehouse, which was an incredible honor for two main reasons. 1. I was a part of the program as an undergraduate and directly benefitted from the program services provided. 2. The opportunity to work under the mentorship of Dr. Rubye J. Byrd, who is a pillar within our professional community, was a great privilege. In this role, some years ago I accompanied a group of forty Morehouse students, faculty and staff on a graduate school tour

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through Maryland, D.C., Boston and New York. The students came from various programs across our campus, but only five were a part of my program. Towards the end of the trip, a college administrator pulled me aside and asked what I was doing differently with my students. Perplexed, I asked him to clarify his question. He went on to say that while all the students in attendance were great academically and otherwise, there was something different about my students. There was something that made them stand out in a group of excellent students. He suggested that these stand out qualities were as a result of my relationship with them. This administrator whom I have always professionally respected and admired told me that I was doing special work.

How’s that for affirmation? Despite consistently meeting program goals and objectives and seeing students be successful, this was the first time I realized that I am really good at my job—supporting, developing and empowering students as they prepare for their future."

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EDUCATORS SPOTLIGHT:

ECHOL NIX, JR., PH.D. ’95 VISITING ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF RELIGION CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY

Dr. Echol Nix, Jr. ’95 has a passion for education and enjoys helping students reach their goals and overcome difficulties and challenges. Three words to describe him include: serious, determined and dedicated.

Dr. Nix is the second child born to Rev. Dr. Echol and Mrs. Annie Mae Nix in Jefferson County, Alabama. He graduated from George Washington Carver High School and later Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. While at Morehouse, he accepted a call to ministry and was licensed and ordained at Everdale (now New Everdale Baptist Church) in Montevallo, Alabama.

Believing that the call to ministry is a call to preparation, he received the Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) and over the years has served in Baptist, Cumberland Presbyterian, Presbyterian (USA) and nondenominational churches.

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During seminary, he participated in a study course in the Holy Land to better understand the history and geography of the Bible and visited Bethlehem, Jericho, Joppa, Bethany, Galilee, and Caesarea Philippi, among other cities.

After receiving his first Master’s degree at Vanderbilt in 1998, Dr. Nix was awarded a second Master’s degree in Theology (2000) and the Ph.D. degree (2007), both from Boston University. Because of his academic work and community service in Boston, he was awarded an international doctoral fellowship anywhere in the world and chose to live and study in Europe for three years, traveling throughout Germany and France.

Dr. Nix is a past president of the North American Paul Tillich Society and has served on the Board of the Baptist World

Alliance (Commission on Ethics, Evangelism and Theological Reflection). His last four (4) books, Milestone Documents in African American History, Second Edition , co-edited with Keturah Nix cover over 100 primary source documents from 16192017. He has also published

WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > EDUCATORS Ernst Troeltsch and Comparative Theology which contributes to an emerging field of academic study; In the Beginning: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Chapel at Morehouse College which has chapters on education, social justice, and reconciliation; and The Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, a book of sermons co-authored with his parents.

In addition to his seven books, Dr. Nix has also authored many articles, encyclopedia entries, and book reviews in journals and other professional literature. He regularly attends conferences, workshops and training sessions on teaching and ministry and has traveled

to Hong Kong, Singapore, Israel, Germany, France, Japan, and El Salvador.

Currently, Dr. Nix teaches in the Department of Humanities at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. He has lectured at Furman University, Brown Mackie College, Selma University, Boston University Hamilton College, Baylor University, Morehouse College, Lane College and Frankfurt University (Germany).

He participates in several community organizations such as Miracle Hill Ministries that help families and children (especially low-income) in need of social and educational

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services. For two years, he taught Hispanic students and out of school youth in the Migrant Education program through the South Carolina State Department of Education.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A GIFT TODAY

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > LAW

SPEAKING IT INTO EXISTENCE Attorney Brandon R. Williams '99 left a secure career path in Big Law to embark on a burgeoning opportunity in Entertainment Law

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Brandon Williams ’99, is is the General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of World Group, Inc. World Group, Inc. is the parent/holding company of Steve Harvey's business and entertainment empire. Brandon discusses his life, career choices and the indelible impact of his Morehouse experience.

WAMM: When you were at Emory, did you ever imagine you'd be doing the work you're doing now?

"The short answer is “no,” but I will say that my speaking things into existence played a huge part of me doing the work that I am doing right now. Specifically, I was interviewed after my first year of law school and despite having no clue about exactly what they do, when asked, I told the interviewer

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that I wanted to be a Mergers and Acquisitions attorney. At the time, I had no background or understanding of exactly what an M&A attorney was, but that was what was in my spirit. Fast forward to when I got to Alston & Bird (after my 2nd or 3rd year of practice), I found myself involved in mergers and acquisitions cases.

Ultimately, that allowed me to broaden my practice such that I was able to ultimately represent clients like the one that I work for now. Moreover, even when I was at Alston & Bird and friends, colleagues and clients alike would ask me what I envisioned myself doing in 10-15 years and I would always respond with “I could see myself working in a business/legal capacity with one of my clients.”

That is exactly where I am at in my career now. It happened much sooner than I could have

anticipated, but the truth of the matter is that with most things in my career, I have simply continued to speak my desires into existence and then when the opportunities came, I followed what I spoke of. Therefore, I think it is vitally important to listen to what your instincts and heart are saying and then follow what you speak when the opportunities present themselves."

WAMM: What precipitated you taking the leap of leaving Alston & Bird?

"Notwithstanding my answer from above, it was a very difficult decision to leave Alston & Bird. It is one of the top firms in the country, I had been a partner for several years (having been elected at a very young age) and I had a number of my own clients and a nice book of business at the time I made the decision to leave Alston &

WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > LAW Bird. All that being considered, however, I felt like the time was right. I had just turned 40 years old. I had been speaking the exact situation that I was offered into existence, so when it was presented, I had a belief that this was the right time to make the leap. After careful consideration with my wife (and getting her support), I ultimately decided to take what some view as a big risk, but one that I felt like I had to take at this time and walking away from my clients, the firm and what would have been a long and lucrative career. I believed in myself and what I thought that this opportunity could ultimately be."

WAMM: You've been a consistent Morehouse donor. Why is giving back so important to you, and how can the lessons of your career experiences help those coming behind you?

"Giving back to the College is vitally important because the College gave so much to me. It is the place that gave me confidence, belief in myself and made me understand that all of my goals were ultimately attainable. Therefore, it is important to me to continue to give back so that the students coming behind me potentially have an opportunity to experience some of the things that I have experienced with my career. The lessons that my career can hopefully demonstrate is that there are no limitations to what you can become. If you are willing to work extremely hard and listen/believe in you, the world is yours. I am just a kid from Decatur, Georgia and my career has taken me to places and heights that I never could have dreamed of (and in certain ways I believe my career is just beginning).

WAMM: What moment or achievement has defined your career thus far?

I’m not sure that I have a moment or achievement that has defined my career so far. I do not tend to be a "smell the roses" kind of guy, as I have difficulty celebrating successes or slowing down long enough to marvel at any particular accomplishments or achievements. But I must say, one of the moments that I will never forget is graduating from Morehouse College (with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree (Mathematics ’99)) along with 3 of my cousins (all 4 of us gradated in the Class of ’99). That to me was a wonderful moment of achievement because it symbolized so much. The strength of family and the fact that we hear so much negativity about the Black Man and lack of family, but in this day and age, 4 cousins (all from the south) could matriculate through a school as wonderful and challenging as Morehouse College and walk across the stage with degrees (and all graduating in 4 years)."

WAMM: Where do you seek contentment?

"I am not sure I ever really achieve or have figured out contentment. I struggle with being or even finding contentment. For as long as I can remember, I have just never been satisfied. When I achieved certain things, I immediately wanted more.

Even at this current juncture of my life/career, I am constantly looking toward the future. I think I have this fear that if I ever seek contentment, somehow the train will stop and I will be left at the station. So I simply never slow down much in order to ensure that life will continue to be filled with

thrills and the next big thing."

WAMM: What have you drawn on from your Morehouse experiences that's helped you throughout your career thus far?

"Morehouse College taught me two invaluable things - (1) Resiliency and (2) Belief in Myself. Those 2 qualities have gotten me to this point in my life. It has allowed me to overcome personal/professional obstacles. My life has had challenges galore, but resiliency and belief has allowed me to continue moving my personal/ professional career onward and upward."

WAMM: In business and in life, when do you know it's time to cut your losses and change course, or abandon an idea altogether?

"It’s quite difficult to know exactly when, but I think when you are just ramming your head into the wall and waking up to a concussion every morning, it is time to walk away. I think there is an energy and inertia that keeps certain ideas going in the right direction. If everything is going wrong and nothing seems right with an idea, I think it may be time to revisit your why. I would be careful to not assess difficulty/challenges with knowing it is time to walk away.

Any idea is going to have a host of challenges and appear to be difficult at times, but in your spirit you will know if you are on the right path. When that idea or previous situation no longer feels right in your gut/spirit and you don’t feel inspired or enthusiastic about an idea when you wake up, it may be time to consider cutting your losses and pivoting into a different direction with your idea(s)."

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PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT:

KEVIN WOODS, M.D., M.P.H. ’99 Kevin Woods, M.D., M.P.H. ’99 is the Chief of Interventional Endoscopy, Gastroenterology & Nutrition at the Southeastern Regional Medical Center at the Cancer Treatment Center of America.

"His studies have focused on advanced endoscopic imaging platforms for Barrett’s Esophagus and bile duct, esophageal, pancreatic and colorectal cancers. He has been an investigator with numerous clinical trials and has participated in Industry and InvestigatorInitiated sponsored research with the National Institutes of Health

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(NIH). His research interests are focused on interventional endoscopy, endoscopic device development and clinical informatics aimed at improving the effectiveness and outcomes for our patients undergoing routine and complex gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures.

Dr. Woods is responsible for building the Gastroenterology Division at Atlanta's Cancer Treatment Center of America.

when surgery is not an option.

Procedures that Dr. Woods performs include: interventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasound, fine needle aspiration biopsy, digital cholangioscopy, endoscopic suturing, enteral stenting, optical endomicroscopy, confocal laser endomicroscopy, endoscopic mucosal resection and submucosal dissection, radiofrequency ablation and peroral endoscopic myotomy.

He offers many non-surgical technologies to help determine the accurate stage of disease and to provide interventional therapies

Combining his skills of early neoplasia detection and removal, his expert endoscopic approach offers an expanded range of op-

WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > MEDICINE tions for patients who are candidates for minimally invasive endoscopic management of early GI tract malignancies such as Barrett’s Esophagus, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, neuroendocrine tumors and large, benign upper intestine, ampullary and colorectal polyps that require endoscopic management to reduce the risk of progression to cancer. Dr. Woods is an expert in endoscopic suturing and the management of patients with prior GI tract surgery, bariatric surgery and complicated fistulas which require endoscopic management when surgical management is not an option.

Dr. Woods earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and his Doctor of Medicine at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.

part of Johns Hopkins University from 2005 to 2008. He was then a Clinical and Research Fellow in Medicine, gastroenterology and hepataology at Harvard Medical School Massachusetts General Hospital from 2008 to 2011. During this time, he concentrated his training on developing the skills needed to conduct clinical trials and improve the delivery of care and related outcomes while earning a Master of Public Health degree focused on clinical effectiveness at The Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in 2011.

His clinical and research interests were further developed with additional postdoctoral training and research in advanced gastrointestinal imaging at The Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital from 2009 to 2012.

He completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital,

Licensed to practice medicine by the State of Georgia, Dr. Woods is board certified in internal

medicine and gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His published studies are included in widely read journals including Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Surgical Endoscopy, and World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, among others. He has been an invited lecturer and presented his research at national and international conferences. He is on the editorial board of the journal Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care and is a scientific journal manuscript reviewer for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Surgical Endoscopy, Gastroenterology, Endoscopy International Open Access and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. He remains an active committee member in the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopists (ASGE) and is Treasurer of the Georgia Gastroenterologic and Endoscopic Society.

Next Month Strategies with Johnathan Hill ’17

LinkedIn Business Leadership Program Sales Associate We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 49

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > PUBLIC SERVICE

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Ronald Newman ’01 is living an exceptional life of service, leadership and consequence

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > PUBLIC SERVICE Ronald Newman ’01 is the director of strategic initiatives in the National Political Advocacy Department at the American Civil Liberties Union. His work focuses on issues related to immigration and national security, as well as the development of innovative initiatives and campaigns that cut across the full spectrum of ACLU issues. Prior to the ACLU, Newman worked on the National Security Council during the Obama administration as director for Human Rights and Refugee Protection. There, he led administration efforts to expand the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, planned and coordinated President Obama’s September 2016 Leaders’ Summit on Refugees at the United Nations, managed U.S. engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council, and directed a range of other White House and interagency actions in the areas of immigration, refugee protection, and human rights.

Newman previously worked at the U.S. Department of State, and has also spent prior periods of his career living and working in China and in the investment banking sector. He is a 2008 graduate of Yale Law School.

WAMM: In the 17 years since you graduated from Morehouse, you've done a great deal of meaningful work. What work has been most rewarding and why?

"The refugee work I led from the White House in 2016 as Director of Human Rights and Refugee Protection may be the best answer to this question. In that period, we made an ultimately successful against-all-odds push to admit 85,000 refugees to the United States

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– the most since 1999. That spring, every expectation was that we’d fail to meet that mark. At the time, we were on pace for maybe 50,000 refugee admissions. Several factors had created a perfect storm (security conditions near Syria made it difficult for interview teams to travel to refugee camps; political issues with countries like Kenya led to temporary program pauses, new security checks dramatically lengthened processing times, etc.), and with the need to coordinate efforts between more than 10 federal agencies, prospects looked bleak. But, we convinced the President that it was imperative that we not fall short, and with extraordinary efforts by an awesome team of government employees, we found our way back on course. We launched a two-month surge operation in Jordan; we temporarily reassigned a slew of officials to refugee offices; we held biweekly meetings at the White House to resolve obstacles that arose. We worked really hard, and changed the lives of thousands of refugees. Having traveled around the country to visit resettled refugees while at the State Department, I could see the people, the families. Nothing made me happier than receiving our Friday reports, showing the number of refugees who’d reached U.S. airports that week. I think about that time often (especially with the leadership of our country in a very different place now)."

WAMM: What specific case epitomized your time at State?

"I think a moment back in 2009 best epitomized my experience at State – that moment being the first

time I sat behind a “United States” placard at the United Nations in Geneva. I experienced a unique rush of emotions, sitting there representing 325 million Americans. I was proud, because the United States is a remarkable place (extraordinarily diverse, dynamic and influential, committed to certain strong values), but also skittish, because knowing my history and living the American experience had also keyed me in our country’s many warts. So, my role was two-fold. I wanted to ensure that the United States was a force for good internationally. At the same time, I wanted to learn where other countries had found better answers than we had, and bring that back home."

WAMM: What defining moment made your time in the Obama administration special?

"I’d say a special moment in my

White House tenure was when the President [www.youtube.com/ watch?v=YZnTrqQom5k]delivered the opening address at the Sept. 20, 2016 Leaders’ Summit on Refugees at the United Nations.

I’d spent 10 months planning the Summit, working furiously with people across government. We’d browbeat other countries into making [obamawhitehouse. archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/09/20/fact-sheet-leaders-summit-refugees]major contributions to refugee causes, and commitments to resettle refugees. We raised billions of dollars in humanitarian humanitarian aid, secured commitments to resettle double the number of refugees resettled the prior year, and ushered in a

WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > PUBLIC SERVICE series of policy reforms that would increase access to livelihood opportunities for refugees. I know. .. it’s hard to believe the United States played that role less than two years ago ... It was a moment of pride, and a capstone on my White House tenure. Two weeks later, my wife had our first child, and I left for parental leave."

WAMM: How did you know that working to protect the rights of others (ACLU, Human Rights and Refugee Protection) would be a calling?

"Malcolm X is my hero – my son’s namesake. He dedicated his short adult life to trying to improve the lot of disadvantaged people –

particularly those of color. I’ve always considered his life a model for how to live. I don’t suspect I’ll have the same deep, lasting impact that he did. But, I can try, and that pursuit is the strand that ties together most of the varied employment choices I’ve made the last 15 years."

WAMM: DC is a great town. There's literally always something to do. What's your favorite place in town to unwind?

"In my “advanced” age, and

especially with an 18-month-old, I’ve become a bit of a homebody.

So, my favorite place to unwind is probably the living room, in the reclining chair. That said, if I need to name a place external to my house, it’d probably be a neighborhood spot named Boundary Stone.

It’s in walking distance, has a solid brunch and dinner, an always relaxed atmosphere, and seats on the sidewalk when it’s warm enough.

When the newly expanded family did its three months of family leave, it became our place, and we still make it there often. When we venture beyond a two block radius, we frequently try to catch a show at Arena Stage, or

make it over to HalfSmoke, which is owned a Morehouse brother."

WAMM: You've been a generous Morehouse supporter. Why do you support your alma mater?

"I think black institutions like

Morehouse are really important.

It’s a pride point for black folks – a place you can rest assured will make an extra effort to open opportunity to black youth. And Morehouse is a special place, even amongst black institutions. It’s a home for black men like no other, and if I can carve out a small, consistent portion of my income to help ensure Morehouse can sustain itself and hopefully thrive, that’s an easy decision."

WAMM: What advice do you have for a Morehouse student interested in the work that you do?

"Work hard, read a lot. Know more about the issue you work on --be it voting rights, immigration, criminal justice reform, whatever-than anyone else. Then, make sure you’re in the solutions business.

The world doesn’t actually need anymore people to describe the problems. We need to fix them. I’d advise a young Morehouse brother interested in driving social changes to spend his time trying to identify concrete solutions, both large and small – and then dig in, trying to advance those solutions. Be creative, don’t be risk averse. Work with people who are committed to impact, not their personal profile.

And believe in yourself. If you put in the work, and constantly strive to improve yourself, there’s nothing beyond your reach."

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > TECH

TECH SPOTLIGHT:

JASON CRAIN ’09 PARTPIC INC. C.O.O., CO-FOUNDER Jason Crain ’09, co-founded Partpic Inc. in 2013, and serves as its Chief Operating Officer.

Crain leads daily operations and marketing strategy for Partpic. Partpic is a mobile application that uses visual recognition to identify, match, compare and facilitate the purchase of industrial supplies. A short time after co-founding PartPic, the company raised over $2 million in investor capital and won 10 pitch competitions, including Tech Crunch Disrupt, SXSW, Rise of the Rest and PowerMoves.Nola.

Bringing a firm understanding of consumer operations and specializing in sales, marketing and business development, Crain has helped in production ideation, business structure, customer and talent acquisitions. Crain started the Product Marketing team at Shazam, a top ten mobile application Prior to Shazam, he worked with Fortune 100 CPG brands in direct sales for Google Inc. He also managed Google's community outreach in certain arenas of the advertising and entrepreneurial industries.Jason sits on the board of AdColor.org.

A native of Kansas City, Mo, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 2009.

In addition to his work with PartPic, Jason is a consistent and generous Morehouse donor and supporter with his time, talent, and treasure.

To learn more, please visit, http://www. staging.partpic.com/team/.

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WE ARE MOREHOUSE MONTHLY > ARRIVALS Tony Curtis Braswell, III

James Christopher Love

Tony Curtis Braswell, Jr., ’06 and his wife Che Lena (Spelman '06) are the proud parents of a son, Tony Curtis, III, born on April 9, 2018 in Atlanta.

JC Love, III ’01 and his wife Porcia are the proud parents of a son, James Christopher, born on April 12, 2018 in Montgomery, AL.

Lucas Landry Yarrell, I Larry Yarrell ’03 and his wife Randi are the proud parents of a son, Lucas Landry, born on April 12, 2018 in Dallas.

Please send pictures and information about your weddings and newborns to joseph.carlos@morehouse.edu

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www.hbcuspringcoming.com We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 43

FARE THEE WELL > COMMANDER TIMOTHY JERRELL CUNNINGHAM, SC.D. '04 1982-2018

Timothy Cunningham '04, a researcher with the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has died.

He was 35.

A graduate of Morehouse College and Harvard University, Tim Cunningham was an epidemiologist, working for the chronic disease department of the CDC. A ""Celebration of Life"" service is planned on the Morehouse College campus. It will be 10 a.m. Saturday April 21, 2018 in the King Chapel at Morehouse College, 830 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Morehouse in Cunningham's name or to the homeless ministry at Atlanta's First United Methodist Church.

Timothy Cunningham was born in Montgomery, Ala., and lived in the Philippines from age 3 to 5 because of his parents' military careers, according to his family. The family later relocated to Maryland, where Timothy grew up before he attended Morehouse for his undergraduate degree. Cunningham later earned two graduate degrees at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In November, The Atlanta Business Chronicle named Cunningham to its ""40 Under 40"" list for his accomplishments.

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REMAIN ENGAGED. REMAIN INFORMED. JOIN WWW.CONNECT.MOREHOUSE.EDU TODAY! • GROUPS • EVENTS • JOBS • VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

"AND IN ALL THINGS THAT WE DO..."

Morehouse Men (from left) Kenneth Rodgers ’03, Mario Ball ’05, Kito Lord ’04, Jason McGowan ’05, Ibert Schultz ’04, Christian Nwachukwu ’04, Richard Fordjour ’00, Jarrold Loadholt ’05, Charles Thompson ’03 and Idoroenyi Amanam ’04 gathered to support their Morehouse brother and fraternity brother Emile Thompson ’05 at his wedding in Washington, D.C. on April 14, 2018.

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