A Monthly Newsletter from the Morehouse College Young Alumni Engagement Program
WE ARE MOREHOUSE November 2017 | Volume 1 Issue 1
RANDALL WOODFIN ‘03 WINS HISTORIC ELECTION TO BECOME BIRMINGHAM’S NEXT MAYOR
Through the We Are Morehouse campaign, the Young Alumni Engagement Program is making a renewed effort to acknowledge the achievements of this vital and burgeoning alumni population. We Are Morehouse Monthly will keep you informed about the activities and accomplishments of your peers. Please share your updates by sending them to joseph.carlos@morehouse.edu. True Forever, Joe Carlos, III '04 Program Manager, Morehouse College Young Alumni Engagement Program
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Inside 6
Woodfin Wins
8
HBCU Power Awards
10 Unions 12 Alumni News and Notes 22 Arrivals 25 In Memoriam
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Interim President Harold L. Martin, Jr. ’02 and First Lady Kirstyn Martin November 2017|We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 3
BAKARI SELLERS ’05 LAUNCHES NEW PODCAST “VIEWPOINT” “Bakari has a commanding presence, a national following, and most importantly, a keen interest in the intersection of race, politics and social justice. “ViewPoint" adds to the national conversation by introducing listeners to emerging voices of the day on a number of hot button topics ranging from the future of Democratic politics in the South to the role of #blacklivesmatter in the Age of Trump. “ViewPoint" will be intentional about providing a platform for diverse voices and unusual suspects -- ranging from Paul Finebaum and Johnetta Elzie to Charlamagne the God and Secretary Hillary Clinton -- giving listeners a candid take on the issues of the day without the spin or the talking points.” - Westwood One
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Save the Date for House on the Vineyard Weekend August 9-13, 2018, presented by the Greater Boston Chapter of the Morehouse College Alumni Association! The Greater Boston Morehouse College Alumni Association invites you to “The House on the Vineyard” weekend of fun and fundraising. SAVE THE DATE (August 9-13, 2018). Text GBHOTV18 to 444999 to receive updates about the 2018 The House on the Vineyard Weekend. For additional information and for sponsorship queries, please email chapter president Wilton Devonn Baker ‘91 (president@gbmcaa.org) or please visit www.gbmcaa.org.
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How Morehouse College Alumni Powered Randall Woodfin's Campaign for Birmingham Mayor By Erin Edgemon for Al.com Randall Woodfin's meteoric rise to Birmingham's top elected office was powered by the alumni of his alma mater. The strong, close-knit network of alumni of Atlanta's Morehouse College, and some of the same men who got Woodfin elected student government president there 15 years ago, donated their money and their time to help their brother accomplish his dream of becoming Birmingham mayor. Morehouse alumni from Washington, D.C.-based Pine Street Strategies served as his political strategists. Former classmates who live in Houston, St. Louis and D.C. hosted campaign fundraisers. Other alumni from as far away as Los Angeles and Philadelphia donated to his campaign. "One brother calls another brother," said Woodfin's former classmate Jarrod Loadholt, an attorney who works for Pine Street Strategies. They help whether a brother is running for political office or seeking
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a new job. "For black men there is no network like that," he said. At least a dozen Morehouse alums stood on the stage as Woodfin gave his victory speech Tuesday night after defeating the incumbent William Bell. He thanked all of them who drove and flew out to help him. "It is important to remember I didn't get here alone," he said. "In 1999, I was privileged to participate in what I call another production at 830 Westview Dr., Atlanta, Ga. A little small college called Morehouse College." He said the college focuses not only academics but on servant leadership, community service and brotherhood. “And for all of these years, 18 years later, my Morehouse brothers across this entire nation have stood tall for me,” Woodfin said. “Not just from Atlanta, Ga. but from Houston and D.C. from New York and St. Louis from L.A. to Chicago. I am surrounded by brothers who have said we know your heart, we know your commitment to your hometown, when
you call upon us we will descend upon your city and do whatever is necessary to be a part of it.” Morehouse is an all-male, historically black college with an enrollment of about 2,500 students. The college attracts students from across the country, particularly from cities with a large African-American population. Woodfin once said that politics at Morehouse is like football at an SEC school. Morehouse highlighted Woodfin’s victory on its website this week. Woodfin also received support from alumni of Spelman College, a women’s college affiliated with Morehouse. Members of Woodfin’s fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. also lent their support, Loadholt said. “When our people run for office, this is what happens,” he said. While one Morehouse man helps another, Loadholt said Woodfin received more support because he was popular at the small college. People knew him because he was SGA president, but it was his personality that made people like him.
alumni and even robocalls from 2016 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, Woodfin said he won by engaging voters. "We literally did it by going door-to-door," Woodfin said. He didn't just target millennials, the candidate said. His campaign was committed, from the first day, to reaching every generation, rich or poor, black or white, he said. "That is important because it is easy for social media to fool you that we are only targeting one group," Woodfin said. "That wasn't the case at all. We engaged everybody.” Dozens, if not hundreds, of Morehouse and Spelman alums and others donated $18.71 to Woodfin’s campaign over the last year. Woodfin’s campaign manager Ed Fields said the fundraising strategy shared through social media was the candidate’s idea. “Birmingham was founded in 1871,” he said in a text message. “It was a campaign strategy to engage more people and tie that to an inherent message of getting back to basics ... and to raise a lot of money.”
“Randall is kind of a relaxed southern guy,” he said. “He was never flashy or braggy.”
Loadholt said people who didn’t even know Woodfin contributed $18.71 to his campaign.
Calvin Harris, a strategist with Pine Street Strategies, said Woodfin had already graduated before he came to Morehouse, but his presence was still felt there.
In the month of April alone, the Woodfin campaign received contributions of $18.71 from 47 separate donors, according to the Committee to Elect Randall Woodfin’s campaign finance report for that month. That made up $879.37 of the $24,168.37 in contributions received that month.
“I heard about his impact on the campus,” he said. “He was just one of those people who you admired.” Loadholt said Woodfin has always been a “Birmingham guy.” Even in his Morehouse days, he wanted to be mayor of his hometown. So, when Woodfin decided to run last year, his friends decided to help, he said. Morehouse and Spelman graduates and members of his fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. gave the first donations, Loadholt said. While his campaign received backing by Morehouse
Loadholt said so many people liked Woodfin’s message of revitalizing blighted neighborhoods and investing money in making Birmingham streets safer, that they gave their money. Others drove hours to volunteer, or just to take part in Woodfin’s victory on Tuesday night. Loadholt said a 1971 pledge to Woodfin’s fraternity drove from Atlanta to volunteer in the campaign. Former Woodfin classmate, Harold Martin, who is now the president of Morehouse College attended the victory party.
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The HBCU Power Awards Celebrated Black Excellence and Achievement During Inaugural Show at Morehouse College Actress/philanthropist Jada Pinkett Smith honored with Icon Award
(ATLANTA) - October 23, 2017 - On Friday, as numerous colleges kicked off their Homecoming festivities, black excellence was front and center at the inaugural HBCU Power Awards presented by Morehouse College . Guests gathered at Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel in Atlanta to celebrate eight individuals who have made significant achievements in their respective fields: actress Jada Pinkett Smith , who received the HBCU "Icon Award;" Coltrane Curtis (founder, Team Epiphany); Kyle Hagler (president, Next Management); Nzinga Shaw (Chief Diversity Officer, Atlanta Hawks); Keinon Johnson (VP, Urban Promotions, Interscope Records); Phylicia Fant (SVP, Publicity, Warner Bros Records); Beverly Anderson (EVP, Cards & Retail Services, Wells Fargo); and Rob Rumley (Chair, Atlanta Housing Authority). Co-founded and executive produced by Morehouse alums Derek "Fonzworth Bentley" Watkins (c/o '96), Jash'd Kambui Belcher (c/o
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'99; movie producer, A Boy. A Girl. A Dream: Love on Election Night starring Meagan Good and Omari Hardwick ) and Roderick Hardamon (c/o '98), the HBCU Power Awards was full of exceptional moments: an opening "Swag Surfin'" performance by the Morehouse Glee Club and Horns section ; host Deon Cole keeping the audience laughing; the crowd singing along to "Focus" during R&B singer H.E.R 's performance; an impromptu stroll in the aisles from an Omega Psi Phi frat; the music by DJ Trauma ; Coltrane Curtis' emotional tribute to his late father; and Jada Pinkett Smith's moving words on the dynamics of power and the responsibility we all have to manage it wisely. Smith's recognition comes on the 30th anniversary of the seminal series "A Different World," where she played the feisty "Lena." The first of its kind on national television, "A Different World" ushered in an era of HBCU pride and shaped a positive perception of black college life that inspired many to join its ranks.
Special guests included producer Will Packer , supermodel Jessica White , actor Michael Jai White, style expert Tai Beauchamp , Atlanta Hawks Foundation EVP David Lee , Morehouse College President Harold L. Martin, creative consultant and entrepreneur Taiye Samuel , radio/tv personality Gary "With The Tea" Hayes , actor Mike Merrill, singer Dondria Nicole , rapper Silento , author Zane and many more. Many thanks to sponsors Morehouse College, the Atlanta Hawks, Radio One, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, Experience Grands Rapids, the Lowman Group/ dba the Athletes Foot, Amway Hotel Collections, and Hush Beauty Bar & Lounge.
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UNIONS
Jason Lobo-Spears ’04 married Elena Lobo-Spears on October 21, 2017 at the Elms of Coosada in Coosada, AL. The ceremony was officiated by Joe Carlos, III ’04. Several Morehouse Men were among Jason’s wedding party; Travis Harry ’04, Roger Humphrey ’03, Ray Jones ’04 and Bryce Adams. Scores of Morehouse Men were in attendance as well; Sam Beresford ’04, Dawud Crooms ’04, Jan D'Aguiar '04, Delmont Early ’99, Ronald Falls ’00, Sola Fasusi ’04,
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Van Freeman ’05, John Patrick Gary ’04, Joey Hill ’04, Ray Jones ’04, Samuel Lyons ’04, James Moffett ’04, Thomas Oden ’04, Neil Rollins ’02, Chris Settle '04, Julius Smith ’04, Jason Thomas ’02, Cornell Wesley ’05, Kyle Yeldell ’06. After Morehouse, Jason completed a Teach for America post, and earned a JD/MBA from NYU. Currently, he’s a VP of Asset and Wealth Management, Compliance with Deutsche Bank in New York.
George A. Peters, II ’04 married Jovian Zayne Irvin on October 4, 2017 at the Wimbush House in Atlanta. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. John Cox ’04. The wedding party included Benny Walk ’04 and Larry Yarrell ’04. Several Morehouse Men were among the well wishers in attendance: Rashard Andrews ’03, Monty Bell ’03, Geoff Bennett ’02, Carl Bowen ’05, David Calloway ’04, Joe Carlos ’04, Joshua Dean ’10, Uriah Gilmore ’02, Jon Sesrie Goff, Andre Holmes ’02,
Nate Irvin ’03, Eddie Johnson ’04, Chuck Joseph ’02, Nick Kemp ’02, Calvin McAllister ’04, Chealon Miller ’02, Mikael Moore ’04, Bukhari Nurriddin ’04, Chris Patterson ’11, Alan Peterson, Sr. ’78, Alan Peterson, Jr. ’05, Torian Robinson ’04, Paul Rue ’04, Michael Sterling ’04 and Randall Woodfin ’03. George is an entertainer, writer, producer, filmmaker, musician, DJ as well as a Creative with the Wondaland Arts Society and the Founder of Listen TWO Me Productions.
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Fraternity brothers and classmates are CrossFit gym owning entrepreneurs
Leonard Bell ’01 and Maillard Howell ’03 are the founders and co-owners of CrossFit Prospect Heights in Brooklyn. The goal at CrossFit Prospect Heights is to provide its members with the best coaching and programming possible. By day, Maillard worked as a corporate executive in the pharmaceutical industry. By night, he worked up a sweat every way he could—lifting, spinning, boxing, jogging, and even training friends for free. A decade in, he’d had enough.“I started CrossFit-ing in 2010 and never looked back,” he says. “I made a life choice to leave the corporate world and open my own gym.” Leonard Bell '01 is the Founding Partner of CrossFit Prospect Heights. Most recently, Leonard was a Director for Global Markets/FX Sales for Deutsche Bank Securities. He earned an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business. For more information about CrossFit Prospect Heights, please visit: www.crossfitprospectheights.com.
Jamal Dedeaux ’02’s new show “Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks” will keep viewers in stitches
Writer, director, filmmaker Jamal Dedeaux ‘02 is Creator, Executive Producer, Director and Writer of Turner’s truTV’s upcoming series “Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks”, set to debut on Wednesday, January 3 at 11:00PM ET/PT. Hosted by DJ and comedian Cipha Sounds, the series flips stand-up comedy on its head, and introduces the next generation of comedians to audiences. The series was originally launched as part of truTV’s short form comedy series Rachel Dratch’s Late Night Snack, and received a 12-episode first season order earlier this year. In each half-hour episode, Cipha welcomes a rotating cast of comedians who perform hilarious stand-up routines. In a playful reinvention of the standard stand-up format, each joke is heightened with actors bringing them to life in over-the-top visual recreations. At the end of each episode, Sounds will introduce the “Joke of the Night,” with one final comedian bringing down the house with the biggest laughs of the episode.
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NEWS + NOTES
Young Alumnus Gives Back To Morehouse For The Success It Gave Him by Aileen Dodd Isom B. Lowman ’98 left Columbia, S.C. to chart a course for a successful future at Morehouse College in Atlanta. By junior year, he switched his major from biology to business and was investing in the stock market. He took $10,000 that was left over from his scholarship fund and that he saved working part time, and turned it into $50,000 by purchasing tech stocks. And soon he had amassed enough capital to open an Athlete’s Foot franchise in Decatur. “By the time that I graduated from Morehouse, I was in the process of looking for a location,” he said. “I wrote a business plan and got a loan for a $125,000 franchise. I paid everything back in the first year.” By age 30, Lowman was a Southeast athletic shoe magnate with 18 stores and a $20 million business. Recently, he returned to his alma mater to make another investment. He gave $110,000 to launch a scholarship fund so that enterprising scholars could also find their fortune at Morehouse College. “I wanted to give back to the school,” said Lowman, now 41. “My time at Morehouse changed my life. It was a wonderful experience for me. And when I saw how high the tuition has risen, I wanted to do something to give other people a chance to receive a Morehouse education like I did.” Lowman said he was inspired to give back to Morehouse College after attending a small gathering of young alumni at a dinner party hosted by the College’s Interim President Harold Martin Jr. at Davidson House at the start of the academic year. Soon after the Board of Trustees appointed him in June, Interim President Martin Jr. launched an aggressive outreach to engage young alumni age 45 and under into the life, academic programs, and funding needs of Morehouse. He traveled from California to New York to meet with alumni and hosted a series of dinner sessions at the president’s residence. According to Interim President Martin Jr., more than half of the College’s 16,000 alumni are 45 and under. “Talking to Harold really opened my eyes to the small percentage of alumni who are actively giving back,” Lowman said. “Everyone doesn’t have to give $100,000; they can give $100 if that is what they have. But we should all take an active role in raising funds for the College because Morehouse has done so much for us.” Read the full story by clicking here: Isom Lowman
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Jeremiah Knight ‘01 is making a difference in his role as the Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica Jeremiah Knight is the Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. He entered the United States Foreign Service in the summer of 2003. His first assignments were as Consular Officer in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and in Santiago, Chile. In Islamabad, Pakistan, he served as the Deputy Spokesperson and Assistant Press Attaché of the U.S. Embassy. He later held the position of Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement. While in Washington, DC Jeremiah took on the role as director of the Hometown Diplomats, Intergovernmental Affairs Programs in the Bureau of Public Affairs. He also served as Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and transitioned to the Strategic Planning Office of the Under Secretary of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. Jeremiah returned to the Dominican Republic where he was assigned as the Embassy’s Press Attaché. His most current position was Public Affairs Officer at the U.S Embassy in Juba, South Sudan. Born in Hartford, CT, Jeremiah is the youngest of four siblings having Jamaican heritage from his paternal side. Jeremiah graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and also studied at the University of Westminster in London, England. After graduating from Morehouse College he interned at BP’s global headquarters in London, England where he worked on the company’s new branding campaign. Upon Jeremiah’s return to the U.S. he received the Thomas J. Pickering Foreign Affairs and DACOR-Bacon International Affairs Fellowships. In the fall of 2001, he began his graduate studies at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy/International Affairs where he received his master’s degree. Apart from his work as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, he has engaged in civil society. During his time in the Dominican Republic he was principally responsible for the creation of Santo Domingo International (SDI), a Dominican non-profit organization based in the Foreign Ministry that sought to provide untenured and junior officers from all diplomatic missions (and NGOs) a forum for intercultural exchanges. Jeremiah also served as special advisor for public relations to the Board of Directors of the Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc and public affairs coordinator for the organization’s National Youth Convention. Jeremiah is a currently a columnist for the Manjar Magazine (a magazine dedicated to culinary arts) and is a self proclaimed foodie. Mr. Knight has received the State Department’s Superior Honor, Meritorious Honor and the Benjamin Franklin Awards for excellence in public diplomacy. His foreign languages are Spanish and French.
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NEWS + NOTES Hon. Shannon G. Hardin ‘10 cruises to victory in Columbus, OH re-election bid Shannon G. Hardin won re-election on November 7, 2017, retaining his seat on the Columbus (OH) City Council. His win, along with other Democrats, meant the composition of the seven-member council will remain strictly Democratic for at least two more years. Hardin was endorsed by the Franklin County Democratic Party, and was elected to an unexpired term in 2015 is known as a “good listener to community concerns and is focused on preparing for city growth.” He has introduced policies such as Advancement of Young Men of Color (support system for young men and boys of color), Smart City (smartening city transportation) as well as a highly effective and creative neighborhood based Jobs program.
Career CDC promotion for Epidemiologist Tim Cunningham, ScD ‘04 Timothy J. Cunningham, ScD, has recently been named a team lead with CDC’s Division of Population Health. Dr. Cunningham trained with CDC as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer. His research has been oriented towards understanding health differences related to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, and geography. Dr. Cunningham has also deployed for numerous public health emergencies, including Superstorm Sandy, Ebola, and Zika. He is an active member of the American Public Health Association and the American College of Epidemiology. Dr. Cunningham received his S.M. and Sc.D. from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and earned his B.S. in Biology.
Playwright Jiréh Breon Holder ’10 latest work “Too Heavy For Your Pocket” is attracting major acclaim Acclaimed playwright Jiréh Breon Holder ’10 recently debuted his latest Off-Broadway play, “Too Heavy For Your Pocket”. In “Too Heavy For Your Pocket”, Tennessee-born Holder takes us back to Nashville in the summer of 1961. The Freedom Riders are embarking on a courageous journey into the Deep South. When 20-year-old Bowzie Brandon gives up a life-changing college scholarship to join the movement, he'll have to convince his loved ones-and himself-that shaping his country's future might be worth jeopardizing his own. Holder calls the play, “an honest reflection on a moment in time: the joy, the difficulties, and the progress made. It’s about two young couples who are very much in love—who doesn’t want to spend an evening with them?” “Too Heavy For Your Pocket” debuted at the Black Box Theatre in the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre and it was produced by the Alliance Theatre. Jiréh was named New York Times’ “Tomorrow’s Marquee Names, Now in the Making” , the Fellowship of Southern Writers awarded him with the Bryan Family Award for Drama, and “Too Heavy for Your Pocket” was nominated for two 2017 Suzi Bass Awards including best ensemble and outstanding world premiere.
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Brian ‘DJ B-Hen’ Henry ’06 raises awareness and donations for Breast Cancer research with his Beats to Beat Cancer Program Beats to Beat Breast Cancer utilizes the power of music to drive awareness and raise funds for research and prevention. Breast cancer disproportionately affects women of color and we encourage you to be a part of the solution. Use your BEAT (your passion, your purpose) to celebrate life and make a difference. Join us along with the nation’s most dynamic DJs, entertainers, and advocates for Beats to Beat Breast Cancer. One of Hollywood’s most sought after celebrity disc jockeys, B-Hen has musically illustrated events for Barack & Michelle Obama, Pharrell, Queen Latifah, and as a reoccurring DJ on ABC’s Good Morning America. B-Hen lost his mother Tracy Henry to a 14-month battle with breast cancer when she was only 35 years old. Unfortunately, the disease also took the life of his God-mother Linda Hamlett in 2016. “They both inspired me to live a life of passion and purpose, and to dedicate my talents to preventing the impacts of this devastating disease.” Through personal donations alone, Beats to Beat Breast Cancer raised $10,000! Proceeds are donated to The American Association for Cancer Research to support awareness, prevention and research within African American communities. We’re beyond thankful to everyone who continues support our mission. To learn more and to donate today, please visit www.beatstobeatbreastcancer.com!
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NEWS + NOTES TN Senate Minority Leader Lee Harris ’00 running for Shelby County Mayor Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Lee Harris '00 announced his entrance Wednesday into the 2018 Shelby County mayor's race. Harris will not seek re-election to the state Senate, where he has served since January 2015 following a three-year stint on the City Council. Harris, a tenured professor at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, said his vision is to create a community that attracts “the best and brightest.” Harris launched Facebook page “Lee Harris Ready for Change” and website www.leeharrisformayor.com.
Rob Gore, M.D. ’98 truly making a difference with his KAVI program Robert Gore, MD ’98 is an attending physician and clinical assistant professor at Kings County Hospital – SUNY Downstate Department of Emergency Medicine in Brooklyn, NY., is the founder and currently the executive director of the KAVI (Kings Against Violence Initiative), a hospital and school based youth violence intervention prevention and empowerment program targeting teens that have been injured as a result of violence or at risk for violent and recurrent violent injury. He is the founder and director of the Minority Medical Student Emergency Medicine (MMSEM) Summer Fellowship, which is a mentoring and enrichment program for underrepresented minorities interested in Emergency Medicine with a focus on project development. When he’s not working he is an avid wanderer/traveler, photographer, snowboarder and student of capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial art).
Morehouse Man Bernard David Jones ’07 co-stars in ‘The Mayor’ Bernard David Jones '07 will next be seen in the new ABC comedy series "The Mayor" from Tony Award-winner Daveed Diggs, opposite Lea Brandon Micheal Hall, Lea Michele, Yvette Nicole Brown and Marcel Spears. Most recently, Bernard appeared in the New Form Digital comedy series "Sh*tty Boyfriends," opposite Sandra Oh, produced by Lisa Kudrow, and has also starred in multiple comedy shorts for College Humor. He previously appeared in the IFC Midnight feature "Plus One" directed by Dennis Iliadis, and "The Last House on the Left," which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival. His television comedy credits include recurring roles on the TBS's "Meet the Browns," "Single Ladies" and "House of Payne."" - ABC Bernard is also an engaged and active alum as a member of the executive board of the Greater Los Angeles Association of Morehouse Alumni. Support our brother by watching "The Mayor" on Tuesdays on ABC 9:30/8:30 C.
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NEWS + NOTES
Rising Hip-Hop Manager Steven Victor ’02 hired as Executive Vice President and Head of A&R for Def Jam Recordings “Rising hip-hop artist manager and A&R man Steven Victor has joined Def Jam Recordings as executive vice president and head of A&R, effective immediately and reporting to incoming CEO Paul Rosenberg. Victor is making the move from Def Jam parent Universal Music Group, where he has been svp of A&R since last November. Victor got his start at Interscope Geffen A&M, working with Clipse, Jadakiss and Nelly Furtado before rising to chief operating officer at Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music, which began a distribution partnership with Def Jam in 2015. At his artist management company, William Victor Management, his clients include Pusha T and Dream. During his stint at UMG, Victor signed and developed Def Jam artist Desiigner, who scored a No. 1 hit with his debut single "Panda." Other artists on the iconic label, co-founded in 1983 by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, include West, Justin Bieber, Nas, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Common, Iggy Azalea, Vince Staples and Jeremih, among others. Victor said, "I've worked within the Def Jam family for years and am honored to be part of the new leadership driving the future success of this iconic label. I'm genuinely excited to continue Russell and Rick's legacy of discovering and developing new artists while creating new opportunities for our incredible talent. I'd like to thank Sir Lucian and Paul for trusting me with this task and look forward to working with the A&R and management teams at Def Jam." Victor was recently featured in Billboard's Hip-Hop Power Players list, in which he spoke optimistically about the state of the genre. Hip-hop has become a lot more experimental, so a lot more kids embrace it," he said. "It's not just violent and hardcore. There are kids fusing country or pop with hip-hop now. It’s not in a box anymore. It can be whatever you want it to be. I think Kanye opened the door for that."” - Billboard.com
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Geoff Bennett '02 joined NBC News as its next White House correspondent, joining Hallie Jackson, Peter Alexander, Kristen Welker and Kelly O’Donnell on the beat. Bennett most recently covered DC politics for NPR, guest hosted C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, and reported on all things Washington for NY1 News, Time Warner’s largest cable station.
Geoff Bennett ’02 joins NBC Nightly News as White House Correspondent by A.J. Katz for Adweek.com
NBC News bureau chief Ken Strickland sent the below memo this morning to staff: I’m pleased to announce Geoff Bennett as a new NBC News White House correspondent. Geoff comes from NPR where he has covered the White House and Capitol Hill and been a guest host of C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal”; he also previously reported on Washington for NY1 News in New York City and more than a dozen other Time-Warner owned cable news stations across the country. Prior to NY1, Geoff was an editor with NPR’s “Weekend Edition.”As we continue our critical coverage of the administration in this relentless news cycle, his skills and experience are a valuable and welcome addition to our 24/7 White House beat.
Lodriguez V. Murray '04 joined the UNCF on October 16, 2017 as Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs. In this role, he will develop and drive strategies to influence and mobilize action in the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch on the public policy priorities of UNCF, its 37-member HBCUs, and the 50,000 students they serve. Beginning January 1, 2018, Lodriguez will lead the UNCF Government Affairs Department, succeeding UNCF’s Senior Vice President Cheryl L. Smith, who will retire at the end of the year. Mr. Murray has extensive government affairs experience representing academic centers, patient right organizations, and private companies. He began his career as a special assistant for his hometown congressman, the late Representative Charles (Charlie) W. Norwood, Jr. (GA). Afterwards, he spent eleven years at the lobbying firm, Health and Medicine Counsel of Washington (HMCW), holding the positions of legislative assistant, legislative director, and senior vice president.
Lodriguez Murray '04 joins the UNCF as VP of Public Policy and Government Affairs November 2017|We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 19
Elliot McDaniel ’02 Releases Debut Solo LP "Contagion" Columbus, Ohio - Rapper Tage (a lifelong nickname short for ‘contagious’) has unveiled his inaugural full-length solo effort, CONTAGION. The ten-track, self-released project is punctuated with the cadence and luster of an artist eager to inject his strain of rap well beyond the confines of his immediate vicinity. A MHz alumnus (Camu Tao, Copywrite, RJD2, Jakki tha Motamouth), Tage comes from a family of musicians and educators whose influence can be found in his style, which he describes as “bars of splendor, midwest fresh.” Borrowing from the definition of “contagion,” Tage characterizes the work as his brand of sick, with each song representing its own type of “sickness.” Whether it’s self-doubt (“Deep Down”), confidence (“No Lie”; “OFF”), nightlife (“Solution”; “Feed the Fire”); relationships (“You”); or socioeconomic inequality (“Wasteland Water”), each track covers a malignancy of the human existence. CONTAGION’s artwork is meant to invoke a sense of infection by which Tage’s flow descends upon the city and spreads. Lyrically, the songs on CONTAGION range from bombastic to vulnerable, a pragmatic approach from an artist looking to display multifaceted perspectives. Included in the track listing is the deeply personal concept record, “The Sickness,” in which Tage raps from the point-of-view of cancer. “Things” serves as a tongue-in-cheek record which, while intentionally ambiguous, calls attention to the ideation of the things we rely on to attain spiritual, professional or material fulfillment and, as such, is malleable based on the perspective of the listener. On “Wasteland Water,” Tage takes a page out of Mos Def ’s book to pen a piece of social commentary about minorities’ lack of access to potable water. But like much of his work, there is generous metaphoric application to the song, wherein water represents the concept of access. Influenced and inspired by an array of artists ranging from Earth, Wind & Fire to the Native Tongues, Tage believes how he says something is as important as what he’s actually saying. As he explains, “I’m a fan of dope patterns, different literary devices, and atypical vocab that I may incorporate in my verses.” CONTAGION will be on all digital platforms on November 21, 2017 and on limited edition vinyl. Listen to lead single, “Solution”: Amazon Music | Google Play | iTunes | Spotify | Tidal
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For more information: Tagemusic.com, Instagram.com/tageflowcold
1524 U. ST., NW WASHINGTON, DC 20009 WWW.ZAWADIART.COM PLEASE SUPPORT ZAWADI ART, OWNED BY FARAJI L. WHALEN '01
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ARRIVALS Jordan Byrd Adams
Simone Josephine Boyd
Bryce Adams and his wife Jeanne Byrd Adams (2001-02 Miss Maroon and White), are the proud parents of a daughter, Jordan Byrd. Jordan, born on November 18, 2017, weighed 4.7 pounds and measured 18.5 inches long.
L. Jared Boyd ’03 and his wife Tiffany are the proud parents of a daughter, Simone Josephine. Simone, born on November 3, 2017, weighed 6.75 pounds and measured 20 inches long.
Caris Indigo Byrd
Auren Delsey Clifford
Chris Byrd ’02 and his wife Dree, are the proud parents of a daughter, Caris Indigo. Caris, born on November 16, 2017, weighed 5.5 pounds.
Kavan Clifford, M.D., Ph.D. ’03 and his wife Asha, are the proud parents of another daughter, Auren Delsey. Auren, born on May 4, 2017, weighed 7 pounds 6 ounces and measured 19 inches long.
Quentin Samuel Johnson
Jarrod Frank Loadholt, Jr.
Quentin Johnson ’02 and his wife Courtney, are the proud parents of a son, Quentin Samuel, born on March 31, 2017.
Jarrod F. Loadholt ’05 and his wife Jahnisa are the proud parents of a son, Jarrod Frank, Jr. Jarrod, born on August 8, 2017, weighed 6.75 pounds and measured 20 inches long.
Ceasar Mitchell, III
Aaliyah Sarai Muhammad-Gumm
Ceasar Mitchell ’91 and his wife Tiffany, are the proud parents of a son, Ceasar, III. Ceasar III was born in June.
Michael Gumm ’10 and his wife Summayyah, are the proud parents of another daughter, Aaliyah Sarai, born on May 17, 2017, weighing 6.37 pounds.
November 2017|We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 22
Mali Rose Muhammad
Nash Onomonu
Khabir Muhammad ’13 and his wife Majidah, are the proud parents of a daughter, Mali Rose, born on August 28, 2017.
Berlin Onomonu ’00 and his wife Jordan are the proud parents of another son, Nash, born October 9, 2017.
Levi James Robinson
Kaleb Wilson Sims
Torian Robinson ’04 and his wife Chriny, are the proud parents of another son, Levi James. Born on May 4, 2017, Levi weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces and measured 19 inches long.
Malaki Sims ’00 and his wife Kimberly, are the proud parents of another son, Kaleb Wilson Sims. Kaleb, born on May 22, 2017, weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces and measured 19 inches long.
Emery Lee Williams Brandon Williams ’98 and his wife Mishon are the proud parents of their daughter, Emery Lee, born, October 7, 2017.
Please send pictures and information about your newborns to joseph.carlos@morehouse.edu
November 2017|We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 23
Please listen to the latest release from PJ Morton ‘03 Available on: iTunes, Spotify Tidal Google Play
500 Bergen St. Brooklyn, NY 11217 646.780.9019 www.crossfitprospectheights.com PLEASE SUPPORT CROSSFIT PROSPECT HEIGHTS OWNED BY LEONARD BELL '01 & MAILLARD HOWELL '03
PLEASE VISIT GREENTOPGIFTS.COM TO ORDER YOUR CLARENCE CLAUS GIFT WRAP, APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES TODAY. PLEASE SUPPORT GREENTOP GIFTS, OWNED BY K. SHAUN RODGERS '03
November 2017|We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 24
IN MEMORIAM
We Are Morehouse Monthly celebrates the life of one of Morehouse’s brightest lights and most treasured sons, Taurean Joiner ’03. On September 5, 2017, Taurean’s courageous fight with cancer ended victoriously. Taurean is survived by his wife Jon’a F. Joiner (Spelman ’03), their precious daughter, Zoe Grace Luevern Joiner, as well as his father Gerald J. Joiner (Lynne), and brother Gemayel J. Joiner (Morehouse ’05). A 2003 graduate, who earned a B.S. in Biology, Taurean worked in the business sales division for Apple in the Louisville, KY area. At Apple, Taurean developed innovative training and development opportunities and enhanced strategic business partnerships for the southern Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana markets. Taurean was also the Founder/Owner of Taurean Joiner Digital Media, where he focused on driving innovation through website development, digital marketing and social media campaigns for small to large faith-based organizations. Prior to Apple, Taurean worked for JP Morgan, Wachovia, and was the Director of Internship Program/Lifestyle Marketing for Hidden Beach Recordings. A beloved and highly respected member of the Class of 2003 at Morehouse, Taurean was involved in the Health Careers Society, Hidden Beach Recordings Internship Program, the Pre-Alumni Association and Intramural Basketball. Taurean was a member of Southeast Christian Church and Zion Baptist Church, both based in Louisville, KY.
November 2017|We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 25
REMAIN ENGAGED. REMAIN INFORMED. JOIN WWW.CONNECT.MOREHOUSE.EDU TODAY! • GROUPS • EVENTS • JOBS • VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
MOREHOUSE.TV DOWNLOAD THE APP. STREAM THE CONTENT. ALWAYS STAY CONNECTED.
November 2017|We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 26
The Backpacks to Briefcase Chats will provide meaningful and thought provoking inter-generational conversations among Morehouse Men that will set the narrative surrounding Manhood, Family, Career, Education, Finances, Relationships, Sexuality, Faith, Brotherhood, Fatherhood, Fidelity and a host of other issues and topics. Starting in December 2017 in Atlanta and continuing in cities around the country, Backpacks to Briefcase Chats will help Morehouse Men assume their rightful place at the forefront of issues affecting Black manhood. For more information, please visit http://www.wearemorehouse.com/backpacktobriefcase. November 2017|We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 27
WE ARE
MOREHOUSE "There is no collection of black men in the country that can rival the depth and breadth of Morehouse Men." - Harold L. Martin, Jr. '02, Interim President "Morehouse is the nucleus of black male excellence." - Alexander Harris, '18 wearemorehouse.com brings it all to life.
WEAREMOREHOUSE.COM November 2017|We Are Morehouse Monthly|Page 28
November 2017|We Are Morehouse Monthly Newsletter|Page 27
Today's recurring gift sustains Morehouse's future for Nicholas '36 and Calvin '34.
GIVE TODAY: http://morehouse.getyams.com