Image via: Clarke County School District

By: Freddrell Green, Staff Writer 

Men of Morehouse are encouraged to seek out challenges and grow as Black men the moment they arrive on campus. For Morehouse alumni James Price, that level of enthusiasm was already in him before he arrived.

Price was molded by youth outreach programs, such as Kappa League, while attending Dekalb County Schools. Through these programs, he developed a passion for mentoring youth.

He began his college career at Georgia Gwinnett College–– later transferring to Morehouse College during his sophomore year because of a lack of support from his previous institution.

“I noticed there was no motivation or push to actually be great because you were a young Black male,” Price said. “When you were trying to do something, it was more so a pity than a push.”

While initially hesitant to embrace Morehouse, Price eventually came into his own. He engaged in extracurricular activities including the Jumpstart program in Atlanta and membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

A pivotal experience for Price’s matriculation was New Student Orientation, particularly “For Whom The Bell Tolls.” Going through NSO instilled within Price a sense of accountability for the success and wellbeing of his Morehouse Brothers.

“If they weren’t doing something effectively, or if they weren’t going to their classes, it would tell them ‘No. We have a goal. We know what we’re trying to do. We know where our finish line is and what the goal is,’” Price said.

After graduating with a degree in Early Childhood Education and receiving a master’s in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University, Price pursued his lifelong dream of being an educator. 

After working in the Atlanta Public School’s system, he is now an Associate Principal of Cedar Shoals High School. He finds that some students share a lack of awareness regarding opportunities outside of a life of poverty in both school districts. 

Price works to ensure that the culture at Cedar Shoals is one of pride in not only the school, but in the students’ ability to excel academically.

“One of the biggest things in alignment with my vision was connected culture, where we can really connect our community. Whereas the entire school community sees themselves as one Cedar,” Price said.

As he continues to serve in the public school system, he advises that aspiring educators at Morehouse walk into the field with a clear vision of who they are and how they want to operate in the classroom.

“It’s a thankless position, but you will find impact,” Price said.

Copy Edited by: Niles Garrison, Features Editor