Photo By Truth Jackson, Vice President for Student Service, Kevin Booker, with a hand written sign

By Truth Jackson, Staff Writer

 

Following the student protest that took place during Opening Convocation, The Maroon Tiger investigated concerns raised by student activist Braylon Redick. He claimed the college had fallen short in its responsibility to the West End community and Morehouse students. His public outburst sparked widespread debate on social media.

 

The Maroon Tiger has uncovered a more nuanced reality.

 

Kevin Booker, Vice President for Student Services and Dean of the College, refuted many of Redick’s allegations, citing the college’s ongoing investment in student welfare and community engagement. 

 

“Morehouse has made significant strides in supporting students and the community, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more work to be done,” Booker said. 

 

He emphasized key programs, including My Brother’s Keeper, which provides student food vouchers, and Mimi’s Pantry—a food bank recently relocated to the Counseling Center.

 

Booker also mentioned campus infrastructure improvements, like developing new student housing to replace Hubert and White Houses. He acknowledged some of the resident houses still require upgrades. Kilgore Hall, the dorm where Redick lives, has recently received remodeled bathrooms and showers.

 

“As you can see, the showers and bathrooms have been remodeled,” Booker said. “They’re clean and fully functional.”

 

Redick replied with his own critiques. 

 

“Of course, they are only going to show you what’s up-to-date like Kilgore,” Redick said. “My Graves Hall brothers know that those dorms are not up-to-date.” 

 

Morehouse has also been addressing on-campus student issues, particularly maintenance concerns. Booker discussed several recent improvements, including installing new, free-to-use washing machines and dryers. The administration implemented these upgrades in direct response from student feedback surveys.

 

Demetrius Johnson, Supervisor of Cushman Wakefield Services (CWS), noted that C&W Services initially faced challenges accessing buildings and addressing reoccurring issues but quickly made significant improvements—including safety upgrades and HVAC repairs.

  

“We have also proactively established weekly calls with the Resident Life team to facilitate communication and better understand the needs of the students,” Johnson said. “We have had several big projects get completed on campus [including] trio trailer renovation, campus police dispatch room, beautification across campus and assembling the lactation pod in Gloster Hall.”

 

Johnson emphasized that C&W Services prioritizes student responsiveness.

 

“Student Engagement Specialist, whose role is focused on student advocacy, regularly tours the residence halls to engage with students, understand their needs, and educate them on how we can assist in providing a safe, clean, and functional environment,” Johnson said.

 

Associate Dean of Student Life and Leadership Kevin Chapman Jr countered Redick’s claim. Chapman explained that several student organizations contribute hundreds of hours of community service annually. Morehouse service organizations offer help to programs including but not limited to Paul L Dunbar Elementary School, Booker T. Washington High, John Harland Boys and Girls Club, STEAM Sports Academy, the Salvation Army and Bellwood Boys and Girls Club. 

 

“The Bonner Scholars program requires service hours as part of the scholarship, and our students are active in several local initiatives,” Chapman said. “We are grateful that the men of Morehouse and the larger Morehouse community remain engaged, but the need is vast and deep, so there is more to do.”

 

Todd Poe Jr, a freshman, shared his experience as a Bonner Scholar and King Scholar. He emphasized the importance of student leadership in fostering community engagement.

 

“We use our initiatives to influence community engagement and development, not only by cleaning up where we live but by getting our people involved in the voting process,” Poe said.

 

He organized a service project with the local Boys and Girls Club to educate youth about college and Morehouse’s history. He also planned a mentoring event, tentatively titled Men of Tomorrow. This program will focus on teaching young men about hygiene, professionalism and healthy relationships.

 

“We need to be role models,” Poe added.

 

Redick remains steadfast in his critique of the administration. He continues to advocate for greater transparency and accountability.

 

“I don’t regret what I did,” Redick said. “That’s how you make people listen. If I had gone through the ‘normal’ channels, would you all be talking about this now?”

 

The challenge lies in how these two sides can collaborate to address concerns and improve conditions for all. 

 

Booker challenged Reddick to collaborate with the administration to find effective ways to address student concerns and complaints.

 

“You don’t have to reach for a microphone at a public event to be heard about issues concerning your Morehouse experience,” Booker said. “We’re here to help you locate resources and address concerns.”

 

“If they are willing to do what they say, then I will have no problems working with them,” Redick said.

 

Booker held a handwritten sign on Brown Street, getting feedback from students about their experiences and concerns regarding the college.

 

“Every week, the team is out on Brown Street meeting students where they are,” Booker said. 

 

Copy Edited by Editor-in-Chief, Colin Royal