Photo by Isaiah Turman, Staff Photographer

By Joshua Bass, Tiger Talks Co-Producer

Morehouse College’s 158th Founders Week Celebration brought students, alumni and family relations together in celebration of the legacy and future of the college at the annual A Candle in The Dark gala.

Some of the most impactful highlights from the gala came from student testimonies and the awardees. From great hosts to generous donations, it was truly a night to remember. 

Senior business finance major Caleb Brinson ’25 gave the student testimony with a profound message of the importance of students who currently attend Morehouse. 

“We must confront a truth that cannot be ignored. There are many men of Morehouse whose faces you may never see, whose names you may never know. Yet, whose dreams burn just as brightly,” Brinson said in his speech.

Moving forward throughout the night, the biggest moments came from the Candle and Bennie Awardees. Bennie recipients, who must be graduates of the College, receive recognition in the categories of service, achievement, and leadership. The award is named in honor of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, who served as President of the college from 1940 to 1967. Candle recipients are honored for excellence in a variety of fields that range from arts, government, religion and more.

The recipients included:

• Otis Moss III ’92, Candle in Religion and Social Activism Award
• Pharrell Williams, Candle in Arts and Entertainment Award
• John Hope Bryant, Candle in Civic Engagement and Entrepreneurship Award
• Marvin Dunn ’61, Bennie Service Award
• Bryan Rand ’01, Bennie Achievement Award
• Rashaun L. Williams ’01, Bennie Trailblazer Award

With a lineup of awardees, no recipient left the stage without leaving an investment in knowledge or monetary means.

Moss kicked it off, acknowledging The significance of this moment and how the world has faced immense challenges. Yet he perceives Morehouse as an indomitable force for good against evil. 

 “Morehouse is the soil that nurtures tall trees,” Moss said.

Throughout the earlier parts of the night, students asked Williams for advice in the music and entertainment industry and he gave the biggest piece of advice that would truly enhance not only the black community, but the AUC community.

“The advice that I have for you, for the gentlemen that came and asked me about music,  is you don’t need the record company. Everybody who works at a record company…they were once at an institution. Why are you waiting?” Williams said.

Two Morehouse alums from the class of ’01 contributed to the next generation of Morehouse students by donating funding that will enhance the future of the campus. 

Rand started off the donations by donating $1 million to Morehouse and Williams followed up by donating his entire salary over the next four years. With these donations, it not only made major news but allowed for the 37th Annual Gala to stand out for years to come.

From amazing donations to great advice, the gala showcased that the future of Morehouse is bright. 

Copy edited by Freddrell Green, A&E/Opinions Editor