|
|
| Morehouse College’s mission is to assume a special responsibility for teaching the history and culture of Black people, year-round. In this February issue of the Andrew Young Center newsletter we celebrate the excellence and contributions of Oprah Winfrey Scholars, including this issue’s “Scholar of Distinction” Cameron Cleveland, ‘26, who has contributed immensely to the Morehouse community over the last four years. These extraordinary scholars lead, serve, and excel at Morehouse College.
The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program (OWSP) was established in 1989 when Ms. Winfrey made a gift of $12 million to endow a scholarship program for students with financial need and strong potential. Ms. Winfrey named the scholarship the “Diamond in the Rough” scholarship. Ms. Winfrey returned to Morehouse 30 years later, in October 2019, to share a day with her scholars. Inspired by the scholars and her experience at Morehouse, Ms. Winfrey made a second gift of $13 million. The OWSP supports the education of 54 scholars each year.
The Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership seeks to extend the legacy of Ambassador Young and expand the footprint of Morehouse into the community and the world. The Center is home to programs designed to inspire and prepare the men of Morehouse to create and implement solutions to social justice challenges and to become global leaders prepared to advance social, economic, and educational equality in the U.S. and abroad. |
|
| | | For 36 years, the Morehouse College Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program (OWSP) has supported the education of almost 800 Men of Morehouse. The OWSP seeks to develop globally minded servant leaders by offering a scaffolded set of leadership development and service experiences. |
|
|
| In addition to program-wide service initiatives and weekly community service, the OWSP facilitates academic and personal growth through a number of activities.
Freshmen scholars participate in the Oprah Winfrey Professional Development Series which guides students through their transition to college-life, developing academic and professional goals, and navigating the Morehouse experience.
During the fall semester, Oprah Winfrey scholars enjoyed a book study of Ta Nehisi Coates’ book, The Message, and also participated in the Equal Justice Initiative Study Tour. The study tour visited the Equal Justice Initiative Legacy Sites in Montgomery, Alabama, including the Legacy Museum, National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. In February, scholars will participate in the AYCGL’s African American History and Heritage Study Tour that will take place in Charleston, SC. In April, Oprah Winfrey scholars will join the Washington, DC, Leadership Study Tour, and for the first time, this spring scholars will implement a “Charity Run” to raise funds in support of an organization serving survivors of sexual violence.
In May 2026, 12 Oprah Winfrey scholars will travel to South Africa through the fully-funded Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program. Additionally, the OWSP provides funding to support the study abroad experiences of scholars to ensure that all Oprah Winfrey scholars have the opportunity to study abroad at no cost during their matriculation at the college. |
|
| |
Oprah Winfrey Scholars Lead Through Service |
|
|
| This year, Oprah Winfrey scholars continue the tradition of service and leadership through program-wide service projects designed to facilitate scholars’ leadership in service. Last fall, scholars served at the King Center for Nonviolent Change in September’s Beloved Community International Expo and in January welcomed the King Center to the Morehouse College campus for the M.L. King Day of Service. In addition to program-wide service, scholars participate in weekly community service at H.J. Russell West End Academy, St. Francis Community Table, or Mimi’s Pantry. For the first time, this year scholars are planning an OWSP fundraiser to support organizations serving victims of sexual assault. The AUC-wide event, The College Charity Run, will be held in collaboration with other Morehouse and AUC student organizations. According to Oprah Winfrey sophomore Enoch Omotayo, one of the leads in planning the Charity Run, “This April 18th, our campus will come together in community, awareness, and action. All funds raised will benefit a local Atlanta sexual assault organization dedicated to survivor support, education, and healing.” |
|
| |
Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program Partners with M.L. King, Jr. Center for King Day of Service January 19, 2026 |
|
|
| On Monday, January 19, 2026, for the fifth year, the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program partnered with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change for a day of service on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
Ten Oprah Winfrey scholars served as hosts at the annual M.L. King Commemorative Service held at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
At Morehouse over 250 corporate and community volunteers joined the King Center and Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program on the Morehouse College campus to donate and organize donations for our Beloved Community, community members in need across the city of Atlanta. Oprah Winfrey scholars welcomed and registered guests, completed setup and breakdown, and hosted visitors. Oprah Winfrey scholars also created their own care packages for donation to the unhoused in our community. In addition to the joy of working with and for others, volunteers enjoyed music provided by DJ QueezyG who took volunteers through time with music from the 90’s to the present.
Oprah Winfrey scholars who serve as student ambassadors provided campus tours providing volunteers the opportunity to learn the history of Morehouse College and about Dr. King’s time as a student at the College. |
|
| | | This recurring feature of the Andrew Young Center newsletter highlights an outstanding Morehouse scholar who exemplifies excellence through character, academic achievement, and service to the community. This month, Cameron Cleveland, ‘26, an Oprah Winfrey scholar majoring in Computer Science, is featured. |
|
| | My four years at Morehouse College have been defined by the relationships that shaped me into the man I am today. From friendships that grew into lifelong brotherhoods to mentors who challenged me to think bigger and move with purpose, Morehouse became an extended family. Through late-night conversations, moments of honest guidance, and shared growth with my peers, I learned that success is never achieved alone. These relationships grounded me, pushed me forward, and reminded me that I was supported every step of the way.
Coming from Chicago, Illinois, basketball was my lifeline for most of my adolescence. The game gave me discipline, structure, and identity, so choosing to put it down was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. Instead, I chose to bet on myself. At Morehouse, that decision proved worthwhile. As a senior Computer Science major, I maintained a GPA above 3.8 and became a proud member of the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program. I gained hands-on experience through internships in data analytics and visualization, stepped into leadership as Vice President of the Morehouse Student Ambassador Team, and became a Fall 2024 initiate of the Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Each milestone reinforced that my impact extended far beyond the court.
Beyond academics and accolades, Morehouse taught me how to lead with purpose and serve with intention. As Co-founder and Vice President of Young Shiner Cares, I helped turn a shared vision among young men from Chicago, Charlotte, Louisville, and Detroit into a growing movement centered on mentorship, service, and community empowerment. That work has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college journey and will soon be recognized as I receive the Emerging Leader Award at the 2nd Annual Ben Crump Human Rights Honors Event, celebrating leadership, service, and transformative impact. Looking back, Morehouse did more than prepare me professionally — it gave me confidence, clarity, and a brotherhood that will last a lifetime. Choosing Morehouse was a life-shaping decision, and every sacrifice made along the way was worth it. |
|
| | Oprah Winfrey ScholarsLead, Serve, and Demonstrate Brotherhood |
|
| Oprah Winfrey scholars lead on campus and in the community, demonstrating a commitment to serve and to their development as ethical, servant leaders. Scholars’ leadership in the Morehouse and broader community exemplifies the OWSP motto, “Leadership, Service, Brotherhood”. Here we highlight a few of the Oprah Winfrey scholars who lead and serve in our community. |
|
| Chris Lamby, Jr., ‘27, Leads AUC March to the PollsThe Annual AUC March to the Polls was organized and led by Chris Lambry Jr., an Oprah Winfrey Scholar and the Senate President Pro Temp for the 94th Student Government Association at Morehouse College. In partnership with the Student Government Associations across the Atlanta University Center (AUC) and the NAACP Chapters of Morehouse College and Spelman College, Lambry Jr. spearheaded this collaboration. This partnership reflected the shared commitment of student leaders to civic engagement, unity, and preserving the legacy of activism within the AUC. |
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Ja’Rory Purnell, ‘27, serves the Community at St. Francis Community Table“For my service initiative at the St. Francis Community Table, I wanted to respond to a need that came up often in my conversations with guests during the winter months. Many people shared how difficult the cold season becomes because they do not have consistent access to warm clothing or a safe place to stay. I was introduced to St. Francis by Dr. Corey Stayton, who has been serving there for 28 years, and through his example I learned the importance of showing up consistently for this community. After hearing the experiences of the guests, I created an initiative focused on providing essential winter items such as blankets, hoodies, and socks to support our unhoused neighbors during the coldest part of the year.” |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Oprah Winfrey Scholars Austin Ford, ‘26, Cameron Cleveland, ‘26, and Jeremy Avan, ‘27, lead “The Giveback Tour”Their first major initiative, The Giveback Tour, invited students to donate coats and hygiene products to support individuals experiencing homelessness in East St. Louis, Illinois. On campus, YSC hosted a Snack Pack Smash, giving students a powerful mental-health boost as they approached finals week. They also partnered with SGA, C&W Services, and others to support the annual Midnight Brunch, where YSC contributed $600 in meal vouchers for off-campus students without meal plans. |
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | DayMond Johnson, ‘26, leads through the MARCH ProgramFrom Morehouse to Capitol Hill: Advocacy in Action “This past Fall, I had the distinct honor of representing Morehouse College in Washington, D.C. as a member of the 3rd cohort of the MARCH (Morehouse Advocacy Reaching Capitol Hill) Ambassadors Program. From November 16th, 2025, to November 20th, 2025, as one of twelve student leaders, we were immersed in a transformative experience designed not only to teach us how policy is created, but to challenge us to actively shape it and progress society forward.” |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| John Gwynn ‘27: Giving Hope through “Letters from my Brothers”On Monday, January 19th, John Gwynn launched “Letters from my Brothers” as part of the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program King Day of Service. Here, John shares his story and why he was moved to launch this initiative. |
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | Inside the United KingdomJanuary 23, 2026 |
|
|
| The Office of International Education kicked off the semester with Inside the UK, an engaging and student-centered event designed to highlight study abroad opportunities in the United Kingdom while centering the lived experiences of Morehouse students.
Held with tea and cookies for attendees, the event opened with a dynamic student panel featuring four Morehouse men who studied abroad in the UK through a variety of pathways, including a semester program, internship, summer program, and faculty-led experience. The panel reflected the diversity of global opportunities available to students. The panelists shared candid reflections on growth, challenges, and transformative moments, creating an open and authentic space for dialogue.
Following the panel, representatives from the University of Manchester led a brief presentation highlighting their graduate and summer program offerings, offered in partnership with Morehouse College. This session provided students with concrete information on academic pathways, timelines, and opportunities to continue global engagement beyond undergraduate study. |
|
| International Education Welcome Back MixerJanuary 14, 2026 |
|
| On January 14th, the Office of International Education hosted a Welcome Back Mixer for students who participated in Fall 2025 and Winter/J-Mester faculty-led study abroad programs. This event provided space for students to reconnect, reflect on their experiences abroad, and engage with peers interested in future international opportunities. |
|
| | | | | Mosaic: Faith on the Frontline Screening & Living History ConversationFebruary 26, 2026 Morehouse College Join the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC), the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership at Morehouse College for a special screening of Faith on the Frontline. This mini-documentary highlights NCC’s 75 years of shared ecumenical witness for justice, peace, and moral leadership. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Washington, DC, Leadership Study TourApril 9-12, 2026 Washington, DC The AYCGL is pleased to host the Washington, DC, Leadership Study Tour. The study tour will include visits to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, Howard University, Georgetown University, and George Washington University. The Washington, DC, Leadership Study Tour is funded by a generous award from the Julian Grace Foundation. |
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Office of International Education: |
|
|
Gilman Scholarship Lunch & Learn. Thursday, February 19, 2026, 12:30 pm in Massey 440 OIE will host a Lunch & Learn focused on the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Students will learn about eligibility, application components, and strategies for submitting competitive applications. |
|
|
Study Abroad 101. Every Wednesday at 3:00 pm in Massey 440 Learn about faculty-led and academic-term study abroad programs, how to finance study abroad, passports, and the many opportunities to study abroad at Morehouse College in these weekly meetings open to all traditional students. Stay up-to-date on Morehouse study abroad by following the OIE on Instagram: @MorehouseOIE. |
|
| |
| The Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership’s video podcast More Conversations was initiated in the fall 2020 and aims to put scholars and subject matter experts in conversation about topics that are important to both the collegiate and broader communities. |
|
| | | A Note of Gratitude to Our Sponsors |
|
| The work of the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, including The Coca Cola Company, Bank of America, Ms. Oprah Winfrey and the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, The Julian Grace Foundation, Delta Airlines, the Microsoft Corporation, and the Cigna Foundation. We wish to thank these donors for their sustained support of the AYCGL. |
|
| | | | |
|
|
|
| |
|
