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 | The March 2025 issue of the AYCGL newsletter begins with a compelling and timely open letter written by Samuel Livingston, PhD, Associate Professor of Africana Studies, on the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dr. Livingston challenges our community to act and to lead, thereby creating a pathway to justice for the people of the Congo.
This issue provides an update on study abroad at Morehouse College, including the strategies and funding that have resulted in a significant increase in the number of students studying abroad compared to the 2023-24 academic year. This issue highlights three recent programs that took place over the winter term: Honoring Our Ancestry in London, a study abroad course; Bonner International Service Trip to the Dominican Republic; and the Morehouse Pan-African Global Experience, Panama. The issue concludes with upcoming AYCGL events, including the Center’s African American History and Heritage Tour that will take place later this month. Finally, the issue highlights the engagement of the Center’s Social Justice Scholars with 2025 Project Community Connections Inc., co-sponsored by Cathedral of St. Paul and the AYCGL.
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. |
| | Why the DRC Matters: Cultural Roots and Current CrisisSamuel Livingston, PhD, Associate Professor of Africana Studies, Morehouse College |
| The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of Africa's largest and richest countries in terms of natural resources. However, despite its vast wealth, because of the Western history of enslavement, colonization and Neo-colonialism, the DRC remains one of the world's poorest and most underdeveloped nations. Africana Studies scholars from the 19th century’s William Henry Shephard to Andreé Blouin and Congolese scholar, Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja have tried to integrate Congo into a Pan-African worldview framework that appreciates Congo’s contributions to human history and this history of exploitation. That work remains before us here at Morehouse College. In Africana Studies, the Congo region is not just geographically central to the African continent, but central to understanding the complexity of the African experience over millennia of history. The Congo Basin, stretching from an Atlantic Ocean escarpment to the Great Lakes Region has participated in every stage of human history from the rise of human civilization from Mesolithic Lupemban industry and settled agriculture (Mesfin, et al 2020) to the rise and decline of African Mode of Production (AMP) states (Thornton 1982) like Kongo and Lunda. While Historically Black Colleges and Universities should be sending students to study in what historian of medicine, Dr. Charles Finch describes as the womb of African Classical civilizations (Finch 2023, 29-35), persistent warfare, most recently by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels has made peaceful life and study in that nation impossible. We cannot unlive Congo’s history of enslavement, colonization, and neocolonialism. But as African American tax dollars are going to support modern Askari-Comprador states that do the bidding of Western imperialist nations and corporations, we must take stock of the ethical advice of our ancestors and elders— George Washington Williams, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, Patrice E. Lumumba and Dr. Denis Mukwege. Collectively, their voices speak out against the purveyors of violence, and as such, we must speak out against Rwanda and Uganda. The letter that follows is a call to action based on Congo’s expansive and recent history. |
| | Dear Morehouse Community – Faculty Colleagues, Students, Administrators, and Alumni:
As you may be aware, since January, over 7000 people have been killed in the Itruri and Kivu Provinces, (including civilians and soldiers) after stiff resistance. Goma, capital of North Kivu is where many of our comrades, friends and partners with Friends of the Congo and Africana Studies call home. Morehouse has held annual events with representatives of Yolé Farm, ULPGL, and many more Civil Society Orgs, and other persons of good will gracing our campus, virtual and in person. The mayor of Goma, Dr. Kennedy Kihangi Bindu, who was the keynote speaker at a AYCGL-sponsored Symposium has fled and is not revealing his location after M23 rebels executed North Kivu’s Military Governor, Major General Cirimwami. As Dr. Bindu, like all mayors in DRC, was appointed by President Tshisekedi, he represents a prime target for the rebel group. As President Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Kagame feud openly, Bindu and other Congolese voices for Democracy are at risk. Our partners in Tshopo Province and Kisangani are reporting IDPs from North Kivu. The people of Goma, who before the invasion, hosted over a million IDPs, are now seeking refuge. Morehouse College has a vested interest in standing with the people of the DRC. |
| | | Morehouse College Study Abroad |
| The Andrew Young Center is committed to creating and implementing programs that deepen learning and develop leadership through high impact experiences that take students out of their comfort zones, allowing them to grow as individuals and leaders. These experiential education programs take place in the United States and abroad. |
| | Study abroad provides global experiences that position Morehouse students to become culturally sensitive, informed global citizens and leaders. Nationally, Black students encounter numerous challenges and inequitable access to study abroad. Black students make up only 5.6% of all students who study abroad while making up over 14% of students in college (IIE, 2020). Increasing access to study abroad at Morehouse will have a positive impact on retention and graduation, cultural awareness, leadership and career development, and the attitudes and interests of Morehouse students. |
| Benefits and Barriers to Study Abroad Study abroad is associated with a number of benefits that enhance academic, professional, and personal outcomes for participants, including increases in self-efficacy, global perspectives, cultural sensitivity, academic performance and global leadership skills. Studies have shown that Black students who study abroad have a graduation rate 31% higher than those who do not study abroad. |
| Nationally, several barriers impact the likelihood that Black students will participate in study abroad. Two key barriers that influence Black students’ access to study abroad are financial and cultural. Almost 50% of students attending Morehouse College are Pell eligible. Thus, for many students, financing study abroad can be an insurmountable challenge. Additionally, Black students often are not exposed to study abroad opportunities or to international travel. Thus, these students may not consider opportunities even when it is possible to finance them. |
| | | During the 2024-2025 academic year, over 200 Morehouse students will study abroad and approximately 85% of them will do so through faculty-led study abroad programs. These programs place students in the care of faculty leaders who design and implement programs that are of interest to students and which ensure the safety of students and oversight of the study abroad experience. Morehouse faculty-led programs are unique and reflect the expertise, passions, and interests of Morehouse faculty and students. These programs are ideal for first-time international travelers. |
| Approximately 15% of those studying abroad this year will participate in academic-term or summer programs. These programs allow students to travel independently and enroll at another college or university for a summer, semester, or academic year. Morehouse seeks to increase the number of students that study abroad for an academic term or summer as more students gain global experience through faculty-led programs. |
|  | Building A Culture of Study Abroad During the 2024-2025 academic year, the Office of International Education (OIE) is implementing a series of events to increase student engagement. In collaboration with Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and the Atlanta Passport Agency, the OIE hosted AUC Passport Days in November 2024 and January 2025. The Office also conducts passport workshops, providing detailed guidance and, through the Delta Airlines Passport Program, reimburses students who purchase passports. Additional on-campus programming included the 3rd Annual International Education Symposium, International Education Week, weekly Study Abroad 101 and 201 sessions, regular “tabling” at the Kilgore Center and cafeteria, presentations at Admitted Students Day and NSO, and student support sessions for both faculty-led and semester programs. This year 12 pre-departure sessions will be held to prepare students for their study abroad experiences. To enhance communication and outreach, the OIE leverages social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok. The @MorehouseOIE Instagram account shares informative short-form videos, photos of students’ experiences, and access to essential information related to study abroad. |
| | Financing Study Abroad at Morehouse Morehouse College subsidizes the study abroad experiences of our students. Through an anonymous gift to Morehouse to support study abroad during the 2023 – 2026 academic years, the OIE offers scholarships that significantly reduce the cost of study abroad. The Andrew Young Fund for International Scholars subsidizes the study abroad experiences of all students in two tiers and allows students to participate in study abroad for as little as $1000 for a faculty-led program. |
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| 2024-2025 Progress and Impact During the 2024-2025 academic year, the OIE will support over 200 Morehouse students as they participate in 12 faculty-led study abroad experiences and independent academic-term and summer experiences. This is more than a 50% increase over 2023-24 student participation. We anticipate that over 30 students will participate in academic term programs during the fall, spring, and summer while 170 students will participate in faculty-led programs. |
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| | Spring 2025 - International Education News |
| AUC Passport Day on February 6, 2025 Recently, the Atlanta University Center (AUC) community came together for Passport Day, a collaborative effort between the Atlanta Passport Agency, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. Nearly 50 Morehouse students, faculty, and staff seized this opportunity to submit their passport applications on-site. The event facilitated both first-time applications and renewals. Thanks to the generous support of the Delta Passport Assistance Program, Morehouse College students are eligible for a $165 reimbursement of their passport fees. |
| Recent Awards to Morehouse Scholars Fund Study Abroad Experiences The OIE is pleased to announce that in February 2025 Mouhamadou Kane and Zackary Harris were selected for the prestigious Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship program. This fully funded, eight-week summer program in Dublin, Ireland, offered through CIEE, provides students with invaluable cultural immersion and practical international work experience. This marks the third time Morehouse students have earned this incredible opportunity.
Recently, Taahir Abdul-Basit has been named a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar, and Troy Boxton Jr. has been awarded the Gilman-McCain Scholarship. Both students received funding to support their upcoming semesters abroad. The Gilman Scholarship program is designed to encourage Pell eligible students to pursue international study opportunities.
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|  | | Study Abroad Program HighlightsWinter Term 2024/J-Mester 2025 |
| In December 2024 and January 2025, Morehouse students traveled with 3 Morehouse faculty/staff-led programs: Transatlantic Perspectives: Black Students in Black Spaces in London, the Bonner International Service-learning Program in the Dominican Republic, and the Morehouse Pan African Global Experience (MPAGE II) - Panama. |
| | Transatlantic Perspectives: Black Students in Black Spaces in London January 6-14, 2025 | Janira Teague, Ph.D. The United Kingdom is known for its complex history of racism, colonialism, and its role in the Transatlantic slave trade. However, less is known about its vibrant, resilient, and influential Black population, primarily comprising individuals of African and Caribbean heritage. Transatlantic Perspectives – London was specifically designed to utilize both traditional and non-traditional study-abroad activities to offer an engaging and educational, culturally immersive Black British experience for Morehouse students.
In addition to traditional study-abroad components, such as academic seminars and visits to prominent landmarks and institutions, Transatlantic Perspectives – London uniquely emphasized Black spaces and perspectives often overlooked in conventional curricula, providing a fuller understanding of Black British life. For example, Dr. Dave Neita, a Jamaican-born lawyer and poet based in the U.K., led a tour of Central London, including iconic sites such as Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. His tour centered on Black historical narratives related to these landmarks and addressed contemporary issues, such as the discriminatory policing of Black bodies within the community.
The program also explored Black spaces not typically featured in traditional study-abroad itineraries. Students visited Dark Sugars, a chocolatier with an African female owner that narrates the story of the African Diaspora through its artisanal chocolate. Other memorable experiences, often within Black spaces, included fine dining at Stork Mayfair, a Black-owned restaurant featuring a beautiful piece honoring Martin Luther King Jr.; attending lectures at the storied Africa Centre; enjoying High Tea at October Gallery, surrounded by the works of African artist Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga; sampling French Caribbean street food from Bokit’La; and watching a football match at Prince of Peckham, a local Black-owned pub. Overall, Morehouse students were fully immersed in Black life, history, and culture in the U.K.
This study abroad program was developed by Dr. Janira Teague. Dr. Nia Reed served as a lecturer and student liaison, while Dean Brock Mayers acted as a chaperone. Twenty-two students participated in the program, representing Morehouse College with distinction. |
|  | Bonner International Service Program to the Dominican Republic December 9-14, 2024 | Wilbur Whitney, Ph.D. Eleven senior Bonner scholars participated in the 11th Bonner Service Program to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, in partnership with Project Esperanza. The Director of Project Esperanza, Caitlin McHale, continues the mission of education, social aid, and community development for the Haitian immigrant population. Kathy McHall served as the volunteer coordinator and was excellent at assisting with translation, setting up programs, and communicating with our local partner. |
| The scholars developed educational projects for 180 Haitian Refugee youth ages 4-15 years old who attend the Project Esperanza school. Each morning scholars and students traveled to the farm owned by Project Esperanza. The scholars orchestrated several education projects, including learning about recycling, a scavenger hunt to learn English, and an arts and craft project using local plants. Each afternoon the scholars completed several construction projects from painting the classrooms to refurbishing the outdoor space. Finally, scholars participated in a reflection session to discuss the day’s activities and how they could enhance their impact. This was also a time scholars could reflect on what they learned about the culture and the relationship between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. |
| On the final day we organized a Christmas store for the school, which was also the last day of school before their Christmas break. Dr. Whitney’s wife purchased and collected items from her church, which included school supplies, toys, clothing and gifts for the students and their parents. Scholars shipped 10 boxes as luggage for the store. Students received points for their attendance and grades. They used their points to purchase items from the store. The Christmas store was a real success as the school celebrated the holidays. |
| The Bonner International Service Program continues to be a successful immersion experience. For many of our scholars this was their first time traveling internationally and experiencing a different culture. Serving Haitian refugees in the Dominican Republic was an excellent learning opportunity, and as a result, many of our scholars will continue to support Project Esperanza. |
|  | Exploring Afro-Panamanian Heritage: Reflections from the 2024 MPAGE II - Panama Experience December 14-23, 2024 | Ms. Tomanika Redd and Natasha Crosby, Ph.D. From December 14-23, 2024, a group of 30 Morehouse students, faculty, and staff embarked on a transformative journey through Panama as part of the MPAGE II Study Abroad Program, immersing themselves in the rich history and cultural legacy of Afro-Panamanians. This experience provided a deep exploration of African heritage, resistance, and contributions to Panamanian society, bridging historical narratives with contemporary realities. |
| The program featured visits to the Afro-Antillean Museum, Portobelo’s Black Christ Church, and San Blas Islands, where students engaged with scholars, activists, and cultural leaders. Students also participated in community service projects in Veracruz, supporting local youth and environmental efforts. A highlight of the trip was a sail through the Panama Canal, where students reflected on its historical significance and economic impact. The journey continued with an immersive cultural exchange in the Guna Yala Indigenous community and a visit to the Emberá Drua Village, offering firsthand insights into Panama’s diverse identities. |
| As global leaders in the making, our students returned with expanded perspectives, a stronger sense of cultural identity, and a commitment to fostering cross-cultural connections. The MPAGE II Panama 2024 program exemplified Morehouse’s dedication to experiential learning, social justice, and global engagement, ensuring that the next generation understands the deep and lasting impact of the African diaspora. |
|  | | Social Justice Scholars in the Community |
| On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Andrew Young Center Social Justice Scholars volunteered at the inaugural 2025 Project Community Connections Inc. (PCCI) 5K Run for Housing, Hope, and Resilience. The Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership was happy to serve as one of the co-sponsors for the event hosted by the Cathedral of St. Paul. The purpose of this event was to bring the Atlanta Metropolitan Community together to learn more about solutions and collaborations needed to end homelessness while supporting PCCI in their quest to ensure that every household has an opportunity to thrive. |
|  | | | Spring Break March 7-16, 2025. The Exploration of the African Diaspora in the United Kingdom study abroad program will visit London, Liverpool, and Manchester, U.K. This unique experience will explore the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the British colonies and examine contemporary issues such as the migration of African and Caribbean populations to the UK between 1948 and 1970, known as the Windrush Era. Students will learn about key figures in Black British history and current grassroots organizing and activism in the U.K. Dr. Sinead Younge will lead the program.
March 19, 2025: AYCGL Social Justice Leadership Teach-in. AYCGL Scholar-in-Residence, Walter Fluker, Ph.D., will present a two-part Teach-in on ethical leadership, Wake Up Running! Public Conversations on Spirituality, Ethics and Leadership for New Rhythms and Times. The title of the 1st session is Keep Awake! Howard Thurman on The Run: Creating and Cultivating Inward Spaces of Democratic Freedom of Spirit, Body and Mind. Dr. Fluker is the founding director of the Morehouse College Leadership Center and Leadership Studies Program. The first installment of the series will take place on March 19, 2025, at 4:00 pm in the African American Hall of Fame.
March 28-30, 2025. The AYCGL is pleased to host the 2nd African American History and Heritage Study Tour. The study tour will take place in Charleston, South Carolina, and visit numerous historic sites, including the International African American Museum, the Avery Research Center at the University of Charleston, Emmanuel A.M.E. Church, and the McLeod Plantation. For more information on this opportunity, please reach out to Ms. Marissa Baham (marissa.baham@morehouse.edu).
April 1, 2025: Dr. Puleng Segalo will present, Stitching Narratives of Gender Based Violence: Meaning Making through Embroidery. The presentation will take place at 11:00 am in Dansby Hall, room 209. Professor Segalo is a Fulbright scholar, Professor of Psychology and Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair at the University of South Africa. Dr. Segalo is the 2013 recipient of the UNISA Principal Prize for excellence in research, the 2014 winner of the National Science and Technology Young Women in Science Award, and the 2021/2022 regional winner of The World Academy of Science award. Dr. Segalo is passionate about mental-health and community well-being.
April 9, 2025: AYCGL Social Justice Leadership Teach-in. AYCGL Scholar-in-Residence, Walter Fluker, Ph.D., will present a two-part Teach-in on ethical leadership, Wake Up Running! Public Conversations on Spirituality, Ethics and Leadership for New Rhythms and Times. Session 2 is entitled: Run to the Mountain! Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Run: Creating and Cultivating Democratic Spaces in National and Global Communities of The World House. The 2nd installment of the series will take place Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 4:00 pm in the African American Hall of Fame.
May 18 – June 1, 2025. Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program. Sixteen Oprah Winfrey scholars will participate in a transformative study abroad experience in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg, and Cape Town, South Africa. Scholars will learn the extraordinary history of colonization, Apartheid, and revolution in South Africa through visits to historic sites, universities, and organizations documenting the history of Apartheid and preserving the legacy of the fight for freedom and justice in South Africa. |
| | |  | 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. |
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