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The Andrew Young Center’s May 2024 newsletter highlights some of the Center’s initiatives that exemplify our commitment to expanding the impact of “Morehouse Beyond Borders” through the AYC-Higher Education in Prisons Program (AYC-HEP), policy and advocacy training, and study abroad. The issue highlights Congresswoman Nikema Williams’ recent visit to Morehouse to announce a congressional appropriation to support the AYC-Higher Education in Prisons Program, the recent EmpowerED Reentry Symposium held on the Morehouse campus, and the progress of the 2024 cohort of students taking classes in the U.S. Federal Penitentiary. The Policy and Advocacy teach-in series offered by Ms. Pamela Winn is highlighted as is Scholar of Distinction, Aubray Chevannes, III. This issue also highlights two study abroad programs: Morehouse in Bahia - The Afro-Brazilian Experience and Exploration of the African Diaspora in the United Kingdom, both of which took place during spring break 2024.
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AYC - Higher Education in Prisons Program
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Congresswoman Nikema Williams presents Congressional Appropriation Funding to the Morehouse College Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership.
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On Thursday, April 4, 2024, Congresswoman Nikema Williams visited Morehouse College to present a check for $1,636,000 to the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership to support the Higher Education in Prisons Program: see here. With this project funding, the AYC-HEP Program will grow to (1) serve more than 200 incarcerated students annually, (2) expand the number of academic courses and enrichment seminars offered each semester, (3) enhance the AYC-HEP Student Ambassador Program, (4) gain Department of Education approval as a designated Pell site, and (5) establish a pathway to a Morehouse degree for incarcerated as well as formerly incarcerated scholars.
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Pictured: Kipton Jensen, Director of the AYC-HEP Program, Jann Adams, Lead Director of the AYCGL, Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Morehouse President David Thomas, and AYC-HEP Program Student Ambassador Calvin Bell, III.
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EmpowerED Reentry Symposium held on April 9, 2024
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During ‘Second Chance Month’ this past April, the AYC hosted—together with the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and the Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison—the EmpowerED Reentry Symposium. The EmpowerED Reentry Symposium connected justice-impacted individuals with the reentry services community to shape environments that support success. AYC-HEP affiliated faculty and students participated in an array of ways, both out front and behind the scenes. Symposium sessions included: Actionable Strategies for Cultivating Financial Resilience, Nurturing Mental Health and Wellness on the Educational Journey, Igniting the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Navigating Pathways to Success Together, and Building an Inclusive and Accessible Educational Environment.
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2024 US Federal Penitentiary Student Cohort Completes Humanities Courses
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A cohort of scholars inside the U.S. Federal Penitentiary (USFP) in Atlanta recently completed the third course in a pilot series of humanities classes taught by Morehouse College (above, left). The warden of the USFP, Mr. Albert Thomas, and his executive assistant, Mr. Ray Coleman, met with AYC-HEP affiliated faculty and students in early April (above, right). Faculty from Morehouse are also teaching classes at Metro Reentry Prison and Burruss Correctional Facility.
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Policy and Advocacy Teach-In Series: Policy Advocacy and the Democratic Process
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AYCGL Scholar-in-Residence Pamela Winn recently presented a 3-part AYCGL Teach-in series entitled, Policy Advocacy within the Democratic Process. The series focused on Ms. Winn’s work as a policy advocate for individuals who are currently and formerly incarcerated. In the first teach-in, Ms. Winn discussed how she was initially drawn to this work; in the second, she explained the legislative process in Georgia and at the national level. During the final teach-in, Ms. Winn focused on the importance of voting to impact policy. Ms. Winn is the founder of RestoreHER and co-founder of the Georgia Coalition of Higher Education in Prisons (GACHEP). The PBS documentary, WINN, celebrates her advocacy for “Anti-Shackling Legislation” in particular and the dignity of incarcerated women in general.
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AYCGL Scholar of Distinction
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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.
The May issue of the AYCGL newsletter features Oprah Winfrey scholar Aubray Chevannes, III, a dual-degree engineering major from St. Petersburg, Florida. Mr. Chevannes completed his studies at Morehouse this May 2024.
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I am Aubray Chevannes III, a senior dual-degree student majoring in General Science and Mechanical Engineering from St. Petersburg, FL. I am the son of Tanisha Scantling and Anthony Williams, and I have two brothers and a sister. Although my family is small, they are my biggest support system. I often find myself leaning on them for motivation whenever I need it. Growing up in Florida exposed me to many opportunities to try everything, and that has become my favorite hobby—trying anything and everything. At any given time, you can find me traveling, hunting, dancing at car meets, reading new books, and genuinely exploring what the world has to offer. I love a bit of everything, and I believe that this diversity plays a significant role in fueling my passion for the pursuit of knowledge.
I love to learn, and this curiosity is what led me to my chosen major. Growing up, I was very close to my uncle Marcellus, who introduced me to engineering and the simple joy of curiosity. As I progressed through school, I realized that engineering is how I plan on changing the world. I've always had a natural aptitude for STEM and found it fascinating. While pursuing my undergraduate degree in engineering through the Atlanta University Consortium dual-degree program, I have had great experiences. This program has provided me with the opportunity to travel all over the country for various reasons, including headquarters tours, national conferences, and educational endeavors, each offering valuable experiences that contribute to my academic, professional, and personal growth.
I am a very proud member of the National Society of Black Engineers; this is where I found my community. Many of the opportunities I was extended came through this organization and Dr. Christopher Ellis, the AUC's Dual-Degree coordinator and program manager. From internships, scholarships, and community service, to connections with Atlanta University Consortium brothers and sisters, faculty members, corporate sponsors, and more, I was able to meet and engage with them while serving on the executive board during both my junior and senior years. This experience has been invaluable, shaping my personal and professional growth in ways I couldn't have anticipated.
I cannot talk about my most cherished accomplishments without mentioning the Oprah Winfrey Scholarship Program (OWSP). The OWSP not only financed my education but also provided me with much more. Alongside the help and guidance of Dr. Jann Adams, the OWSP assisted me in navigating the most crucial aspects of life: my personal growth into the man I am today. Through this program and the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership, the most paramount being I had the opportunity to study abroad in both South Africa and the United Kingdom. The experiences were so transformative that they would require dissertations just to express how impactful they were to me and how they shaped my life’s perspective and outlook.
As a Dual-Degree student in my senior year at Morehouse, I'll soon be heading to a partner institution to finish my second degree. This summer, I'll be interning with the Toro Company in Minneapolis, MN. I want to give a special thanks to Morehouse and all it has come to be known for; its rich tradition has cultivated me into the man of Morehouse I am soon to be. Morehouse has instilled two quotes in me that are foundational characteristics of what I stand for: first, “If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right.” And secondly, “your network is your net worth.” I am forever indebted to the AUC for all the brothers, sisters, and family I have gained throughout this chapter of life. To be continued...
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European Union Delegation Visits the AYCGL
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On April 9, 2024, a European Union COTRA Delegation—including diplomats from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Spain—visited Morehouse to meet with leaders and students of the Andrew Young Center. Diplomats toured the campus of Morehouse and met with AYC-affiliated students to discuss diplomacy, policy formation, and coalition-building. COTRA is the Council (of Ministers) Working Group that follows EU relations with the United States of America and Canada. It covers a broad range of issues including policy, economy and trade, as well as internal and bilateral developments. COTRA discusses both current issues and the EU’s more long-term strategies with both partners across the Atlantic.
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Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program
Celebrates Graduating Seniors
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On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program celebrated the achievements of its graduating seniors with its annual graduation celebration! The celebration included greetings from Provost Kendrick Brown and highlights of the 2023-24 academic year, including presentations by freshman Chris Lambry, who shared his perspective on participation in the African American History and Heritage Tour; sophomore Kagan Henry, who shared his experience as a participant in the Exploration of the African Diaspora in the United Kingdom Study Abroad Program; and senior Aubray Chevannes, who discussed his recent interview of policy advocate Pamela Winn for the More Conversations Podcast. Seniors shared their plans for the future and presented their capstone projects which focused on identifying solutions to social justice challenges. Special guest, Mr. Will Bumpus, executive director of the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, joined the celebration and shared his impressions of the program and his visit to Morehouse.
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Morehouse College Study Abroad
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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 impact the broader community and world. These experiential education programs occur through programs in the United States and abroad.
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Spring Break 2024 Study Abroad
Over spring break 2024, five study abroad programs traveled with 49 students to destinations including Brazil, the United Kingdom, Greece, Portugal, France, Taiwan, and India. This month the AYCGL newsletter highlights two of these programs: Morehouse in Bahia: The Afro-Brazilian Experience and Exploration of the African Diaspora in the United Kingdom.
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Morehouse in Bahia: The Afro-Brazilian Experience will visit Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
By Dr. Denise Callejas, Assistant Professor of World Languages
For their Spring Break 2024, nine Morehouse students traveled to Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, the epicenter of Afro-Brazilian culture with Dr. Denise Callejas. Historically serving as the country’s first capital and with the second largest Black population outside of Nigeria, the city stands testament to not only the painful suffering of those who survived the transatlantic slave trade but also to their resistance in the quest for freedom and towards preserving their African identity. A major goal of the program was for students to understand the Afro-Brazilian experience through the unique syncretism that gave way to such traditions as candomblé, capoeira, and carnival through a series of lectures, workshops, homestays and site visits. Particularly noteworthy was a day trip to the Kaonge quilombo, a community that descends from enslaved African fugitives followed by a visit to Casa do Pé da Cajá, a candomblé temple founded in 1865. Additionally, students participated in a service-learning project at Berimbau Arte, a non-profit school organization that offers free capoeira lessons and other learning resources to youth from lower income communities. Elementary school students welcomed our group by painting Tupinambá symbols on us. Under the tutelage of local graffiti artist Eder Muniz, Morehouse students helped paint the new library wing with images inspired by the capoeira nicknames of the school’s first cohort. Through these encounters, students were forever changed by the indelible mark they both made and were given as they learned that very little separates the Afro-Brazilian experience from their own African-American experience.
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Exploration of the African Diaspora in the United Kingdom
By Dr. Sinead Younge, Professor of Psychology and AYCGL Director, Institute for Social Justice Inquiry and Praxis
Dr. Sinead Younge, Director of the Andrew Young Center’s Institute for Social Justice Inquiry and Praxis, led 10 Morehouse students, including 8 Oprah Winfrey scholars, on a study abroad program to the United Kingdom. Exploration of the African Diaspora in the United Kingdom was an educational, inspiring, and transformative experience for students. The program visited London, Liverpool, and Manchester, U.K. A primary focus was an exploration of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the British colonies as well as contemporary issues such as the migration of African and Caribbean populations to the UK between 1948 and 1970, known as the Windrush Era. Our scholars learned about key figures in Black British history and current grassroots organizing and activism in the United Kingdom.
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Oprah Winfrey scholar Aubray Chevannes, III, reflects on his experience participating in the Exploration of the African Diaspora in the United Kingdom Study Abroad Program
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In a quest to explore the complexities of identity and nationality, my journey across the United Kingdom unfolded a rich tapestry of experiences and revelations. Beginning with preconceived notions, I embarked on an immersive exploration within the African-Caribbean community. From London's royal traditions to grassroots movements in Brixton, each encounter shed light on the multifaceted nature of identity
amidst societal shifts like gentrification. Delving deeper into historical contexts in institutions like the British Museum and John Moore University, I confronted the erasure of Black community narratives. Engaging with professionals and community leaders underscored the intricate interplay between identity and nationality. Transitioning to Manchester, I further examined primary sources and oral histories, revealing ongoing struggles against systemic oppression. Throughout my journey, each encounter unveiled the urgent need to acknowledge and reclaim diverse narratives within a global framework…As my journey across the United Kingdom draws to a close, I am left with a profound appreciation for the depth and complexity of identity and nationality. From the grandeur of London's royal traditions to the resilience of communities like Brixton, each encounter has contributed to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of these concepts. Confronting the erasure of Black community narratives in historical contexts has underscored the importance of amplifying diverse voices. Engaging with professionals and community leaders has highlighted the interconnectedness between identity and nationality, urging us to recognize and reclaim narratives within a broader global context. As I reflect on the lessons learned and the ongoing struggles against systemic oppression, it becomes clear that our journey towards inclusivity and understanding must continue, fueled by empathy, dialogue, and a commitment to Justice.
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Faculty-led Programs taking place this Summer 2024
This summer six faculty-led programs will provide global experiences for Morehouse College students:
- Morehouse in Oaxaca, Mexico: Faculty lead Jaime Chavez, Ph.D., Department of World Languages
- Business and Culture in Barcelona: Faculty lead Maria Piscopo, Ph.D. Department of Business
- Morehouse in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire: Culture, Society, and Development in Post-Colonial Country: Faculty lead Vivianne Uetto, Ph.D., World Languages
- Connect with Rwanda: Understanding International Development in East Africa: Faculty lead Christopher McClain, Associate Director, Department of Housing and Residential Education
- Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program: Faculty lead Jann H Adams, Ph.D., Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership
- South Africa Social Justice Experience: Faculty lead Sinead Younge, Ph.D., Psychology/Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership
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May 19 – June 1, 2024: Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program. Oprah Winfrey scholars will participate in a transformative study abroad experience in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, South Africa. The experience will include meetings with community leaders, university and other academic officials, faculty, and students. Visits to historic sites and organizations documenting the history of Apartheid and preserving the legacy of the fight for freedom and justice in South Africa will allow students to learn the extraordinary history of colonization, Apartheid, and revolution in South Africa. Comparative analysis of social justice issues in the United States and South Africa will be explored as scholars complete e-portfolios documenting and reflecting upon their learning about South Africa and themselves.
May 19 – June 1, 2024: South Africa Social Justice Experience. The Andrew Young Center’s Institute for Social Justice Inquiry and Praxis will lead its second study abroad experience to South Africa. This unique experience focuses on culture, politics, and the contemporary social conditions of South Africa with a special emphasis on the social activism of South African youth.
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The 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.
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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 SMASH Foundation, Delta Airlines, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, The Julian Grace Foundation, and the Cigna Foundation. We wish to thank these donors for their sustained support of the AYCGL.
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