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The month of May marks the end of the Spring semester and commencement season in the Atlanta University Center. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. The COVID-19 Pandemic highlighted and further exacerbated mental health challenges for many, including ethnic and racialized minorities in the United States, who experience mental health disparities related to access to and use of services, diagnosis, and treatment. In this month’s Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership’s newsletter, we highlight the stories and accomplishments of the extraordinary Men of Morehouse who participate in the programming of the Center and our mental health awareness efforts in the AUC and our surrounding communities.
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What’s New with AYCGL Scholars’ Programs
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Social Justice Health Scholars
In January 2023, eight students were selected as part of the inaugural cohort of Social Justice Health Scholars (SJHS). The SJHS is funded by the Cigna Foundation and trains students who are interested in pursuing a career in mental health. The scholars participate in community meetings, a campus-wide mental health project, and internships at local non-profit organizations and with mental health professionals.
The Social Justice Scholars have been working on a photovoice project, to explore themes around men and mental health. An exhibition of the scholars' photographs will be on display in fall 2023.
More Conversations Podcast
Social Justice Scholars sophomore Biology Major Cameron Ivey and psychology senior, Basil Ghali sat down to discuss HBCUs and Substance Use/Mental Health Recovery with the Executive Director of R2ISE to Recovery, Alexia Jones.
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The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program is making a difference in the West End of Atlanta, providing scholars with an opportunity to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.
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Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program Graduation Celebration
On May 3, 2023, Oprah Winfrey scholars and Morehouse College community members celebrated the graduating senior class. This annual event featured a wonderful dinner, recognition of seniors and the opportunity for them to share words of wisdom and post-graduation plans, as well as presentation of the Senior Capstone Project.
This year’s Senior Capstone Project focused on solutions to the mental health crisis in the Black community and United States.
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Photos by David Collins and Emani Rashad
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Micah Holmes, Morehouse College Class of 2020
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Micah Holmes has spent his life in the works of connecting his passion for sports and platform to add to his overall purpose. He found an early love in the world of sports, recognizing the ability that athletics has in connecting people around the world in the joy of the game. While Micah has focused on impacting the world of sports in the corporate office space, his heart lies in his home community of Cleveland, Ohio, where he helps mentor youth through the game of football. Upon graduation from high school in 2016, Micah co-founded Overtime Sports Group, hosting annual free youth football camps for young athletes in Cleveland to give kids quality football training and mentorship from the highest level, free of charge. His work for the community also carries over to Wisdom Passage, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which works to connect the youth of today with knowledge and resources to advance in life.
Micah began his work in sports through the ESPN Ambassador Program, working in Public Relations, Communications, and Event Planning for ESPN’s College Football Team. He gained subsequent experience from internships at sports entities including the NFL, NBA, and the Atlanta Falcons, where his skills were tested and enhanced through event planning, marketing, operations, corporate partnerships/sponsorships, hospitality, and more. Micah has been trusted to work in exciting environments including the Super Bowl, CFP National Championship, the ESPN Awards, ESPN College Gameday, amongst other challenging tasks. After graduation, Micah became a member of the National Football League’s esteemed Junior Rotational Program, working with the Event Strategy group to set the stage for tentpole events such as Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, Draft, NFL Kickoff, and NFL Combine.
Currently, Micah works in Growth & Strategy for the Sports Sponsorships team at KPMG. Here, Micah helps guide sports sponsorship activation for KPMG Golf player ambassadors and works directly to drive KPMG’s title sponsorship with the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Along with this, Micah helps his team strategically find avenues to increase diversity in the game of golf. Micah has also recently earned the title of Adjunct Professor of Crown Forum at Morehouse College. In the fall, Micah will begin matriculation at Harvard Business School, where he will become a member of the class of 2025.
Micah received his education at Morehouse College as a proud Oprah Winfrey Scholar, earning Magna Cum Laude honors while securing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration.
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SMASH and Oprah Winfrey Scholars Programs
The AYCGL is home to the Oprah Winfrey and SMASH Scholars Programs. In addition to provided significant financial support, these programs provide academic support, mentoring, special events, and leadership training for Morehouse College students. The 2022-23 academic year was a special one and was full of opportunities for student engagement and growth.
SMASH Scholars Program 2022-2023
The Morehouse College SMASH Scholars Program supports STEM, Business, and Economics majors who are alumni of the SMASH Summer Program, a STEM-intensive college prep program for underrepresented students. The Morehouse SMASH Scholars Program provides financial support, social justice leadership development experiences, and academic advising to support academic success. During the 2022-23 academic year, the SMASH Scholars Program supported 14 juniors and 1 sophomore. Bi-weekly community meetings focused on strategies for success in college and in STEM. All SMASH scholars were required to attend a weekly SMASH Study Hall.
Two special events highlighted the year for SMASH scholars. On Thursday, February 9, 2023, SMASH scholars spent the afternoon at Microsoft Headquarters in downtown Atlanta. The scholars were hosted by the Director of University Relations and Morehouse alumnus, Kory Hawkins. After touring the facility and maker space labs, students benefited from a panel discussion and reception featuring Microsoft leaders representing a variety of divisions of the company.
The SMASH and Oprah Winfrey scholars launched their collaborative study experience featuring Ta-Nehisi Coates' book, The Water Dancer. Drs. David Wall Rice and Samuel Livingston supported students’ critical review of the book with an opportunity for scholars to understand and discuss the symbolism and key themes of the book. Scholars engaged in a discussion of the book that was informed by their experiences and Morehouse coursework.
Finally, on May 1, 2023, the SMASH Program held its end of year celebration. Scholars spent time bonding at Sandbox, enjoying a virtual reality experience while celebrating Amiri McKinnon and Daniel Fairfax, both of whom have completed their studies at Morehouse and will attend Purdue University and the University of Michigan, respectively, to complete their dual degree engineering programs.
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Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program 2022-23
The Morehouse College Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program continues to thrive thanks to generous gifts from Ms. Oprah Winfrey and the support of the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation. Ms. Winfrey’s gifts to Morehouse College, totaling $25 million, have supported the educations of over 750 Men of Morehouse and allowed hundreds to travel to South Africa as participants in the Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program. During the 2022-23 academic year, 51 Oprah Winfrey Scholars, including 13 freshmen, nine sophomores, 11 juniors, and 18 seniors, participated in the program.
The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program (OWSP) provides a scaffolded set of leadership development and service experiences for scholars. All students participated in monthly community-building activities and attended the Andrew Young Center’s Leadership Lecture Series. In addition to program-wide activities, sophomores, juniors, and seniors served our community through mentoring or academic coaching. Freshmen scholars participated in professional development sessions and social justice discussions. Sophomores participated in a professional development series focused on academic success and planning for graduate school, and seniors produced the More Conversations social justice podcast and created a capstone project.
Special events this year included the August 2022 Leadership Retreat, Martin Luther King Day of Service, Microsoft Headquarters Tour and Panel Discussion, and OWSP/SMASH Book Study. The year ended with the Program’s annual Graduation Celebration, a time for honoring graduating seniors and for seniors to share their senior capstone project.
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Oprah Winfrey Scholars - Serving the Community
Booker T. Washington High School
Booker T. Washington High School is located just blocks from the Morehouse College campus. The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program goal to develop community leaders through service makes our partnership with Washington High School ideal. The vision of Washington High School is to be "an inspired place where character is power, and the next generation of legacy builders are learning to impact and expand the beloved community locally and globally." Oprah Winfrey scholars make lasting impact as they tutor neighborhood high school students. At Booker T. Washington High School, Oprah Winfrey scholars serve as tutors and teaching assistants supporting classroom instruction.
@Promise Centers
The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program continued a successful partnership with @Promise Centers. @Promise is a multi-service community youth organization sponsored by the Atlanta Police Foundation. With several centers located on the westside of Atlanta, the centers provide wrap-around services to neighborhood youth, including an after-school program, GED preparation, and behavioral health services. Oprah Winfrey scholars supported three initiatives at the centers: At-Promise At-Work, a job readiness program focused on 18-24-year-olds, GED Prep for 18-24 year olds, and the after-school program. Scholars became part of the network of support offered by @Promise to youth in the “West End” of Atlanta, the neighborhood that is home to Morehouse College.
H.J. Russell West End Academy
During the 2022-23 academic year, the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program renewed its partnership with Russell West End Academy, our neighbor middle school, to offer academic support and mentoring to students at the school. Scholars provided in-class academic assistance and facilitated after-school activities. In the after-school programming, scholars launched two initiatives, Barbershop Talks and Fashion Club.
Barbershop Talks, facilitated by senior Oprah Winfrey scholars and led by Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program alum, Micah Holmes, focused on building relationships of substance and providing safe spaces for young men to discuss their lives. Barbershop Talks hosted special guests to support sessions on entrepreneurship, leadership, individuality, and maneuvering difficult conversations around race.
Fashion Club encouraged self-expression through style. Fashion Club engaged students in discussions about style and the notion of individuality expressed through clothing. Participants engaged in hand-on-workshops, such as screen-printing and sewing.
The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program is committed to empowering our neighbors in the West End of Atlanta and other local communities. The program partners with educational and other organizations to provide service experiences for Oprah Winfrey scholars that allow them to positively impact the community. During the 2022-2023 academic year, Oprah Winfrey sophomores, juniors, and seniors served at Booker T. Washington High School, @Promise Centers, and H.J. Russell West End Academy.
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Barbershop Talks at H.J. Russell West End Leadership Academy: Oprah Winfrey Scholars Support the Development of Young Men
By Torri Rodney, Senior Sociology Major
As men, more specifically young black men, the barbershop is a sacred place for us. It’s not just about the haircut; It is about the conversation, the experience, and the overall feeling of security whilst in such a space. As a young man, personally, I’ve had some of the most meaningful conversations in a barbershop. It is in most cases a place free of judgment and open to all concepts, ideas, and even transgressions.
With the support of the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program and Morehouse College graduate Micah Holmes, ’20, we were able to bring that experience to Russell West End Academy, a middle school about ½ mile from the Morehouse campus. We gathered 7th and 8th grade boys and simply had meaningful conversations about emotions, future aspirations and overall, just life. We found it important to have these conversations because in all honesty, when do they have the time to have these conversations. They are in class from 7-3 and usually frustrated shortly thereafter. Yes, studies are important, but it is also important to sit down and analyze the world as a whole and I believe we gave these young men the opportunity to do so. Also, to show a token of our commitment to the students, we donated a brand-new Xbox for the students to use after school. We believe in balance and the importance of being a well-rounded young man, tools instilled in us by Morehouse, that we can pass down to give the generation.
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Andrew Young Center’s Higher Educations in Prison Initiative
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The Higher Education in Prisons [AYC-HEP] Initiative provides support to a cohort of Faculty Teaching Affiliates who teach humanities courses at Burruss Prison, Metro Reentry, and the Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta. We also support students who serve as AYC-HEP Student Ambassadors. We believe that Morehouse, alongside other HBCUs, should lead the effort –as one of our scholars-in-residence put it–to democratize higher learning and extend its reach to every prison (see here). Morehouse faculty are presently teaching literature at Burruss (viz, Dr. Edwards), a book club on Daniel Black at Metro (viz., Dr. McClinton, philosophy at Metro (viz., Dr. Jensen), and ‘writing our personal narratives’ at the Federal Penitentiary (viz., Dr. Norment).
The benefits of higher education in prison are compelling. As a case in point, access to higher education drastically reduces recidivism rates: National rates of recidivism in the US are 76.6%; GA-DOC reports that “2 out of 3” released Georgians are back in prison within 5 years. But for those who receive college-level education, the rate drops significantly to 13.7%. For those who get a BA, and 5.6% for those who earned bachelor’s degrees. For those students who complete the cycle of courses that we teach, together with our partners at Common Good Atlanta, recidivism rates are below 1%. Prison education is intrinsically valuable because it honors the human dignity of the incarcerated person and because it provides a restorative path to psychosocial transformation.
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AYCGL Dream Keeper Mini-Grantee, Community Partner Spotlight
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Beautiful Scars, Inc is an Atlanta-based organization founded in 2016 by best-selling author, Brian Anderson who co-wrote, There's No Help without Mental Health: Men and Mental Health. Mr. Anderson is a Certified Peer Specialist with over thirty years in the Mental Health/Addictive Disease Field. The mission of Beautiful Scars is to “Come to us with open wounds, leave with Beautiful Scars.” Beautiful Scars provides outreach services (hygiene supplies, self-help literature, food, and clothing), to Atlanta’s unhoused community, women’s shelters, and church organizations. On April 22, 2023, Beautiful Scars Inc., in partnership with Boulevard SDA Church, sponsored a mental health awareness luncheon “5-7-9 Covered in Darkness.”
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Yoga and Mindfulness on the Green
On May 4th, Morehouse College hosted an event in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. The event was a collaboration between the Sustainable Green x Intimacy vs. Isolation and Gentilly Yoga Studio led by Founder Bre, featuring a combination of yoga, sound healing, and an intimate conversation on the importance of mental health. The event concluded with an informative walk through the campus greenhouse led by activist Shadeed Abdul-Salaam (Core2Globe). The event provided a safe space for the community to come together and focus on healing. The event was specifically designed to promote relaxation and well-being for students, staff, and administration in the Atlanta University Center (AUC) community. One of the event organizers, DJ Hairston, Social Justice Health Scholar affiliate, stated that self-care is an essential part of academic and life success, and we want to provide a safe space for individuals to connect with themselves and others.
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R2ISE Community Drumming Circle
Research has demonstrated that drumming can improve mental health by decreasing anxiety and depression. Group drumming and drum circles are particularly beneficial for social cohesion. AYCGL community partner, R2ISE to Recovery, hosted a community drum circle to promote mental health and community engagement on Saturday, May 6th. Jhytae Coleman, senior psychology major and Social Justice Health Scholar Intern has interned at R2ISE during the spring semester including gaining experience facilitating group sessions.
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Upcoming Events and Opportunities
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May 15 – 29, 2023: Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program. Oprah Winfrey scholars will participate in a transformative experience in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, South Africa. The experience will include meetings with community leaders and 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 15 – 29, 2023: South Africa Social Justice Experience. The AYCGL’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. Students will have an opportunity to visit Johannesburg, Soweto, Durban, and Cape Town, South Africa.
June 20 - 24, 2023: Morehouse College will be the first historically Black college/university to host the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA) Biennial Conference. This year’s theme is “Where do we go from here: Dreaming new community futures.” The SCRA Biennial Conference draws together SCRA and other community members from around the world to engage in stimulating conversations about recent developments in community research and action. The conference will provide attendees with a special opportunity to exchange ideas and resources, forge new collaborations, connect with old friends, and deepen knowledge and skills.
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AYC-HEP Faculty and Student Opportunities: Applications are now open for the 2023/2024 cohort of Andrew Young Center - Higher Education in Prisons [AYC-HEP] Faculty Teaching Affiliates and Student Ambassadors. Applications are due on June 16th, 2023. For more information, contact Professor Kipton Jensen (kipton.jensen@morehouse.edu).
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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 Coca Cola, Bank of America, Ms. Oprah Winfrey and the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, the SMASH Foundation, Delta Airlines, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, the Julian Grace Foundation, Cigna Foundation, and the RAND Corporation. We wish to thank these donors for their sustained support of the AYCGL.
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