Morehouse College, founded 155 years ago, is the #4 ranked among Historically Black Colleges and Universities. With a rich history and legacy, Morehouse is among the most prestigious schools standing out through its values, brotherhood, and academic excellence.

Friday, September 16th, UD2s and SYs from St.Benedicts Preparatory hosted neighboring schools within the likes of Arts High School, Eagle Academy, Newark Vocational, etc for presentations given by Morehouse College and Spelman College. Prominent figures within our communities such as Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Vice President of student services at Morehouse as well as, St.Benedicts Alumni Kevin Booker 87’ were in attendance.
To solemnly welcome the guests, the day began with convocation in the auditorium. In its commencement, the words to the daily songs of affirmation were propped above on the screen for the visitors to sing along. Energy began to rise once the renowned songs “Stay Up”, and “Love People” were sung in unison by the students and transitioned directly into the word of affirmation now traditionally given by Jakeem Hayden (SY).

“Turn to your neighbor and say I love you! You’re worth it!”

Once those opening words were released into the crowd, students filled with adrenaline and joy screamed to their brothers and sisters. Once concluded, the rhythmic clapping began giving a beat and setting the stage for Khalil Eubanks (UD2) to dance. Khalil sent shockwaves through the auditorium as students and faculty from all schools in attendance cheered. Then a student from Newark Vocational joined in on the action and went head to head with Khalil which sent the crowd through the roof. To end off convocation in a fashionable manner Issac Buyundo (SY) ran to the stage and hit a superhero-like backflip which sent the auditorium into an uproar.

Morehouse faced some difficulty regarding their transportation to the school which led to a late arrival. So as students waited, a movie called “Drumline” was put on in the auditorium. Then suddenly all the lights went out, and murmurs floated around questioning what was going on. Morehouse had arrived and immediately had the audience captivated. The three pillars of success were thoroughly explained with an astounding display of public speaking fluency. Their commanding presence only contributed more to the gratifying three concepts of academic excellence, integrity, and respect.

Joshua Johnson UD2 expressed his newfound interest in Morehouse saying, “Prior to the visit I wasn’t familiar with what HBCUs provided but what Morehouse produces resonated with me. It is really similar to Benedicts in the sense that they teach us, young men of color, to embrace our brothers and build each other up, the unity stood out to me.”
Despite having to give a shortened version of their usual presentation, Morehouse College left an everlasting impression on the students and faculty in attendance. Following the presentations, both Morehouse and Benedicts students interacted and built new relationships over lunch but the day was far from over. Since the students of Morehouse did not have an opportunity to experience morning convocation with the community, an afterschool convo was called to give them a taste of what it is all about.

As everyone gathered in the Shanley Gymnasium, convo kicked off with a bang. The songs were sung with the utmost pride in unison and flowed into an exchange of school songs from Benedicts and Morehouse. Senior Group Leader William Register (SY) called for the community to sing “Boola Boola!” and “Garnet and Gray” which put the connection within the community together on display perfectly. Morehouse followed with a song of their own called “Dear Old Morehouse”, each brother’s arms and hands locked with another, paying homage to the place they call home.

Kevin Booker 87’ who was making a return to Benedicts had this to say about coming back to his roots, “For me coming back home is inspiring. It makes me remember all the times we’ve had in terms of how we support our brothers and now ladies. It also made me realize how much we impact our community through unity.”
Unity is key to the flourishment of our community. Morehouse similarly to St.Benedicts takes pride in their brotherhood. They provide a platform for young men of color to be in positions of leadership and affirm their identity. Through accountability and shared adversity from challenges, the bonds built within these schools will be carried far beyond their graduation.

Mark Nichols, the 91st Student Government Association President spoke to the significance of what Benedicts and Morehouse provide saying, “Morehouse very similar to St.Benedicts has a tight-knit culture. The college does a very good job of not only uplifting the students but cultivating us through challenges in a manner that is the becoming of a Morehouse man.”

Both St.Benedicts and Morehouse rich in history all ingrain the concept of becoming a man of their community into the students. It is learned that you must rely on your brothers for guidance in times of need because external support from the community is the driving force. Community when unified is bound for success.
As Kevin Booker said, “Morehouse is a candlelight in the night, Benedicts is that for Newark.”