top of page

"We are only as strong as the men we produce."

learning221

Greetings Fellow Morehouse Men,


…During my rebirth at Morehouse College, I took time to reflect upon what had happened

in my life over the past four years. For months I thought about how much my

story could be a blessing to thousands. The second day of New Student Orientation, I

was informed that my son, Elijah, was to be born into this world. Four years and nearly

80,000 miles later, I graduated on time, founded an organization—Morehouse Education

Association—and have made plans for my son to live with me. Anything is possible.


… We as black men, regardless of biological origin, are responsible for our boys. It is our

duty to train up the next generation, yet we have cashed in our obligation for the burden of

lost souls and a wayward generation. Black boys nationwide graduate at 47 percent, but we

only represent 2 percent of the teacher population. There is a clear understanding that we,

the affluent black male role model, have allowed others to control our fate.


Carlton R. Collins with Secretary Arne Duncan (Department of Education) and 10th Morehouse President Dr. Robert M. Franklin to launch the TEACH Campaign.
Carlton R. Collins with Secretary Arne Duncan (Department of Education) and 10th Morehouse President Dr. Robert M. Franklin to launch the TEACH Campaign.

While matriculating, I realized that no matter how grand our alumni are or the amount

of accolades that are acquired, we are only as strong as the men we attract and the men we

produce. For the sons of Mother Morehouse to turn their backs on their little brothers is

contemptuous, to say the least. To think that all of these stars in various fields have forgotten

the most important part of the Morehouse pedigree: “I’ve got my brother’s back.”

Our sixth president, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, is quoted saying, “It isn’t a disgrace not to

reach the stars, it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for.”


Our boys are watching the stars, but they are all hip-hop artists, entertainers, and drug

dealers. We should be ashamed of ourselves for watching this occur and turning a blind eye.

Does an entertainer have greater influence than you? Is his fictional message of unadulterated indulgence more persuasive than a man who extends himself to love a child? I refuse to believe so. I cannot accept that from my elder brothers whom I admire so much.

So I began thinking about what we, Morehouse Men, have to offer these boys. The

answer I came upon was hope and options. We all decided upon different routes to achieve

success, but it is not often we pass this message on.


I want to launch a campaign called “A Black Man Can.” Through video we compile

a roll of Morehouse Men who have achieved success and have them state their profession

i.e. Shelton “Spike” Lee ’79 “A black man can become a world-class filmmaker.” With this

campaign we can produce an array of positive black male images that have never been seen

before in this country.


Morehouse College is the light of the world, and we wholeheartedly believe that. It is our

time to give our boys stars to reach for. It is time to shine our light on the masses…. There is

no shortage of stars in the sky, but there are very few directions on how to reach them.


“Et facta est lux.”


This article was released in Morehouse Magazine in 2012. Proof of the assignment to develop Black men has been unwavering for decades.

4 views0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating

Be The Change

Training learners to lead lives of consequence by developing skills that help them become influential in real life.

Chase Your Dreams

Encouraging learners to find their passions and unlock their purpose to lead a life of consequence and impact.

Feed Your Mind

Teaching learners to create, find, and secure knowledge that will help them improve the outcomes in your life.

Leave Your Mark

Inspring learners to focus their energy on producing sustainable outcomes that build their brands and legacies.

bottom of page