Morehouse College has announced the celebration of its 157th anniversary with its annual Founder's Week commemoration activities, reflecting on the history and legacy of the College by honoring the work and lives of current industry and community changemakers. The culminating "A Candle in the Dark" Awards Gala, presented by JME Group, recognizes outstanding alumni and non-alumni honorees who are exemplary in their professions and communities, exhibiting a commitment to leadership, excellence, and service. The Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays "Bennie" Award, named for one of the College's most revered presidents, is among Morehouse's highest alumni honors. This year's Bennie and Candle honorees include:  

Bennie Awards 

• Leadership: Dale E. Jones ’82 – CEO, Magna Vista Partners; Morehouse College Trustee 

• Service: The Rev. Dr. Aaron L. Parker '75 – Pastor, Zion Hill Baptist Church, Associate Professor in the Philosophy and Religion Department at Morehouse College 

• Achievement: John David Washington ’06 – Golden Globe-Nominated Actor and Producer 

 Candle Awards 

• Lifetime Achievement in Business and Philanthropy: Raymond J. McGuire – CEO of Lazard  

• Achievement in Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy: Mack Wilbourn – Owner and President of Mack II, Inc., Entrepreneur, Community Leader, Philanthropist 

Premier events of the week are highlighted below; the full schedule of events can be found at morehouse.edu/founders-week.  

• Founders Day Convocation: Thursday, February 15, 10:45 a.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel with Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, Ph.D., J.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, leading the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the United States Department of Agriculture.  

• Soul Symphony Concert: Friday, February 16, 2024, 8:00 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel featuring Stephanie Mills, Eric Roberson, Avery Sunshine & Rhonda Thomas 

• Reflections of Excellence: Saturday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m. at Bank of America Auditorium with the 2024 Bennie and Candle Award honorees to discuss their lives, pathways to success, and outlook on contemporary issues with a student audience.

• The 36th Annual "A Candle in the Dark" Awards Gala: Saturday, February 17, 6:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta  

• The Morehouse College Glee Club Concert: Sunday, February 18, 3:00 p.m. at the Emma and Joe Adams Performance Hall in the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center 

• Vesper Hour Worship Service: Sunday, February 18, 5:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel featuring Rev. Dr. Rashad Raymond Moore '12, pastor at First Baptist Church of Crown Heights.  

For a complete list of Founder's Week activities and to purchase tickets for the 36th Annual "A Candle in the Dark" Gala, visit morehouse.edu/founders-week. Morehouse Employees can visit morehouse.edu/gala for special-rate Gala tickets.