I’m often asked if I pledged a fraternity in college. My flip answer is usually, “No, but Morehouse was enough!”
Recently I was reminded just how accurate that statement actually is.
Last month Morehouse’s Candle in the Dark gala was held in Atlanta, and my brother Jim Shelton was honored with a Bennie Award for Excellence in Achievement for his many continuing accomplishments in education reform and innovation. Not only did my six other best friends join me to celebrate with Jim, but, as the evening came to a close, 500 of my Morehouse brothers formed a circle and joined hands, right over left, to sing in baritone harmony the college hymn, “Dear Old Morehouse!”
“Dear old Morehouse, dear old Morehouse, we have pledged our lives to thee…”This weekend experience was a heartwarming reminder of excellence and fraternity. But it’s just a representation.
This fraternity formed in 1867, and since that time students have had to pledge for (at least) four years to become Morehouse men. If we’re honest, we can admit that the facilities aren’t the finest and her sports programs aren’t the calling card. The food isn’t’ the greatest and the technology is not cutting edge. Yet, the product quality, generation after generation, cannot be denied.
Morehouse produces men of character who are capable of being leaders in their field – and who strive to do just that.
It’s the intention and effort to be conscious of the challenges of our communities, to be connected to the creator, and to grow tall enough to wear the crown that is placed above our heads which is a part of the pledge process. And it is the conviction that not failure, but low aim, that is sin, which makes a man of the ‘House a Morehouse Man.
I was reminded of that on this recent Founders Day weekend.
My friends came by car and plane from all areas of the country to toast. His success is our own. His example is celebrated, but it was our celebration as much as it was his, and the weekend’s events provided all of us with the inspiration, reminder, support and motivation to continue in pursuit of our own callings. The joy we take in Jim’s achievements is what makes us brothers – fraternity brothers.
Turns out that I did pledge a fraternity in college, and Morehouse is more than enough.
Et facta est lux. And #DBTE.
Congratulations Jim!