Skip to content
    Candle-In-The-Dark
    Home > Events > Signature events > Founder's week

    Founder’s Week

    A robust week of activities blends the past, present, and the future with events designed to engage Morehouse College students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters. Events include the annual Founder’s Day Convocation, cake-cutting, Reflections of Excellence, and the A Candle in the Dark Gala.

    Celebrating Morehouse's History

    “Et Facta Est Lux.” On February 14, 1867, rays of light emerged from intellectual darkness when Morehouse College was founded as the Augusta Institute by the Rev. William Jefferson White.

    Morehouse College was founded as Augusta Institute on February 14, 1867 at Springfield Baptist Church in Augusta, GA by the Rev. William Jefferson White, with the Rev. Richard C. Coulter and the Rev. Edmund Turney. Since that time, Morehouse has become an iconic institution in higher learning, recognized globally for its impact in producing leaders who create systemic societal change.  

    2025-Candle-In-The-Dark-Gala-Flyer-web-final
    the 37th Annual

    "A Candle In The Dark" Gala

    The “A Candle in the Dark” Gala is an exceptional evening of elegance and achievement celebrated annually in February during the College’s Founder’s Week observance.

    On Saturday, February 15, 2025, Morehouse will commemorate its 157th year of educating and developing extraordinary leaders. Held at the majestic Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, the VIP Reception commences at 6:00 p.m. with the Gala following at 7:30 p.m. We hope that you will join us!

    February 11-16, 2025

    Founder’s Week Schedule

    This year's Founder's Week events run from Tuesday, February 11 thru Sunday, February 16, 2025. See details below and check back for updates to this section.

    our house 2025
    OUR HOUSE: A Celebration of Faculty Achievement

    DATE: Tues., Feb 11 @ 4:30 PM
    PLACE: Ray Charles Performing Arts Center (RAYPAC)

    georgia-capitol
    Morehouse Day at the Capitol

    DATE: Wed., February 12 at 9:00 AM
    PLACE: Georgia State Capitol

    Play-The Meeting-flyer-web-card-v2
    PLAY: The Meeting: ML King Jr. Meets Malcolm X

    DATE: Wed., February 12 @ 4:30 PM
    PLACE: Ray Charles Performing Arts Center (RAYPAC)

    Get Free Tickets
    Convocation-1
    158th Founder’s Day Convocation

    DATE: Thurs., Feb 13 @ 10:45 AM
    Speaker: Prof. Ronald S. Sullivan Jr. ’89, Harvard University School of Law

    One of Morehouse’s most revered traditions in which the Morehouse family stops to reflect on its founding and impact on the future.

    Learn More
    Cake-Cutting-ceremony-web-card-v1
    Cake Cutting Ceremony

    DATE: Thurs., Feb 13 @ 12:30 PM
    PLACE: Chivers Dining Hall

    bbb trailer 300x184
    FILM: Belonging Beyond Brown

    DATE: Thurs., Feb 13 @ 7:00 PM
    PLACE: Ray Charles Performing Arts Center (RAYPAC)

    Following the film's premiere, a reception and post-discussion will occur.

    Register to Attend
    Love-jones-300x184
    Recommended: Things to Do in Atlanta, etc.

    DATE: Fri., Feb. 14 @ 7:00 PM
    PLACE: Bank of America Auditorium

    Join us for a special Valentine's Day presentation of the classic 90s film, "Love Jones", celebrating Black love & cinema.

     

    Purchase Tickets
    Reflections of Excellence-1
    Reflections of Excellence

    DATE: Sat., Feb. 15 @ 11:00 AM
    MODERATOR: Trymaine D. Lee of MSNBC
    PLACE: Ray Charles Performing Arts Center (RAYPAC)

    The Reflections of Excellence program brings together trailblazers receiving Benjamin Elijah Mays “Bennie” Awards and Candle Awards in 2024 for their achievements as leaders in their fields.

    CITD Gala-1
    A Candle in the Dark Gala

    DATE: Sat., Feb. 15 @ 7:30 PM

    The “A Candle in the Dark” Gala has become one of the nation’s premier events to celebrate African American achievement and raise much-needed scholarship funds for deserving students.

    NOTE: This event is SOLD OUT

    Learn More
    activities-and-clubs_glee-club-need-from-raftermen
    Morehouse Glee Club Concert

    DATE: Sun., Feb 16 @ 3:00 PM
    PLACE: Ray Charles Performing Arts Center (RAYPAC)

    Vesper Service-1
    Founder’s Week Sunday Vesper Service

    DATE: Sun., Feb. 16 @ 5:30 PM
    SPEAKER: Rev. Willie D. Francois III '09, M.Div., D.Min.

    Founder’s Week concludes with a celebration of the Gospel. 

    Additional Information

    SWAG-1
    Get SWAG

    Purchase SWAG from the Morehouse Bookstore.

    Purchase Morehouse Gear
    Hotel Accommodations 2-1
    Hotel Accommodations

    Hyatt Regency Atlanta has been the longtime partner and supporter of Morehouse College’s ‘A Candle in the Dark’ Gala. Click the link below for the special Candle Weekend rate.

    CHECK AVAILABILITY

    Meet The Team

    The Office of External Relations and Alumni Engagement

    Henry M. Goodgame Jr. headshot
    Henry M. Goodgame Jr. '84

    Vice President, The Office of External Relations and Alumni Engagement
    Chair, Morehouse College Founders Week Steering Committee

     

    Email Henry
    Katina Henderson-Hawkins headshot
    Katina Henderson-Hawkins

    Director of Parent Engagement, Community Partnerships and Event Sponsorships

    Email Katina
    Joe Carlos headshot
    Joe Carlos III, MBA '04

    Director of Alumni Engagement, Programming and Events

    Email Joe
    founders-week-team-headshot-kennard-garrett
    Kennard Garrett '01

    Director of Multimedia and Virtual Events Operations Manager, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center

    Email Kennard
    Kim Brown headshot
    Kim Brown

    Alumni Engagement Coordinator

    Email Kim
    Klara Wesley headshot
    Klara Wesley

    Executive Administrative Assistant

    Email Klara