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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.

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

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

PLAY: The Meeting: ML King Jr. Meets Malcolm X
DATE: Wed., February 12 @ 4:30 PM
PLACE: Ray Charles Performing Arts Center (RAYPAC)

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.

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

FILM: Belonging Beyond Brown
Register to Attend
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.

Recommended: Things to Do in Atlanta, etc.
Purchase Tickets
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.

Reflections of Excellence
DATE: Sat., Feb. 15 @ 11:00 AM
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.

A Candle in the Dark Gala
Learn More
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.

Morehouse Glee Club Concert
DATE: Sun., Feb 16 @ 3:00 PM
Ray Charles Performing Arts Center (RAYPAC)

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


Hotel Accommodations
CHECK AVAILABILITY
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.
Meet The Team
The Office of External Relations and Alumni Engagement

Henry M. Goodgame Jr. '84
Email Henry
Vice President, The Office of External Relations and Alumni Engagement
Chair, Morehouse College Founders Week Steering Committee

Katina Henderson-Hawkins
Email Katina
Director of Parent Engagement, Community Partnerships and Event Sponsorships


Kennard Garrett '01
Email Kennard
Director of Multimedia and Virtual Events Operations Manager, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center

