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> Founder's week | a candle in the dark 2026
A Candle in the Dark 2026 Honorees
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.
The Honorees
We look forward to reconnecting with the Morehouse philanthropic community for this exciting event on Saturday, February. 14, 2026, when Morehouse adds six outstanding recipients to an influential and iconic list of Bennie and Candle honorees!
2026 Bennie Awards Honorees
The Benjamin Elijah Mays “Bennie” Award, one of the highest honors that Morehouse bestows on its alumni, is named for one of the College’s most revered Presidents, Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, who served from 1940 to 1967. His legacy lives on in the College’s international stature and in the success of its alumni.
James L. Hudson '61
Attorney, academic lecturer, and venture capitalist; former U.S. Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and former chair of the Morehouse College Board of Trustees.
Willie Woods ’85
President & CEO of ICV Partners; retiring chair of the Morehouse College Board of Trustees.
Dr. Willie Underwood III ’88
Urological surgeon and president-elect of the American Medical Association.
2026 Candle Awards Honorees
For 155 years, Morehouse College has been a beacon of light and a source of knowledge to the global community. The Candle Award recognizes outstanding non-alumni who are exemplary in their professions and are committed to excellence, community service, and leadership, which are the values taught at Morehouse College.
Eric G. Johnson
Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and financial & economic inclusion advocate.
Dr. Robert L. Satcher
Orthopedic surgeon, chemical engineer, medical & space pioneer, and first Black male physician in space.
Malcolm D. Lee
Acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and producer.