Morehouse Whiz Kid

Causing a Stir: 13-Year-Old Dominates College

At thirteen years of age, Stephen Stafford is causing quite a stir at Morehouse College. Stafford has a triple major in pre-med, math and computer science. Though he loves playing video games and playing his drum set, he is no typical teenager.

“I’ve never taught a student as young as Stephen, and it’s been amazing,” said computer science professor Sonya Dennis. “He’s motivating other students to do better and makes them want to step up their game.”

Stafford began his college career at the age of 11, after being home-schooled by his mother. Stafford’s mother said that when Stafford began to teach her instead of being taught by her, she knew he needed to be in a college environment.

Now THAT’S what I’m talking about. Stephen Stafford, in my opinion, represents exactly what black men are about: Intelligence, ambition and high academic achievement. This is not to disrespect men in other walks of life, but the truth is that you will never see Stephen Stafford’s accomplishments promoted like a rap music video.

We must, as a community, applaud and uphold this young man. We must cheer for him as if he averages 40 points a game. We should converse about his achievements as if he had released a platinum hip-hop album. He should get the same respect as every linebacker, point guard or hip-hop artist in America.

Corporate America will not blow Stephen’s trumpet, but I will. I also want all the other Stephen Staffords to make themselves seen. There are hundreds of thousands of Stephen Staffords out there who’ve been convinced by a culture of thuggery that they should do their best to hide their greatness. Rather than acing math class, they’ve been taught to measure grams and kilos or to memorize football playbooks that are 100pages thick. Our young men can analyze the triangle offense in basketball and break down a nickel defense, but then become mentally deficient when it comes to doing algebra, science and social studies. The time for mediocrity is over, since education is the key to making your dreams come true. Sports only creates more nightmares.

By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Jan 13th 2010 7:45PM

No do-rags, heels, hoods or grillz on campus

Many in Atlanta, Georgia are in an uproar over Morehouse College's newly published dress code, calling it homophobic and racist. We all know that saggy butt pants need to go away; and if you watch the Real Housewives of Atlanta, you know that there are some brothers down in the ATL, who loves some heels and a purse. So, I don't doubt that Morehouse needs to put something like this in place.

If this was your standard state school imposing this dress code, could it be considered racist? Perhaps. Is the policy homophobic for banning the wearing of women's clothing? Possibly. However, Morehouse is an all male, historically black, private institution, of higher learning and if you can't get with the dress code - you shouldn't be there.

Personally, I think this dress code is right on point. Somebody needs to make it clear that you need to present yourself in a certain way to be accepted by society. Thank you Morehouse.

The Morehouse Dress Code
It is our expectation that students who select Morehouse do so because of the College’s outstanding legacy of producing leaders. On the campus and at College-sponsored events and activities, students at Morehouse College will be expected to dress neatly and appropriately at all times.

Students who choose not to abide by this policy will be denied admission into class and various functions and services of the College if their manner of attire is inappropriate. Examples of inappropriate attire and/or appearance include but are not limited to:

1. No caps, do-rags and/or hoods in classrooms, the cafeteria, or other indoor venues. This policy item does not apply to headgear considered as a part of religious or cultural dress.

2. Sun glasses or “shades” are not to be worn in class or at formal programs, unless medical documentation is provided to support use.

3. Decorative orthodontic appliances (e.g. “grillz”) be they permanent or removable, shall not be worn on the campus or at College-sponsored events.

4. Jeans at major programs such as, Opening Convocation, Commencement, Founder’s Day or other programs dictating professional, business casual attire, semi-formal or formal attire.

5. Clothing with derogatory, offense and/or lewd messages either in words or pictures.

6. Top and bottom coverings should be work at all times. No bare feet in public venues.

7. No sagging–the wearing of one’s pants or shorts low enough to reveal undergarments or secondary layers of clothing.

8. Pajamas, shall not be worn while in public or in common areas of the College.

9. No wearing of clothing associated with women’s garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at College-sponsored events.

10. Additional dress regulations may be imposed upon students participating in certain extracurricular activities that are sponsored or organized by the College (e.g. athletic teams, the band, Glee Club, etc).

11. The college reserves the right to modify this policy as deemed appropriate.

*All administrative, faculty, students and support staff members are asked to assist in enforcing this policy and may report disregard or violations to the Office of Student Conduct.”

Morehouse College graduates 400

For those who are unfamiliar with Morehouse College, it is a private, all-male, historically black college located in Atlanta, Georgia. Morehouse is also the alma mater of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is one of four remaining traditional men’s colleges in the United States. In 2008, Morehouse had its first white valedictorian in 141 years of existence.

From the Morehouse website:

Amid lamentations about the dearth of black men in higher education, in 2006 Morehouse graduated its largest class ever - nearly 600 educated African American men. No other institution in the world can match this impressive number.

Read more here...