"And there was light" as HUD Southeast Region Administrator Denise Cleveland-Leggett meets with Morehouse College Students

Morehouse College students from the Race, Gender and Prison Course interacted in an open discussion with HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Denise Cleveland-Leggett on campus recently exchanging views about recidivism, reentry, affordable housing, gentrification, homlessness and their own goals and aspirations for the future. Dr. Dinead Younge, instructor and faculty advisor hosted the activity recognizing the need for her students to receive broad exposure to learning experiences firsthand from professionals from many different fields of endeavor.

"It is always a pleasure to engage and dialogue with future leaders such as those found at Morehouse College as it is an extraordinary institution of higher education where personal and professional development light the way for a better tomorrow," said Cleveland-Leggett. "Morehouse Colleges motto "And there was light" resonates throughout these historic halls and especially in the lives of each and every student here."

Cleveland-Leggett concluded the session by sharing her interpretation and vision as it relates to the future as she explained the impact and power derived from the poem by poet Emily Dickinson entitled "I dwell in possibility". She related that dwelling in possibility transcends just living in possibility but rather it is far more encompassing and consuming and denotes a drive and sense of purpose that will help them truly be difference makers.

"The mission of Morehouse College (www.morehouse.edu) is to develop men with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service. A private historically black liberal arts college for men, Morehouse realizes this mission by emphasizing the intellectual and character development of its students. In addition, the College assumes special responsibility for teaching the history and culture of black people. Morehouse is the world’s only HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) for men. It has produced four Rhodes Scholars, several college presidents, and leaders in many other fields. According to the National Science Foundation, Morehouse is the nation’s top producer of black males who continue their education and receive doctorates. The National Science Foundation also ranked Morehouse as the No. 1 producer of black men who receive doctorates in education, life and physical sciences, math and computer sciences, psychology and social sciences, as well as humanities and the arts. Morehouse currently has more than 17,000 alumni representing more than 40 states and 14 countries." Morehouse College.

Morehouse College students with HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Denise Cleveland-Leggett (center) along with Shea Johnson, HUD Georgia Director of Operations(back row far right) and Dr Dinead Younge, Morehouse College (far right front row)

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