“Over the heads of her students, Morehouse holds a crown that she challenges them to grow tall enough to wear.”
Last Monday, the day that we annually set aside to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr, I hosted a brunch sponsored by The Morehouse College Manhattan Alumni Association at Harlem’s (relatively) new Red Rooster restaurant on 125 and Lennox. Oddly, Lennox is also known as Malcolm X boulevard, but that is neither here nor there.
What an honor. Truly. I have spent the last few years hosting ceremonies, after parties, concerts, roasts and conferences all around the world, but I have to admit I was a little nervous about this one. It was mostly because I was afraid that I might miss the series of flights that had been coordinated by my assistant(s) to ensure that I make it back and forth across the country. See, the Saturday before I flew to Los Angeles to host and stage manage Janelle Monae’s performance at the Golden Globes. The performance, which took place on Sunday night began at 9:30. Well, it was scheduled to begin at 9:30, but due to an unexpected bass amp malfunction seconds before I was to cue MC Lyte to fade down her set so that I could bring Jane up, the performance didn’t begin until close to 9:45. I had a flight to catch out of LAX at 11:25. I made it. Thanks be to God.
Torian Robinson ’04
After landing at 7:45am, I skirted over to my Harlem hostile (thanks Nap) switched suitcases, changed capes and made it over to Red Rooster in time to be briefed on my hosting duties. There is something about speaking in front of my peers that brings out the best in me. And, so that you know, by peers I mean Morehouse Men of ALL ages and stages in life. Including, my pastor Pastor Mike Walrond Jr ’93 [pictured at right]. I mean how do you command the attention of so many great men who have come to honor a man we hold in the highest regard? With poise and a vintage knit light rose colored travelers tie and some stinging one liners.
The guests included the Manhattan borough President, Congressman Charlie Rangel [pictured below] and the “mayor of Harlem” Torian Robinson. Special thanks to Davon Snipes and Darin Hicks [pictured above] for the invite, Jason Smith for the recommendation and Joe Carlos for answering that 6am text. Until next year, may we all strive to grow tall enough to wear the crown that Howard Thurman ’23 placed far above our heads.
Hosts Note: Immediately after the brunch, I grabbed my carry-on and my Tumi briefcase from the coat check and caught a cab to Cancun…for work.
-George A. Peters, II ’04
Me and the Congressman
ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY JON GENIUS
For The Amsterdam News article on the brunch click here
Trayvon Martin in Social Media | on 
Alice George on 
LMoney21 on 
Auro D on 
mstygerlily on 
