The 2009 Morehouse Student Government Association Elections have begun. SGA elections at Morehouse are filled with the most interesting campaign slogans, gimmicks and cut throat debates. Candidates literally run their campaigns similar to real political elections. I’m supporting candidates who are individuals who I think will best serve Morehouse next fall. These candidates are individuals who have demonstrated their love for Morehouse as well as their ability to be a effective leader. This surely has been a great experience. 
Election day is April 20th, 2009.
MOREHOUSE 2009 SGA ELECTIONS
Staying at Morehouse yet will miss Bates
- Morehouse Students from Philadelphia attend church together
I decided to extend my studies at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Last semester I began to develop great relationships with students and increase my involvement with organizations at Morehouse. Therefore, I thought it would be best to stay another semester. Also, I had this feeling that Morehouse would continue to help me develop a heightened social conscious as well as excellent personal development skills. I also happen to love it here too.
I must admit, I will miss many aspects of Bates while away.
Top 5
5) International Dinner: A time when international students prepare meals for the entire campus community from their homeland. The food is delicious and learning about food from different cultures can be intellectually stimulating and of course nourishing!
4) Amandla!: The Black student organization typically conducts an annual symposium on a particular issue concerning people of African Descent.
3) The Society of African American Studies: This organization is a developing organization at Bates. I serve as the moderator and upon my return to Bates in the fall 2009, I plan to work with other students to initiate a campus newsletter that provide a forum for student of African Americans Studies to publish their work and the newsletter will promote events and achievements from faculty and students within the African American Studies program.
2) People: The warm hospitality of faculty, administrators and staff at Bates who are always willing to make sure you are most comfortable academically and personally
1) MLK DAY: My most favorite time at Bates. Honestly it is.This is when the entire campus community is invited to come out to participate in workshops, forums and performances celebrating the life of Dr. King.
Brother Phillips
Winter Break 2008 Recap
- Anthony A. phillips and members of Youth Action’s Executive Board at the 2008 Youth Action College Networking Event
Its been a while since the last time I wrote, however, there is no better time to write then the present. My break was exhilarating and relaxing. Immediately upon my return home, I began work with my non-profit organization Youth Action on our annual toy drive, college networking event, and Christmas arts and crafts with kids at homeless shelters. I also attended events organized by the Morehouse’s Alumni Association and students who attend colleges within the Atlanta University Center. I attended a reception with Morehouse alumni and a bowling and church outing with students of the AUC. In addition, I attended a Board of Directors meeting for a non-profit called Spark the Wave, which works to ignite young people to become volunteers in their community through summer enrichment programs.
I received much guidance and support on summer internships and graduate school planning from Bates professors Charles Nero in the Rhetoric and Theatre Department and American Cultural and African Americans Studies program; Rebecca Herzig in the Women and Gender Studies program. In addition, Czerny Brasuell in the Bates Multicultural Center provided much support as well. Its great that you can call on great people at Bates to help you even over break.
Happy New Year
Brother Phillips
Friends and I rejoice after serving at Chosen 300 Soup Kitchen in Philadelphia on Christmas Eve
Youth Action member Erica at YA's arts and crafts event with children at the Eliza Shirley House in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Morehouse Alumni Association Recpetion
The Historical Victory: Celebrated in The Atlanta University Center
Standing in awe over the news that Barack Obama has been elected the 44th President of the United States of America with students and President Robert M. Franklin of Morehouse College
Tuesday November 4th, 2008 will be a day I will never forget. That day I got up early to head over to Morehouse College’s Archer Hall to vote for the next President of the United States of America.
I stood in line for three hours. I was nervous. This was the first time I have ever voted and I had prayed that the person I had decided to vote for would win. I couldn’t believe that I casted my ballot for an African American candidate for president. I voted for Barack Obama, a Black man and a person I believe could lead our country in the right moral and social path for at least the next 4 yrs. Never in my lifetime could I have imagined a Black person having a legitimate chance of becoming President of the United States of America.
Later that evening, I gathered with students from around the Atlanta University Center to observe the 2008 presidential election results. There were watch parties at Clark Atlanta, Spelman and Morehouse. However, I viewed the election results with students from Morehouse in Fredrick Douglass Hall. Upon hearing the results that Barack Obama will become the 44th President of the United States of America, myself and many other students at Morehouse moved into tears of joy, immense excitement, and pride. Each Black student stood in disbelief coupled with a personal story on how much this election meant to them. Students at Morehouse began to sing “Give me that OoooBAMA spirit” a remix version of one of Morehouse’s college hymms, “Ol Morehouse Spirit.” For this historical evening, I could have never dreamed a day when a Black man could receive so much support from so many races and earn the position of highest office in our country. This is truly amazing. I couldnt have asked for a better setting to have witness the results of the presidential election than Morehouse. I celebrated this election with socially conscious African American brothers who like me personally understood the deep meaning behind this election for people of African descent. Later into the evening, hundreds of emotional students filed the campus singing, dancing, praying, yelling, calling their parents/grandparents, and chatting on what this period in history meant to them. Sounds of the night included “I cant believe our President is Black”… “I love this country”… “Thank YOU LORD”…”He WON”…”WE WON”.
For me, this moment in history, proved to be the first time in my life that I had ever been so proud to be an American. As the President of Morehouse College, Dr. Robert Franklin, “Black people did not make this victory happen alone.” He reminded us that there was a collective effort among everyone from all racial, religious, social and economic backgrounds that made Obama’s victory possible. The implications of this election for Black males means that our nation will now have a national public symbol of a Black male who defies all stereotypes that have been traditionally linked to us. Moreover, with Obama’s victory I began to see the true possibilities for America. I have always believed in the possibilities for America’s advancement, yet I can now confirm that here in America anything can happen.
Praise God!
Yours in the struggle, I am
Brother Phillips
My Guest Appearance on the Tavis Smiley Radio Show
A few weekends ago, I made a guest appearance on the Tavis Smiley Radio show for his “My America” 2008 program. The show aired nationally through Public Radio International on Friday October 25th, 2008 and Saturda
y October 26th, 2008. Tavis’ “My America” program gives selected U.S. citizens the opportunity to offer a personal reflection on how the upcoming presidential election will have an immense affect on their lives. I decided to offer a personal testament on the relevance and importance of education for our nation.
y October 26th, 2008. Tavis’ “My America” program gives selected U.S. citizens the opportunity to offer a personal reflection on how the upcoming presidential election will have an immense affect on their lives. I decided to offer a personal testament on the relevance and importance of education for our nation.Please visit the following links to hear my segment from the show.
http://www.tavissmileyradio.com/zen/TSR/guests08/102408/YouthCommentary_wma.php Windows Media Player Version
http://www.tavissmileyradio.com/zen/TSR/guests08/102408/YouthCommentary_mp3.php
Quicktime Media Player Version
www.tavissmileyradio.com General Information on the show
Let me know what you think.
Yours in the struggle, I am
Brother Phillips
Honored by the Tavis Smiley Foundation
Tavis Smiley and comedian Guy Black with Anthony A. Phillips after receiving the 2008 Emerging Youth to Leader Honoree
On Saturday October 4th, 2008 I flew to Los Angeles California to accept the 2008 Emerging Youth Leadership Award from The Tavis Smiley Foundation at its 2008 Salute to Youth Leadership Benefit. This award is given to “alumni member of the [Tavis Smiley] Youth to Leaders program who has demonstrated drive and determination toward becoming a leader.” I’m extremely humble to receive an honor from such a great foundation and from a individual whose contributions to our nation’s social fabric, I greatly admire, Tavis Smiley. During the benefit I met actress Jurnee Smolett who starred in the Great Debaters, singer and song writer Raheem DeVaughn, Wendell Pierce who stars in the hit HBO sitcom ”The Wire” and another extraordinary young activist Angela Groves who is currently a freshman at Princeton University were among the many people I met at the ceremony. Thank you Ms. Vonda Paige, Tavis Smiley and the entire Tavis Smiley Foundation for granting me with such a honor. To learn more information about the award and the Tavis Smiley Foundation please visit http://www.youthtoleaders.org/styl.asp
Yours in the struggle, I am
Brother Phillips
Spel/House Homecoming 2008
Cheering Section: Morehouse Homecoming Football Game vs. Albany State
Homecoming at a Historically Black College is certainly a electrifying experience. Morehouse’s homecoming in particular is much more than alumni, tailgating and the football game. It’s a week long event that celebrates the institution and induces school spirit amongst students. Morehouse combines their homecoming with one of its sister schools, Spelman College. Consequently, traditionally their homecoming has been called Spel/House. Plans for homecoming are completed thorouglly and well in advance. At this year’s homecoming a fashion show, a neo-soul concert, “A Dating Game” sponsored by Ebony, a hip hop concert, two coronations for each institutions homecoming kings and queens, coronation ball, the football game, a Greek Step Show, a alumni chapel service and many many PARTIES. This week long event was for me one of the most enjoyable experiences ever. I had so much fun interacting with students and meeting so many alumni.
This year at the football game I stood as one of the lead cheerers, helping to rally the Morehouse faithful.
Yours in the struggle, I am
Brother Phillips
Here are photos from various Homecoming events.
Morehouse College Chaplain Assistants
Members of Morehouse College's 2008-2009 Chaplain Assistants program
2008-2009 Chaplain Assistants, Morehouse College
The Reverend Willie Dwayne Francois III, President and King Scholar
The Reverend Dr. Lawrence Carter Sr., Dean of the Chapel
“The purpose of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel is to teach excellence, ethics, equality and engagement. It is to demonstrate the interdisciplinary foundations of a learned ecumenical Christian ministry for the world; to create spiritual realization through value-and virtue-centered theologically based faith; and to inspire the communitarian development of servant scholars as visionary human rights revolutionists and social gospel activists coming from a place of Gandhian nonviolence and political personalism. This is Martin Luther King’s informed service-oriented way to dialectically grow, personally and globally, with Cosmic Companionship, into democracy’s dignity and destiny, ensuring that piety never will be divorced from intellect.” Courtesy of Morehouse College’s Chapel website http://www.morehouse.edu/about/chapel/index.html
Spelman College Chaplain Assistants
Members of Spelman College's 2008-2009 Chaplain Assistants program
2008-2009 Chaplain Assistants
The Reverend Dr. Lisa D. Rhodes, Dean of the Chapel
“The Chapel Assistants Program is a leadership program that provides opportunities for personal development, vocational discernment, and liturgical leadership. Liturgical leadership opportunities are designed to strengthen public speaking skills, to encourage artistic expressions of faith and to nurture servant leadership through community service.” Courtesy of Spelman College’s Chaplain Assistant website http://www.spelman.edu/students/current/ministries/history.shtml
Morehouse College and Spelman College Chaplain Assistant
I have been inducted into both the Morehouse College and Spelman College Chaplain Assistant programs. The Morehouse College Chapel Assistants program is under the direction of the Reverend Dr. Lawrence C. Carter and the Spelman College Chaplain Assistants Program is under the direction of Dr. Lisa D. Rhodes. These programs are supporting my efforts to lead a more spirtual life and relationship with God. In addition, I have found a network of positive people who are motivated to become changemakers in our world. I am incredibly thankful to be a Chaplain Assistant at both of these wonderful institutions. Lastly, I want to give thanks to Ms. Elizabeth Alexander, a brilliant sister in Spelman’s class of 2010 who introduced me to the Chaplain Assistant program at Spelman.
A letter to Bates on my Morehouse Experience
Me and some of the my Morehouse brothers at the Mr. AKA sororiety pageant
All is well here in the Atlanta University Center! The “House” is home. I feel like I’m starring in an episode of the sitcom “A Different World”. There is so much to do. There is a party every single day. On Monday there are various activities like maybe a spoken word night, on Tuesday’s its AUC Tuesday at a local club downtown Atlanta, on Wednesday there is a block party at Morehouse, on Thursday there is Market Thursdays at Clark and Friday there is Market Fridays at Spelman. There are a number of student clubs as well. And the weekend are always jam pack with parties, sporting events, and time to hang out and relax with folks.
Orientation went well. It is here that you develop a keen sense of Morehouse history, its legacy, and the expectations of a “Man of Morehouse” I have been inspired by the rich legacy of this institution. With such humble beginnings and so few resources Morehouse has somehow produced some of the greatest thinkers, professionals and leaders that our world has seen. I’m walking the halls and pathways of Black history and that brings joy to my soul.
Thus far, I have joined three organizations. I’m a member of the MLK International Chapel, Chapel Assistants program, which is a organization for young men aspiring to become ministers. Morehouse Chaplain, Dean Lawrence Carter is the advisor of the organization. I’m also a Chaplain Assistant at Spelman. I additionally joined a faith base and social justice organization at Spelman called Righteous Noise. We are currently planning a domestic violence play be performed in October. Through these organizations, I have met some very positive people.
I spoke with President Franklin and I have encountered Dean Carter frequently. I’m also working with Danny Bellinger in Admissions on bringing a student from Morehouse to Bates for either next semester or the fall semester 2009. I think I am making much progress with this.
The food here is great (o that southern food!) and I love the smoothies All is well here in the Atlanta University Center. Mr. Carter, The “House” is home. I feel like I’m starring in an episode of the sitcom “A Different World”. There is so much to do. There is a party every single day. On Monday there are various activities like maybe a spoken word night, on Tuesday’s its AUC Tuesday at a local club downtown Atlanta, on Wednesday there is a block party at Morehouse, on Thursday there is Market Thursdays at Clark and Friday there is Market Fridays at Spelman. There are a number of student clubs as well. And the weekend are always jam pack with parties, sporting events, and time to hang out and relax with folks.
Orientation went well. It is here that you develop a keen sense of Morehouse history, its legacy, and the expectations of a “Man of Morehouse” I have been inspired by the rich legacy of this institution. With such humble beginnings and so few resources Morehouse has somehow produced some of the greatest thinkers, professionals and leaders that our world has seen. I’m walking the halls and pathways of Black history and that brings joy to my soul.
Thus far, I have joined three organizations. I’m a member of the MLK International Chapel, Chapel Assistants program, which is a organization for young men aspiring to become ministers. Morehouse Chaplain, Dr. Lawrence Carter is the advisor of the organization. I’m also a Chaplain Assistant at Spelman. I additionally joined a faith base and social justice organization at Spelman called Righteous Noise. We are currently planning a domestic violence play to be performed in October. Through these organizations, I have met some very positive people.
I spoke with President Franklin and I have encountered Dean Carter frequently. I’m also working with Danny Bellinger in Admissions on bringing a student from Morehouse to Bates for either next semester or the fall semester 2009. I think I am making much progress with this.
The food here is great (o that southern food!) and I love the smoothies that are made at the campus hang out cafe similar to the one on “A Different World” where brother and sisters from Morehouse and Spelman congregate. I have met many students and every time I mention that I go to Bates, the brothers here immediately respond by saying you go to the college of MAYS. He is the man around these parts.
I’m taking four classes and they are: Thoughts of Howard Thurman (Independent Study), Thoughts of Marcus Study(Independent Study), Philosophy of Religion, African American History (Spelman College). For the most part, I’m enjoying the classes. I’m taking some of the better classes with some of the better professors here at Morehouse and Spelman. So I have a lot of work ahead of me. Classes here do indeed provide an education for liberation. I just admire the many conscience brothers and sisters in the entire AUC.
Yet I do miss the hospitality of many of the Bates staff including yourself, some of the nice facilities and a few other things about Bates. However, I love both schools for two different reasons. Getting here was not so smooth and when I got here there still were so many bumps in the road However, love it here and I’m so happy I decided to study here this semester.
I do miss the hospitality of many of the Bates staff, some of the nice facilities and a few other things about Bates. However, I love both schools for two different reasons. Arranging my off campus study stay here was not so smooth and when I got here there still were so bumps in the road. I love it here and I’m so happy I decided to study here this semester.
Yours in the Struggle,
Brother Phillips
