Amir Staten, the Philadelphia native who went viral for his acceptance into Morehouse College, has been named “Mr. Morehouse.”
Three years after Philadelphia native Amir Staten went viral for his response to receiving a full-ride scholarship to Morehouse College, the junior has now earned the prestigious title of “Mr. Morehouse.”
“To my directors and mentors along the journey,” Staten wrote. “We all know this journey has not been the easiest for me, between battling health issues, loss, times of stress, and thoughts of doubt, y’all have stuck in my corner through it all, and I wouldn’t trade every hiccup, bump or bruise I experienced throughout this journey for the world. Y’all have instilled in me a new-found confidence in myself, and I wouldn’t trade the long days and nights for anything!”
Staten continued. “To my pbs😂😂I could write a book about us and the way in which we navigated through this journey. All 7 of y’all have given me a whole new outlook on what brotherhood, family, and love for those around you looks like. We’ve been through the highest of highs and lowest of lows (TRUST ME IT WASN’T EASY). But y’all are the reason I am still even standing here still today! We’ve had an experience like no other!”
A graduate of Philadelphia’s Germantown Friends School, Staten earned the title through a competitive process that included oratory, a talent showcase, and student voting. The honor goes to a student who embodies Morehouse College’s values while securing top judges’ scores and the majority of students’ votes.
“This title is very new at Morehouse,” Staten told The Philadelphia Tribune. “I’m only the second person to ever receive it.”
During the oratory portion of the competition, Staten centered his speech on moving from survival to healing, drawing deeply from his personal experiences and Philadelphia roots. He also stood out in the talent segment, delivering a spoken-word poem—on roller skates.
“My great-grandmother, who passed away this summer, was a poet,” he said. “I didn’t even know that when I first started writing at around 8 or 9 years old. Poetry just became something I loved.”
Staten, who earned his scholarship to Morehouse College after years as an honor student and has maintained a GPA of at least 3.5, said the school has surpassed his expectations. He ended his Instagram message by thanking the college for what he called a life-changing experience.
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Source: Black Enterprise
