Also being honored at the 16th annual “A Candle in the Dark” Gala are actor Ossie Davis, syndicated radio host Tom Joyner, retired Chairman of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company Jesse Hill, U.S. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, (D) Georgia 2nd District, Morehouse class of 1968, and world renowned surgeon Dr. LaSalle Leffall Jr. (please see below for complete list of honorees).

Honorees at the Gala are presented with either a “Candle” or “Bennie” award. “Candle” recipients receive honors for excellence in a variety of fields including athletics, business, education, entertainment, government, law, military service, religion and science and technology. “Bennie” recipients, who must be graduates of Morehouse, receive recognition in the areas of service, achievement, and trailblazing. The award is named in honor of the late Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, who served as president of Morehouse from 1940 to 1967.

Actress Nicole Ari Parker and actor Boris Kodjoe, who pair as the sizzling duo Terri and Damon on the Showtime series Soul Food, will serve as mistress and master of ceremonies. Honorary co-chairs for the event include Shelton “Spike” Lee, Morehouse class of 1979, and his wife Tanya, and Derek V. Smith, chairman and chief executive officer, ChoicePoint, Inc., and his wife Lisa.

Founder’s Week at Morehouse is a multi-event celebration, which culminates with the annual Morehouse College Glee Club Spring Concert on Sunday, February 22.