Illuminating Excellence: Morehouse Hosts The 38th Annual A Candle in the Dark Gala and Inaugural Ball

The 38th Annual A Candle in the Dark Gala and Inaugural Ball united legacy, leadership, and the promise of the future, showcasing the enduring influence of Morehouse College. Held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, as a culminating event of Founder’s Week, the evening brought together the College’s philanthropic community to honor six extraordinary leaders as Bennie and Candle recipients. This year also marked a historic milestone, as it was the first A Candle in the Dark Gala presided over by F. DuBois Bowman ’92, Ph.D., heralding a new chapter of leadership in the College’s distinguished legacy.

The A Candle in the Dark Gala is a signature occasion that recognizes individuals whose excellence, service, and leadership strengthen communities, advance equity, and inspire future generations to lead with vision and integrity. One of the highest honors bestowed upon alumni, the Bennie Award is named for Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, the College’s revered president from 1940 to 1967. His vision transformed Morehouse into a global institution of influence, and his legacy lives on through alumni whose impact spans continents and disciplines.

This year’s Bennie honorees exemplify that legacy:

• James L. Hudson ’61 — Attorney, academic lecturer, and venture capitalist; former U.S. Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and former chair of the Morehouse College Board of Trustees.
• Willie Woods ’85 — President & CEO of ICV Partners and retiring chair of the Morehouse College Board of Trustees.
• Dr. Willie Underwood III ’88 — Renowned urological surgeon and president-elect of the American Medical Association.

For 155 years, Morehouse has served as a beacon of light to the world. The Candle Award recognizes outstanding non-alumni whose professional excellence and commitment to service embody the values taught at the College.

The 2026 Candle honorees included:

• Eric G. Johnson — Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for financial and economic inclusion.
• Dr. Robert L. Satcher — Orthopedic surgeon, chemical engineer, medical and space pioneer, and the first cancer doctor and first orthopedic surgeon to travel to space.
• Malcolm D. Lee — Acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and producer whose work has helped define contemporary Black cinema.

Guided by eloquent and powerful student presenters, the evening unfolded with purpose and pride as each of the six honorees was introduced. Their voices set the tone for a night grounded in legacy and responsibility. In deeply moving acceptance remarks, the honorees spoke not only to the importance, but the imperativeness, of sustaining the pursuit of Black excellence across every discipline. A shared theme echoed throughout the evening: the responsibility to give back and to invest intentionally in future generations.

The night culminated in moments of thoughtful reflection and celebration, marked by millions of dollars raised directly in support of scholarships for men of Morehouse College. These contributions advance the College’s enduring mission to develop Morehouse Men who are prepared to lead, serve, and shape society in their respective fields, carrying the light forward for generations to come.