In celebration and support of Pride Month, Morehouse College is sharing its inaugural “Profiles of Pride” series, which will highlight the life, experience, and successes of a selection of the College’s own students, alumni, faculty, and staff who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. These people are a few of many who embody the Morehouse mission of leading lives of leadership and service with disciplined minds.
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Wesley Delaine Thomas, DMD, FACD, FICD '01 is a highly respected general dentist, administrator, and champion for professional diversity. In his current position as a general dentist for the Department of Defense at the Pentagon, Dr. Thomas provides comprehensive dental care to active-duty military members. In addition, he is a military officer in the District of Columbia Army National Guard. Thomas was appointed as the chairperson of the District of Columbia Board of Dentistry by Mayor Muriel Bowser, serves as a board commissioner of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), and serves on the board of directors of the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX).
A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Thomas often reflects and shares with others that, “I am very much aware that I am here because of God, the prayers of my grandparents, great-grandparents, and the mentors who have poured so much in me." He shares his love through his civic engagement and by building community. Thomas is an active alumnus of his undergraduate alma mater Morehouse College and advocates for all historically Black colleges and universities.
An avid lover of the arts, Thomas is a longtime patron of the John F. Kennedy Center Circles and supporter of the Washington National Opera, Washington Performing Arts, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Thomas is an ambassador for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Previously, he served on the board of directors for Whitman-Walker Health Center and the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center in Southeast, Washington, DC. He is a proud member of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA. Thomas and his husband, Dr. E.T. Jones reside in the District of Columbia.
What does pride mean to you?: "My pride includes affirming and celebrating all of who I am, unapologetically and fearlessly."
What are the ideal attributes of an ally?: "Being an ideal Ally starts with the central idea that we all want the same thing in life - the ability to freely love and to be loved. Once you understand that message and really take the time to openly communicate with anyone different from you, you'll then realize that we are more alike than different."
What advice would you give your younger self?: "As cliché as it sounds, it does get better. Always remember that you are wonderfully and fearfully made in the image of God. Be bold and advocate for yourself and the voiceless. Be easy with yourself and try to see God in others. In essence, we ALL want to love and be loved.”
