White Valedictorian Makes Morehouse History

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As a 2007 graduate of Morehouse College, I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Packwood on several occasions, and may I say there perhaps was no person more deserving of the honor than he. Joshua demonstrated every characteristic of an ideal Morehouse Man: dedication to both his studies and excellence as a humanitarian. For those of you of contend that this some taints the legacy of Morehouse, you obviously did not attend the school. As a Morehouse alumn, I am proud to call Josh our valedictorian.

Tony of FL 10:14AM March 24, 2009

I have read through the entire column and I must say, Its challenging, sad, and happy all at the same time. I am a prospective transfer student hoping to attend morehouse. I do want the black experience as well as a quality education that will make me succeed in the real world. But then again I constantly wonder unlike Mr. packwood, will me turning down an admission to yet another IV league school to attend Morehouse a mistake? I hope not ,and I can only pray that I make the right choice by next month. I have been admited to Columbia, Truman state university, Morhouse and Northwestern. Columbia is the only IV leage that admits transfer students like some of us that attended community colleges to save money our first 2 years of college.

Mr. P of MI 11:37PM June 15, 2008

In response to Kashta K. Eneas' comments, perhaps I should reiterate that attending a HBCU would not have prepared ME (the individual) for life after college. I already knew this in high school and never considered attending one. There are great schools all across this country that turn out brilliant individuals every year, but it takes more than a "good school" or a "black.white school" to complete an education. Character, values and individual ambition play roles as well. Some people who think attending an HBCU beneath them may indeed harbor feelings of self-loathing. I cannot speak for them, for that was not my message.
I'm very happy with my VSU education and congratulate you on realizing your definition of success.

Andrew Etheredge of VA 11:01AM June 13, 2008

I'm a little disturbed by the whole situation. i'm fine with a white guy attending the school, but being the top. What is that saying, that white people can still dominate blacks even in their own enviroment. Morehouse is about promoting black men to compete, they are always saying they are tired of seeing black men in jail yadda yadda we need to stnad up and compete. ,yadda yadda. Personally i just feel like Morehouse is being hypocritical ,If i was the other josh i would feel liek a i got slapped in the face. LIke I went to a black school where I thought I could suceed as a black man wouldn't have to worry about the whole white black thing but no. a white man still defeated me. so basically (maybe im over analyzing) a black man still can't be the top in this country thats a shame. so morehouse im disappointed in you. and if you meant for the school jsut to be a man school then stop with all the talks that black people should be on top etc.

Edward of VA 10:22AM June 13, 2008

This is to "A Few Thoughts..." Well, said my brother! I have the upmost respect for you and the way you expressed your thoughts. It could not have been said any better than that. My niece graduated from Dillard Univ majoring in Journalism and is doing very well as an Editorial Assistant for a major magazine. I had wanted to attend an HBCU back in the 80's but mom was afraid to see her "little girl" move so far away from home for the first time. Although I went on to obtain my MBA from a California University and doing very well, I will always believe that I could have been much farther along in my career had I attended an HBCU. And, I firmly believe that black students are better prepared at these institutions (this is not to say they are not prepared well at the Ivy league schools so don't send me emails) ( : I can see from reading the various emails written by those of you who attended Morehouse that you are very intelligent, articulate men. You rock!! Additionally, it makes me feel very proud to open the Jet or Ebony magazine and see the black leaders of today and tomorrow who attended an HBCU. God Bless America.

Glowrious of CA 12:54PM June 11, 2008

To the ignorant person who chose not to put their name...Morehouse is among the top five Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the naton. It isa wonderful institution and graduates some of the finest young men in our country today and in our history (Dr.King). The schools that are ranked in the top 100 universities will never provide a person with the experience that he or she would get from Morehouse or Spelman. Jus because a school is well-known does not make it the best school.
Congrats to Josh Packwood and Josh L. Harris!

Spelman Chic of MD 2:10PM June 10, 2008

Its a shame but still true that race is such a big issue in the usa. At the same time Obama's candidacy has shown that its possible for the devide to narrrow abit and I am encouraged by that. Josh you did it your way and you would be a person I would be proud to call my friend irrespective of color

Ric Tate of AL 4:49PM June 09, 2008

It broke my heart as well to read some of the 'negative' comments posted here, but sadly this is what has become of our somewhat warped society today. I found this man's story to be an interesting one, especially the 'comments' about what his life was like at the college and the one about him 'still' not understanding (if he were ever asked) what it meant to be black from a white perspective.
I got the feeling that he was being sincere, but if for some reason he's pulled a fast one on us all, believe you me the 'truth' will rise to the surface sooner than we realize. Also, it's not up to this young man to 'change' anything in the black, hispanic, or 'any' other diverse community that's the 'job' of society as a whole, the only 'problem' is we're so busy fighting and killing each other we've lost sight of the so-called "greater picture" that God has called us to do. When it's your time to shine God puts you in the forefront and there's 'nothing anyone' can do about it.
For: Ms. Lauren Porter, I also don't think we should forget about the 'lead' Valedictorian (I believe Joshua Packwood's real title is 'Co-Valedictorian') either, because Mr. Harris should get his kudos as well, so how about 'Morehouse' doing a feature on the both of them (and I'm not saying that to take anything away from Mr. Packwood's moment in the spotlight either)?
Lastly, for Frank of "Face on Face Off", have you thought about contacting Joshua Packwood on his MySpace page to put those very 'same' statements to him, to 'ask' him what he will be doing in or with the black community? Formulated 'ideas' mean nothing if they aren't valid, but it might be nice to know what kind of a 'response' you'd get from him on this 'issue'.
Thanks for your input Ann and the rest who posted here, it's been interesting and kind of insightful at the same time. The only real sad part here, is the fact that centuries later 'racism still' has the power (for all those who will let it) to rear its ugly head. What a sad and horrific commentary on the state of mankind as a whole, because 'eventually' it 'WILL' be abolished, but in order for that to come about we most 'definitely WILL NOT like the outcome of the way it has to be solved.
May the God of Heaven and Earth help and have mercy on us ALL!
"And I Will Wipe Away EVERY tear from their eyes!"

Jean K. of NY 10:30PM May 24, 2008

"How is Morehouse one of the top schools in the country??"
Because we send more men to Harvard and Yale for business, law, and grad study that Berkeley, Rice, and Emory according the Wall Street Journal. We are a "feeder school" but lesser known, like Vassar or Swarthmore.

Josh of GA 1:47AM May 24, 2008