#United States #Atlanta #Operation HOPE #John Hope Bryant #Morehouse College

A Starry Night at Morehouse College's Gala

On February 17, 2025, Morehouse College hosted its 37th Annual “A Candle in the Dark” Gala at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, where philanthropic efforts, inspirational speeches, and achievements in civic engagement were celebrated. The event honored John Hope Bryant, founder, chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, with the prestigious “Candle Award” for his remarkable contributions to financial literacy and economic inclusion.

A Generous Night

The gala raised an impressive $6.8 million in support of scholarships for underserved students, furthering Morehouse College's legacy of developing leaders for the future. This tremendous amount signifies a collective commitment to education, empowerment, and philanthropy—a three-decade-long journey that Bryant has passionately championed through his work.

John Hope Bryant: A Visionary Leader

Bryant's impact is extensive—spanning industries and communities across the nation. He is a bestselling author and a fierce advocate for financial literacy. His roles include:

• - Founder of The Promise Homes Company—the largest minority-controlled owner of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S.
• - Leader of Operation HOPE—the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to financial literacy and economic inclusion.

His work has empowered countless individuals, particularly underserved communities in metro Atlanta.

Commitment to Education and Impact

The “Candle Award” is a prestigious title given to those who embody professional excellence and show dedication to community service—characteristics deeply embedded in Morehouse's mission. During the gala, Bryant made a remarkable announcement regarding his donation of $100,000 towards aiding students from underserved backgrounds in finance, business, and entrepreneurship fields.

“Financial literacy, education, and community engagement are at the core of Morehouse College's storied history, making this recognition a profound honor,” Bryant stated, reflecting on the institution’s historical significance and his commitment to propelling its mission forward.

Joining Forces with Trailblazers

Bryant wasn't the only honoree of the night. The gala also celebrated numerous trailblazers, including:

• - Otis Moss, III – Senior Pastor, activist, and author
• - Pharrell Williams – Renowned musician and philanthropist
• - Rashaun L. Williams – Venture capitalist and educator
• - Marvin Dunn – Historian and social activist
• - Bryan Rand – CEO of Rand & Co Holdings, LLC

This collective recognition showcased Morehouse's tradition of honoring African American excellence, promoting a strong community spirit.

A History of Celebration

“A Candle in the Dark” Gala has been a cornerstone event for Morehouse College since 1989, not only recognizing achievements of African Americans but also serving as a vital source of funding for scholarships. At this year’s event, more than 800 distinguished guests attended, reflecting the importance of community and history in the fabric of Morehouse College.

As attendees engaged in the celebration, they acknowledged that the event was more than just a gala; it was a reaffirmation of commitment towards empowering future leaders.

To witness the proceedings, a live stream of the event was made available online, allowing those who weren’t in attendance to share in this spectacular evening.

About Operation HOPE

Since its founding in 1992, Operation HOPE has significantly influenced economic empowerment, striving to transition America’s focus from civil rights to “Silver Rights.” This pivotal movement aims to align free enterprise and capitalism to benefit all individuals.
Through innovative models like the award-winning HOPE Inside, Operation HOPE has positively impacted over 4 million individuals and stimulated $4 billion in economic activity through its educational initiatives,
transforming check-cashing clients into banking customers and renters into homeowners.

This organization continues to break barriers, committed to redefining economic inclusion and empowering underserved populations. Further details about Operation HOPE and its initiatives can be found on their website at OperationHOPE.org.

Connecting with the community through seasoned voices on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram emphasizes a collective vision for a brighter future.