Maroon & White Tigers: 10 Famous Men Who Attended Morehouse College

Samuel L. Jackson

With roles in blockbuster films such as the Stars Wars franchise and Iron Man 2, it’s hard to believe Samuel L. Jackson was originally going to school become a marine biologist. Later developing a love for acting, Samuel also became involved in Civil Rights Movements in the state of Georgia. In 1969, Samuel and other students held Morehouse board of trustees hostage on campus with demands for the college to fix its curriculum. They did, and Jackson was later suspended for two years due to his criminal record from the event, he later returned and earn his bachelor’s degree in drama in 1972.

Canton Jones

Gospel artist Canton Jones had all the makings of a star before graduating in 2000. Joining Morehouse’s famous Glee Club he preformed for celebrities such as Oprah, Steve Wonder and Ray Charles. He also performed at the opening ceremony of the 1996 Olympics and at the U.S. Pentagon. In 2001, he started his own record label called CAJO International.

Martin Luther King Jr.

After skipping the ninth and twelfth grades, the civil rights leader enrolled at Morehouse at the age of 15. He graduated in 1948 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. The colleges renowned Glee Club performed at his funeral. Martin was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He received an honorary degree as a Doctor of Humane Letters from Morehouse in 1957.

Bill G. Nunn III 

Actor Bill G. Nunn III graduated in 1976, with intentions to become a writer. Overtime, he changed direction when fellow Morehouse alum, Spike Lee, offered him a part in his film School Daze – he hasn’t looked back since. Some of his credits include Do the Right Thing (as Radio Raheem) and New Jack City.

Rockmond Dunbar

We loved him in one of our favorite black TV series, Soul Food, but before fame the actor graduated from Morehouse College before continuing his education at the University of Mexico.

Edwin Moses

Edwin Moses is an Olympic track athlete who has won several gold medals, but before fame he was awarded an academic scholarship to Morehouse. He ran for the college’s track team, while studying physics and industrial engineering. He still holds 25 of the 100 most fastest time in the 400 meters hurdles. Edwin graduate with his bachelor’s degree in 1978.

Donn Clendenon

Upon graduating high school, future World Series MVP Donn Clendenon was offered multiple scholarships from several colleges. Prepared to attend UCLA, Donn and his family decided on Morehouse instead. It was Morehouse tradition for incoming freshman to have “Big Brothers,” and future Civil Rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. volunteered for the job. Donn graduated in 1956 with a degree in mathematics and physical education.

Herman Cain

Who knew future presidential Republican hopeful Herman Cain went to Morehouse? Enrolling at Morehouse in 1963, it was a tense time to be to a student in the state of Georgia during social unrest. Uninterested in the Civil Rights movements taking place, Herman focused on school and preparing a stable future for himself. He graduated from Morehouse in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

Byron Cage

 The Grammy award winning gospel artist is another Morehouse alum who was a part of the college’s Glee Club. He was offered a music scholarship to attend the school. He was in Tyler Perry’s first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed.”

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