A first for Morehouse's commencement

Metro Atlanta

A first for Morehouse's commencement

Joshua Packwood took the road less traveled when he chose Morehouse College four years ago. And Sunday morning he made history, becoming the historically black, all-male college's first white valedictorian.

Joshua Packwood, Morehouse College's first white valedictorian, gives a speech at Morehouse's 124th Commencement ceremony in Century Campus on Sunday. He graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a degree in economics.

Joshua Packwood was among the few white students in his class at Grandview Senior High School in suburban Kansas City, Mo. He has mixed-race siblings and his mother, Kim (here at Sunday's graduation) was married to an African-American. "I'm so proud, it's beyond words," she said. "My heart is full."

"Though there may be diversity of race, ethnicity, religion or background, we are all brothers of Morehouse College," Packwood, 22, said during his valedictory address. Here, he celebrates with other students Sunday.

Dr. Robert Franklin, new president of Morehouse College, addresses the audience gathered Sunday at Century Campus for Morehouse.

Graduate Moses Landrum holds a program after the commencement processional. Morehouse's commencement speaker, California community activist and philanthropist Emmett Carson, challenged graduates to take charge of their generation. "We are an endangered species in desperate need of a new generation of your leadership," Carson said.

Graduates (left to right) Aaron Abram, Cory Armand Alford and Charles Allen prepare Sunday for receiving their Morehouse diplomas.

Family and friends watch as some 500 graduates enter the Century Campus.

Graduate Aaron Abram holds his ceremonial hood during Morehouse College's 124th Commencement ceremony.

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Joshua Packwood, Morehouse College's first white valedictorian, gives a speech at Morehouse's 124th Commencement ceremony in Century Campus on Sunday. He graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a degree in economics.

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