They’re reflecting on the HBCU’s legacy of being well-dressed!
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Morehouse College students showcased not only their academic prowess and leadership but also their sartorial excellence in a special feature story in Vogue. With a campus deeply rooted in tradition and a rich history of influence, Morehouse has long embraced the idea that looking good is not just a matter of fashion but a powerful statement of identity, confidence, and purpose.
This year, as part of the MLK Day celebrations, Vogue highlighted the bold, sharp styles of Morehouse students and faculty, capturing them on camera as part of a visual tribute to both the school’s legacy and the enduring impact of Dr. King’s vision.
“Morehouse has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and sartorial elegance is a powerful reflection of that,” said Dr. Nina Gilbert, Executive Director of the Morehouse Center for Excellence in Education. “Our students understand that their appearance tells a story about who they are and where they’re headed.”
The men of Morehouse gathered for the shoot to emphasize that looking sharp is more than just a form of self-expression—it reflects the legacy of leadership that runs through their veins. This tradition of excellence is embodied in the five wells coined by former Morehouse President Dr. Robert Franklin—well-dressed, well-read, well-spoken, well-traveled, and well-balanced. The emphasis on “well-dressed” stands out as a core value for the men of Morehouse, underscoring the idea that style is a key element of leadership.
“I’ve always believed that if you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you do good,” explained G’Khyri C. Patterson, a senior majoring in Education. For Patterson, style is a daily ritual of preparation and self-expression. His grandfather’s advice to “dress how you want to be addressed” is a guiding principle that shapes how he navigates the world—one polished suit at a time.
Morehouse students, like Christopher Lambry (Class of ’27), take style as a serious form of self-expression. Embodying the ethos of Black fashion, their wardrobe is an extension of their personal identities, one that conveys their cultural heritage and commitment to excellence.
“As a leader in Morehouse’s Student Government, my style speaks for me before I say a word,” said Lambry.
“Morehouse has taught me the importance of adaptability—not just in fashion, but in life,” Harris says. “We wear our style with pride because we’re not just honoring Dr. King’s legacy; we’re living it every day,” added Josiah Harris (Class of ’25), Morehouse SGA vice president.
Rollin “RJ” Jackson (Class of ’25), the president of the Student Government Association, recalled his own journey in fashion began with a pivotal moment when he modeled in the historic Morehouse-Spelman collaboration with Polo Ralph Lauren. Jackson, who describes fashion as a collective narrative, observed that each Morehouse student’s style—whether in a classic suit or casual attire—told a unique story, contributing to a larger, global conversation about Black identity and culture.
It’s a culture and influence that has been shaped over the years by Morehouse alumni, and it continues to resonate today. From filmmaker Spike Lee to actor Samuel L. Jackson and fashion editor turned director Mark Anthony Green. These trailblazers have carried the flag of sartorial excellence and helped redefine the cultural significance of Black style in global fashion. In 2019, Morehouse alumni Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper launched Eastside Golf, a lifestyle brand blending fashion and culture, while Ralph Lauren’s 2022 Morehouse-Spelman collection, designed by 2013 graduate James Jeter, further solidified the school’s place in the world of high fashion.
The tradition of impeccable style at Morehouse extends beyond the classroom, influencing not just what students wear but how they carry themselves in the world. As Dohnoven Dixon (Class of ’27), a Computer Science major, reflects, “Every choice in appearance reflects the pride, purpose, and inherited legacy of our brotherhood.”
For these students, style is a way to honor the past while shaping the future. Whether through academic achievements, community service, or creative endeavors, their commitment to excellence, leadership, and Dr. King’s enduring vision is reflected in how they present themselves to the world.
Cover photo: Morehouse Students Appear in ‘Vogue’ To Reflect On Legacy of Style in Honor of MLK Day/Photo credit: Jhalin Knowles/Vogue