“One of the five wells of Morehouse—and my personal favorite—is being ‘well-dressed,’” says G Khyri C. Patterson, a Morehouse College senior from Houma, Louisiana, majoring in education. The wells, which also include well-read, well-spoken, well-traveled, and well-balanced, were officially coined by former Morehouse President Dr. Robert Franklin, and have long been embodied by students, faculty, and alumni—perhaps most famous among them Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who graduated from the school in 1948 at age 19.
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, photographer Jhalin Knowles and videographer Miles Colbert spent an afternoon at Morehouse’s Atlanta campus, capturing students and faculty in looks reflective of both the school’s stylish legacy and their own personal flair.
“Morehouse has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and sartorial elegance is a powerful reflection of that,” says Dr. Nina Gilbert, executive director of the Morehouse Center for Excellence in Education. “It’s not just about looking good—it’s about presenting yourself as an uncompromising and prepared leader. Our students understand that their appearance tells a story about who they are and where they re headed.”
Among graduates who have continued to champion fine tailoring, bold style, and elevated dress—both personally and professionally—are filmmaker Spike Lee, actor Samuel L. Jackson, artist Sanford Biggers, and fashion editor turned film director Mark Anthony Green. In 2019, Morehouse alums Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper founded popular lifestyle and apparel brand Eastside Golf, and in 2022 Ralph Lauren launched a special Morehouse and Spelman collection, conceived by 2013 graduate James Jeter.
Here, current students and staff reflect on Morehouse’s rich sartorial history, personal style, and how they’re honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this year.
Christopher Lambry, Class of ’27
Philosophy major
“Style is a powerful tool in my life. As a leader in Morehouse’s Student Government and [holder of] executive roles within Georgia’s political organizations, my style speaks for me before I say a word. From the bold choice of tie to the sharp cut of my suit, every detail is a statement of leadership and representation.
Morehouse College is built on a legacy of service rooted in the values Dr. King championed. As an Oprah Winfrey Scholar and Top-Ranking Scholar, I’m dedicated to honoring that legacy through impactful service to the Atlanta community. My mission goes beyond Dr. King’s words—it’s about living his enduring impact.”
Illya Davis, Class of ’89
Director of Freshmen Seniors’ Academic Success, professor of philosophy
“My style serves as an introduction, offering an initial ‘hello’ and a ‘get ready to meet me’ vibe. It reflects my dedication to my vocation, and every piece of attire I choose represents a seriousness about my purpose. For instance, my earring challenges assumptions, ensuring my suits don’t confine perceptions of my individuality.”
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Khyri C. Patterson, Class of ’25
Education major
“As Deion Sanders famously said, ‘If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good.’ Morehouse takes this principle to heart, preparing us to excel—or ‘play good’—in every aspect of life, with style and confidence serving as powerful tools for self-expression and leadership. Further, My grandfather always told me, ‘Son, dress how you want to be addressed.’ This wisdom guides me to put my best foot forward in every situation, including how I present myself through style.”
Kai Blue, Class of ’27
Cinema-Television
Emerging Media Studies (CTEMS) major
“Style, for me, is more than just appearance—it’s a way to communicate purpose and passion. As an actor, my roles on Pose and FBI taught me how much detail and thought go into crafting a persona through clothing. Similarly, in real life, my style reflects who I am and what I stand for. When I dress with intention, I align my external presentation with my inner values of leadership, self-respect, and creativity.
Honoring Dr. King’s legacy this year means living with intention and recognizing that each day is an opportunity to contribute to his vision. His commitment to justice, equality, and love transcends time. Through my role as Mr. HPSA in the Howard Thurman Honors Program, I lead initiatives that focus on mental health, wellness, and self-care—issues deeply tied to social justice. These efforts aim to uplift marginalized communities and foster the dignity and humanity that Dr. King championed.”
Dohnoven Dixon, Class of ’27
Computer science major
“Sartorial excellence is the standard at Morehouse. Every choice in appearance reflects the pride, purpose, and inherited legacy of our brotherhood. Each detail in how we carry ourselves serves as a reminder of the values we uphold and the powerful history we continue to carry. It reflects our commitment to honor the past, embrace our inherited legacy, and shape the future with distinction. My brothers and I strive daily to inspire generations to come, ensuring that our legacy lives on [like] those who have come before us.”
Dr. Nina Gilbert
Executive director of the Morehouse Center for Excellence in Education (MCEE)
“Black educators of the past, who exuded impeccable style even during the challenges of the Jim Crow era, inspire my personal and professional approach. Whether teaching in classrooms, leading communities, or marching for justice, they showed up in tailored suits, polished shoes, and dignified accessories, reflecting their resilience, dignity, and character. Morehouse continues to carry this torch, demonstrating that true sartorial excellence is rooted in legacy, identity, and self-respect. My style is a mosaic of my personal and professional identities. It allows me to express myself creatively while honoring my community, culture, and the educators who came before me.”
Rollin “RJ” Jackson, Class of ’25
SGA president, political science major
“Style has been a cornerstone of my journey at Morehouse, shaping how I see myself and navigate the world. As a freshman, I had the honor of modeling in the historic Morehouse and Spelman College collaboration with Polo Ralph Lauren. This defining moment gave me a front-row seat to the intersection of Black identity and global fashion.
As SGA President, I’ve witnessed firsthand how style connects us, whether [by] supporting student entrepreneurs showcasing their designs on campus; interning with Senator Raphael Warnock, who is known for his impeccable tailored suits; or observing Madam Vice President Kamala Harris effortlessly pair her signature pantsuits with aviators. These experiences have shown me that our expressions of style tell a collective story—one that unites us in our shared culture and aspirations.
At Morehouse, each student’s aesthetic—whether joggers and sweatshirts, graphic tees with Carhartts, or a classic tailored suit—contributes to the mosaic of Black style. We are living proof that Black fashion defines not just our community but the cultural pulse of the world. Every choice I make, from casual wear to formal attire, carries the spirit of the Black experience—a legacy of creativity, resilience, and influence that continues to inspire and shape the global fashion narrative.”
Josiah Harris, Class of ’25
SGA vice president, political science major
“Growing up, I was not heavily invested in fashion. However, attending this illustrious institution has [given] me the versatility required to wear suits with confidence, as well as an understanding of the various patterns and styles of suits. It has also motivated me to deepen my wardrobe with new clothing items. Living in Atlanta, a city known for its fast-paced lifestyle, you quickly learn the importance of adaptability—not only on campus but also in the real world, where different events demand a polished and versatile sense of style.
Honoring Dr. King’s legacy always involves an act of service; his life was modeled on and dedicated to service. As SGA vice president, I aim to follow that example by inspiring the next generation of leaders—not only at Morehouse, but also around the world. Furthermore, I will continue to challenge systemic racism and the hierarchy of supremacy that permeates the United States, making those who are comfortable with injustice feel uncomfortable.”
Miles Colbert, Class of ’25
Communications studies major
“At Morehouse College we we have the freedom to express ourselves through our clothing and understand that we should look good in whatever we choose to wear. This shared sense of pride reflects the unique culture at Morehouse, where how we dress is not just about style—it’s a symbol of the excellence we strive for.
I’m honoring Dr. King s legacy this year by staying consistent and giving back to those around me. At Morehouse, I’ve taken on the role of building opportunities for students to grow creatively, like leading the first-ever Campus Content Creators program as the Head Chair and mentoring other creatives through the production of their creative ideas. Through my work, I want to inspire others to be intentional about executing ideas and positively impacting our community, just like Dr. King did. This commitment continues as I begin my new role as a Digital Media Intern with the Creative Collective NYC this spring. I’ll help provide resources and create spaces that empower Black creatives to explore their passions, share their stories, and push culture forward.”
Photo assistants: Crystal Ballard, Madison Ballard, Micah Ballard, Talton Ballard; Video assistant: Sean Bagley
