If I were in charge

Every year, my alma mater, Morehouse College, selects 7 or 8 African American men to highlight for their greatness in their chosen fields during the college's 'Candle in the Dark' gala. In years past, several notables have been given awards, known as Bennies for Morehouse alums, and Candles for men who didn't attend Morehouse. Only one Candle has ever been given to a woman, generous Morehouse supporter and ardent proponent, Oprah Winfrey. The purpose of the event is to raise money for scholarships through the sale of tables to willing attendees and sponsors.

This year's honorees are some of the very best and brightest in their fields as well, but if I were in charge, this is who I would secure as honorees in the near future...

John H. Johnson*
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism

Lou Rawls*
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Richard Pryor*
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Sidney Poitier
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Dr. William H. Cosby
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Famous Amos
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Business

Tubby Smith
Candle in Athletics

Dick Parsons
Candle in Business

Art Shell
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Athletics

James Brown
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

James Brown
Candle in Journalism

Prince
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Michael Jordan
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Athletics

Charles Barkley
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Athletics

Warrick Dunn
Candle in Community Service

Ed Gordon
Candle in Journalism

George Curry
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism

Juan Williams
Candle in Journalism

Dr. Thomas Cole
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Education

Percy Sutton
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Business

Comer Cottrell
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Business

Doug Williams
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Athletics

Carl Franklin
Candle in Arts and Entertainment

Emmitt Smith
Candle in Athletics

Bryant Gumbel
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism

Marc Morial
Candle in Government

William ‘Smokey’ Robinson
Candle in Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Ellis Marsalis
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Branford Marsalis
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Wynton Marsalis
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Melvin Van Peebles
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Russell Simmons
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Willie Brown
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Government

Ron Kirk
Candle in Government

Charlie Rangel
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Government

Mel Farr
Candle in Business

Bob Lanier
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Athletics

Warren Moon
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Athletics

John Singleton
Candle in Arts & Entertainment

Stevie Wonder
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Women

Coretta Scott King
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Social Change

Dr. Betty Shabazz*
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Social Change

Dorothy Height
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Social Change

Ruby Dee
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Lena Horne
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Dr. Johnetta Cole
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Education

Dr. Ruth Simmons
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Education

Phylicia Rashad
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Halle Berry
Candle in Arts & Entertainment

Debbie Allen
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Jasmine Guy
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Linda Johnson Rice
Candle in Journalism

Dihann Carroll
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Susan Taylor
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism

Angela Bassett
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Cathy Hughes
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Business

Sheila Krump
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Business

Nancy Wilson
Candle for Lifetime Achievement in Arts & Entertainment

Shirley Franklin
Candle in Government

*Deceased

I'm Joe and that's how I see it.