The St. Louis Morehouse College Parents Association recently held its second annual reception, sending six area students to Morehouse and Spelman College. Last year the association sent only two students to Morehouse with a scholarship.
Mary H. Thomas, president of the association, noticed how other colleges had parent associations but not many Historically Black Colleges or Universities do. Thomas and a Morehouse alumnus came together to form the parent association, which now has 16 principal members, four scholars that are alumni parents and parents of children attending Morehouse.
The goal at first was for the parents to help each other and assist the young men from St. Louis attending Morehouse. This year Spelman College was added to the focus of the association.
“We need to give back with these institutions, especially with these black men,” Thomas said.
“They need the support. This is a family. These are our kids from St. Louis.”
Ja-Mes Watson is returning to Morehouse for his second year.
“It’s motivating to know that people care about you,” Watson said.
“The college is a legacy itself, and you must show your A game by putting in time and energy.”
At first, the goal for the parent association was to inform parents about college life and help their students feel comfortable away from home. Now the goal is has been expanded to include raising funds and making the association better-known in St. Louis, so more students can attend Morehouse and the scholarships can provide more assistance.
“Send more to Morehouse. Every son of Morehouse is a son of us,” Thomas said.
“Education is something no one can take from you.”
Hattie Jackson, chair of the Scholarship Committee and scholar member of the parent association, has a son who graduated from Morehouse and knows the importance of receiving higher education at an HBCU.
“We’re making a significant contribution, it can make a major difference,” Jackson said.
Jackson had a mentor herself when attending an HBCU, and she wants to see the same thing for future students.
“I always wanted to give back,” Jackson said.
Alfred Steward, treasurer of the Scholarship Committee of the parents association, currently has his son attending Morehouse.
“It’s a serious need to help those boys out,” Steward said.
During exam week, the parent association sends care packages filled with food and study tips for the students.
Mikael Austin is a returning student at Morehouse who is ecstatic that people care about his well being while in college. Austin received a care package from the association while at Morehouse.
“I’m a living testament,” Austin said. “All the little things are the things that pushed me through. They’re giving back and helping the future.”
Mollye Austin, parent of Mikael Austin, feels that her son has earned his scholarships and is glad to be part of the association that is helping her son and her family.
“It’s good to know we have support. They take you under their wings and make you feel comfortable with your child leaving and meeting other parents. It’s a blessing to know that people care,” Mollye Austin said.
Ruth A. McGowan, secretary of the parents association, knows there are students who struggle to receive funds for college but have talent and dedication to offer.
“We wanted to showcase our children. There’s talent here,” McGowan said.
The members meet monthly every second Sunday. For more information, email maryharperthomas@gmail.com or marjem1@msn.com.
