He encouraged the graduates to invest in the future!
At Morris Brown College’s 2025 commencement ceremony, Pastor T.D. Jakes didn’t just deliver a speech—he delivered a blessing that will echo far beyond graduation day. In a powerful moment of giving and guidance, the renowned faith leader and founder of The Potter’s House church stunned the crowd with a $100,000 donation, a gift that will fund over 150 workforce certification exams for students stepping into high-demand fields, Black Enterprise reports.
“This gift is not about what we’ve inherited, but what we invest forward,” Jakes said, aligning his words with a vision of hardwork and legacy. The surprise donation, made through the T.D. Jakes Foundation landed at a pivotal time. As Morris Brown and other HBCUs face heightened scrutiny and financial strain, the gift wasn’t just generous, it was right on time.
Morris Brown’s journey is one of restoration and resilience. Once stripped of its accreditation, the school made national headlines in 2022 for becoming the first HBCU to regain that status after two decades, a comeback that Pastor Jakes honored during his address. Speaking at Atlanta’s Saint Philip A.M.E. Church where 58 graduates turned their tassels, he reminded the class of 2025 that their education is part of a greater fight.
“You’ve come too far not to get up. Fight until you build your business or company, find a cure for cancer, franchise yourself, or get on your feet,” said Jakes
Morris Brown, home of the Wolverines, has become a sanctuary for students in transition, most recently opening its doors to former students of Limestone University, which announced its closure earlier this month. The college’s revival has been fueled by community investment, including major donations from corporate supporters like Chick-fil-A. Still, it was the spiritual and strategic push from Jakes that brought tears and cheers to the weekend celebration.
Commencement weekend in Atlanta was alive with Black brilliance. Civil rights icon Dr. Cornel West spoke to Morehouse graduates about battling “spiritual wickedness in high places,” while Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson inspired Spelman seniors to lean into the power of sisterhood. And T.D. Jakes reminded Morris Brown’s class that resilience isn’t just something you survive—it’s something you share.
Because of every step Morris Brown took to rise again, the investment in the future is already paying off.