For the Calhoun family, Morehouse College is more than an alma mater. It's part of their family's story. For generations, this historic institution has shaped leaders and fostered a lifelong brotherhood. Today, sophomore Braylen Calhoun is continuing that tradition, following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Jason Calhoun, as he forges his own path at Morehouse while carrying forward a family legacy of excellence, leadership, and service.

Braylen, a 2025 graduate of Woodbridge High School, is now experiencing Morehouse for himself. His father, Dr. Calhoun, director of the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, graduated from Morehouse in 1996. This year marks the 30th anniversary of his graduation, a milestone he celebrates with pride.

"When you get to the campus where you're meant to be, you'll know. For me, that was Morehouse,” said Dr. Calhoun. “I visited in the spring of 1992, and I knew right away that it was where I wanted to be. I often use the phrase 'iron sharpens iron' with my students, and I heard it back then. Morehouse is a special place. You're surrounded by a community of learners who are all focused on the same goal, becoming better."

Established in 1867, Morehouse College has spent more than 150 years developing leaders. Founded to educate and empower African American men, the college counts Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, and countless other influential leaders among its alumni.

Dr. Calhoun said he never pressured Braylen to attend Morehouse, making his decision to enroll there on his own an especially meaningful full-circle moment.

“I think the word that best fits is surreal. I didn’t push him towards Morehouse. I really thought it was important that he made his own decision,” said Dr. Calhoun.

For Braylen, it was the sense of belonging that made the decision clear.

“Going down there on my official visit during admitted students' weekend and seeing a sea of people that look like me. It's just a different kind of connection,” Braylen stated. “It's not something that can necessarily be quantified. It's just a feeling.”

That feeling has only grown stronger since arriving on campus. Braylen highlighted the many opportunities available to students, from galas and pageants to career fairs and recruiting events. He also pointed to the college's strong alumni network, whose members regularly return to mentor students and recruit them for careers.

"The alumni who come back to reinvest in future generations is something that's really special,” Braylen said. “I think we have a great alumni support system. There are always people coming back. Literally, on any given day, you could walk into a class, and Spike Lee will just show up. That's not something that happens everywhere. I think our alumni engagement is something that's really unique to our campus."

As Dr. Calhoun celebrates 30 years as a Morehouse alumnus, he’s looking forward to creating new memories alongside his son. This fall, the two will reunite at Morehouse’s homecoming celebration, a tradition that now connects two generations of Calhoun men.