Morehouse College Honors Operation HOPE Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant with Prestigious "Candle Award"

37th Annual "A Candle in the Dark" Gala Raises $6.8 Million for Student Scholarships

ATLANTA, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a night of celebration, inspiration, and philanthropy, Morehouse College honored John Hope Bryant, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, with the esteemed "Candle Award" at its 37th Annual "A Candle in the Dark" Gala. This premier event, held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta, recognized Bryant's outstanding contributions to civic engagement and entrepreneurship—a legacy he has championed for over three decades.

The gala, one of the nation's foremost celebrations of African American excellence, raised an impressive $6.8 million to support student scholarships, furthering Morehouse College's mission to develop leaders who will shape the future.

A Visionary Leader in Financial Empowerment
Bryant is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate whose impact spans industries and communities nationwide. As the Founder of The Promise Homes Company, the largest minority-controlled owner of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S., and the driving force behind Operation HOPE, the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to financial literacy and economic inclusion, Bryant has transformed countless lives. Morehouse College recognized him for his unwavering commitment to empowering underserved communities in metro Atlanta and beyond.

Commitment to Education and Social Impact
The Morehouse College Candle Award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon individuals who exemplify professional excellence, leadership, and a profound commitment to community service—values deeply embedded in Morehouse's rich legacy. During the gala, Bryant reinforced his dedication to education by announcing a $100,000 personal commitment to support Morehouse students from underserved backgrounds pursuing degrees in finance, business, and entrepreneurship.

"Financial literacy, education, and community engagement are at the core of Morehouse College's storied history, making this recognition a profound honor," said Bryant. "Morehouse is the birthplace of transformative movements and home to leaders like Dr. Benjamin E. Mays and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am proud to continue advancing this mission and championing financial empowerment for future generations."

Celebrating Excellence and Achievement
Bryant was honored alongside an illustrious group of trailblazers, including:

• Otis Moss, III –Senior Pastor, Poet, Activist, Author, and Filmmaker
• Pharrell Williams – Award-winning Recording Artist, Philanthropist & Fashion Designer
• Rashaun L. Williams – Venture Capitalist, Educator, and Atlanta Falcons Limited Partner
• Marvin Dunn – Author, Educator, Historian, Veteran, and Social Activist
• Bryan Rand – Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Rand & Co Holdings LLC

Since its inception in 1989, "A Candle in the Dark" Gala has become a cornerstone event for Morehouse College, recognizing African American achievement and raising vital scholarship funds. The sold-out event drew more than 800 distinguished guests, including Morehouse College and HBCU alumni, business and civic leaders, and philanthropists. To view a replay of the live stream, click HERE.

About Operation HOPE, Inc.
Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been a driving force in economic empowerment, shifting America from civil rights to "Silver Rights"—a movement to ensure free enterprise and capitalism work for all. Through its award-winning HOPE Inside model, which received American Banker's Innovator of the Year recognition, Operation HOPE has impacted more than 4 million individuals, directing over $4 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities. With a mission to turn check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into entrepreneurs, and minimum-wage workers into financially independent individuals, Operation HOPE continues to redefine economic inclusion. The organization recently earned Fast Company's "World Changing Ideas" Award and has been recognized with ten consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator for fiscal transparency and  accountability. For more information, visit OperationHOPE.org. Join the HOPE  conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Lalohni Campbell, Operation HOPE
404-593-7145
[email protected]

SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc.