October 10th 2023.
In April, Philadelphia high school senior Amir Staten received an extraordinary opportunity and achievement: a full-ride scholarship to Morehouse College in the form of a four-year Bonner Scholars Scholarship, complemented by an additional $20,000 in academic funds.
This remarkable milestone came at a pivotal time for Amir, a senior at Germantown Friends School, who aspires to become a representative figure for Black students in Philadelphia. With the scholarship, he is set to embark on his higher education journey with a major in Sociology.
Amir and his mother, Karlyyne Staten, were filled with relief, knowing that Amir would have the opportunity to leave behind a city that has faced its share of challenges and dangers. Karlyyne expressed her gratitude for The Shade Room’s role in securing her son’s scholarship, saying: “Your platform had soooo much to do with his scholarship. Words can’t even explain the gratitude and thanks.”
In celebration of this momentous occasion, Amir shared a touching video of himself jubilantly running up his street, filled with excitement, clapping, screaming, and jumping for joy. The footage quickly went viral on social media.
Amir hopes his college acceptance and scholarship will inspire his peers, motivating them to consider higher education. He is passionate about dispelling the notion that academic pursuits are incompatible with “being cool” and aims to encourage others to choose the path of knowledge over other alternatives.
Karlyyne’s perspective on raising her child in Philadelphia was transformed following the tragic murder of Amir’s 18-year-old godbrother in 2021. She said, “I had a couple of mixed emotions because you know he’s going to get out. He is going to get out of Philly. I love Philly to death, but it is not safe for him. I love my city, but I’m happy he’s getting out.”
Karlyyne believes that Amir’s college acceptance will also inspire the city, particularly for young Black men who may not always find the college path accessible. She stated, “It’s just showing a different light. To see a young Black man in Philadelphia celebrating an educational victory is like unheard of.”
Amir is now on the path to realizing his dreams at Morehouse College and is set to graduate from high school this June. His remarkable journey is a personal achievement and a testament to the potential and promise of the young Black scholars in his community.
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