STUDENTS
Destin Tucker Begins Hollywood Dream at Morehouse
Hollywood by learning his way around an editing studio at Morehouse’s Cinema, Television, & Emerging Media Studies program (CTEMS). The program is making Morehouse a competitive choice for budding filmmakers who want to study show biz and network with Hollywood producers and directors outside of California and New York. Georgia’s $7-billion film and television industry is third in the nation behind California and New York. Last school year, CTEMS hosted screenings or panels with the directors of four Academy Award-nominated films, including “I Am Not Your Negro,” the 2017 Oscar-winning Best Picture film “Moonlight,” and Best Picture nominee, “Hidden Figures,” which was partially shot at Morehouse. M
Morehouse Interim President Harold L. Martin Jr. (right) speaks with (left to right) Destin Tucker, Azja Pryor and comedian/actor Chris Tucker.
Destin Tucker is planning a career in the family business: film and entertainment. He’s left his home in Southern California and begun his freshman year at Morehouse College, which offers him the best of both worlds—a great education at a college steeped in history and a campus that’s close to his dad. Tucker, the 19-year-old son of comedian and actor Chris Tucker and casting director Azja Pryor, was one of more than 600 new freshmen to move into dorms at Morehouse College in August. And during New Student Orientation, he bid his family farewell at the annual Parents’ Parting Ceremony, the time when families turn over the guidance of their sons to Morehouse College. The handoff officially launches the journey that students must take to become a Morehouse Man. Destin Tucker, a graduate of Oaks Christian School just outside of Los Angeles, says it was totally his idea to choose Morehouse College. “I wanted to come here,” he said emphatically. “I have family here, it’s an all-male school, and it’s historically black. “I’ve never been in this type of environment, so I’m excited to be coming here to learn because I know it will be a top-flight education.”
by D. AILEEN DODD
His father agreed. “I think it was a great decision; it was like Morehouse chose us,” said Chris Tucker. “I’m from Atlanta, and it’s just great for [Destin] to be down here and I’m here. “It’s a great college and has a great history, like my son said,” he added. “Martin Luther King is one of my heroes. Spike Lee is a good friend of mine. So many of my friends’ kids came here and had a great experience. I’m excited about it.” Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee ’79 got his start at Morehouse before going to film school at NYU. Morehouse alumni have followed his path to stardom. After seeing Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” Seith Mann ’95 decided he wanted to be a director. He has since directed episodes of the critically-acclaimed “Grey’s Anatomy,” as well as “The Wire,” “The Walking Dead,” and other series. Tucker isn’t the only celebrity son to attend Morehouse. That list includes former Morehouse football star John David Washington, son of Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington, and Kwame Morris, son of music legend Stevie Wonder. The young Tucker, who wants to become a director, will blaze his trail to
FRESHMAN HAS MUSICAL ROOTS Name: Aquil Dantzler Major: African-American Studies Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa. Future Career Goal: To be a high school teacher. Why I chose Morehouse: “I wanted to be at an institution that was centered on black intellect and excellence. Morehouse is that for me. I also wanted to make my parents proud by being a prime example of what it means to be a successful black man in my own regard.” Parents: Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon, the successful neo soul and R&B duo known internationally as Kindred The Family Soul. What my family thinks: “They are very proud of me and the school I attend.”
special anniversary issue • morehouse magazine
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