b'2021 IMARA Men:Phenomenal LeadersBy Debra YoungFor centuries Black men have been labeled dangerous,stated that they also instilled in him the importance threateningandinferiorbysomeindividualsinourof taking care of others.society.IMARAWoman dispelsthismythbyhonoringDuringhishighschool outstandingAfrican-Americanyears,McCornrevealedthat menwhohavereachedthehe,hismomandhissister pinnacleofsuccessandmadelivedinshelters,abandoned significantcontributionstobuildings,andsometimes thecommunity.The2021with family members. Despite IMARAmenaredynamicthesechallenges,McCorn andcourageousleaderswhosayshewentfromnohouse defytheoddsandexcelintoMorehouse.Nomatter theircareersandusetheirhowdifficultthingsgot, expertisetopayitforward.herememberstherewere Thisyearshonoreesarealwayspeopleinhislifethat ClintonCollegepresidentDr.helped.Heexplainedthatat LesterAgyeiMcCorn,SCage 16, his family was evicted HighwayPatrolCommanderfromtheirapartmentand ColonelChristopherN.Williamsonandhe was about to give up.He recalls reaching out to Award-winning pharmacist James Hodges. hispastorandtellinghimIcantdoitanymore. The pastor took him in, which he said changed the Dr. Lester Agyeitrajectoryofhislife.He startedpreachingatage16, McCorn completedhighschool,and The13thpresidentofsaidhewasacceptedinto ClintonCollegeinRockMorehouseonawingand Hill,SC,Dr.LesterAgyeiprayer.With no money for McCornisdescribedasatuition, McCorn shared that visionary,leader,scholar,hesetoutforMorehouse artist,andactivist.Bornwith a friend (who was also andraisedinWorchester,accepted)andhisfriends Massachusetts, his is a storyfather.Hisfriendsfather of making it against all odds.intervened on his behalf and Heattributeshissuccesstotoldthebusinessofficethat hismotherandthe villageMcCorn had no money, but thathelpedraisehim.Nothe had potential.Promising onlydidtheyinstillinhimthemthatiftheylet theimportanceofgettingMcCorn stay, he would raise agoodeducation,buthe 10IMARA'