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Project OKURASE co-founder receives Doctor of Humane Letters degree
June 18, 2008
On May 16, 2008, the Medical University of South Carolina awarded Samuel Nkrumah Yeboah, also known as Powerful, with a Doctor of Humane Letters. This honorary degree was bestowed upon Powerful, co-founder of Project OKURASE for his commitment in the fight against AIDS. Below is an excerpt from the commencement ceremony.
"The Medical University of South Carolina, through several faculty members, most notably Cynthia Cupit Swenson, Ph.D., associate director of the Family Services Research Center; James E. Edwards, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry; and Eve Spratt, M.D., director of pediatric psychiatry, is privileged to be a partner in Project OKURASE. In addition to MUSC, Mr. Yeboah has joined with North Charleston's Union Heights community, home of the Djole African Dance Company and the Gethsemani Circle of Friends Community Center, to aid his cause. They personally have witnessed his devotion to children, and his vision for a stronger and healthier Ghana, free of the shackles of disease and poverty that hold it down.
Mr. Yeboah is called "Powerful" in his native land. The origin of the name is uncertain. It could have been derived from the sound of his drums or perhaps from his indomitable spirit, but for all who have come to know him, it is truly fitting. He has established a bridge between our two communities where we may both help each other now and for years to come.
Occasions such as today's Commencement are meant to honor individuals for their contributions to society. In rare instances, individuals, by virtue of their stature in the community, can honor an institution by their relationship with the institution. Such is the case today. The Medical University of South Carolina is indeed honored to be a partner with Samuel Nkrumah Yeboah in the fight against AIDS, as the Board of Trustees confer upon him the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters on this Sixteenth day of May in the year Two Thousand and Eight."
