The day began with a guided campus tour of Morgan State University, where students explored the institution’s historic grounds and learned about its legacy as one of the nation’s premier public HBCUs. During the tour, students met two alumni (relatives of celebrated Morgan State alumnus DJ Fivestar) who shared reflections on how determination and a steadfast belief in one’s purpose shaped their personal and professional journeys. 

Following the tour, students joined thousands of alumni and supporters at Hughes Stadium to experience the energy of Morgan State’s Homecoming football game. The Bears delivered a commanding 44–6 victory over Virginia University of Lynchburg, offering visiting scholars an unforgettable glimpse into the pride and spirit that animate the Morgan community.

The visit concluded with Dr. Best’s presentation, “Baltimore: Past, Present, and Future,” which examined the city’s evolution from the largest free Black community in the United States prior to the Civil War to a modern center of Black culture and innovation. The talk explored Baltimore’s notable figures, including Frederick Douglass, Thurgood Marshall, and Billie Holiday. Further, the talk emphasized the educational and economic impact of Morgan State and Coppin State Universities. Dr. Best also introduced his research on the intersection of gaming, social-emotional learning, and educational equity, underscoring new possibilities for culturally responsive teaching and student engagement.

Together, the experiences provided the Goodnight Scholars with a multifaceted understanding of Baltimore and its institutions, reinforcing NCEED’s commitment to advancing educational equity.