Prince Hall Masons Present $10,000 Scholarship Gift at Annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Alabama A&M Honors Founder’s Legacy During Homecoming
Alabama A&M University paid tribute to its founder, Dr. William Hooper Councill, during its annual Homecoming wreath-laying ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 14, honoring a remarkable legacy of resilience, educational opportunity and service that continues to shape generations of Bulldogs.
Born into slavery in North Carolina, Councill overcame extraordinary adversity to become an educator, attorney and visionary leader. In 1875, he founded what would become Alabama A&M University, establishing an institution dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for African Americans.
The solemn ceremony brought together University leaders, alumni, students and members of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama at the William Hooper Councill Memorial and Eternal Flame.
A ceremonial wreath rests beside the William Hooper Councill Memorial and Eternal Flame at Alabama A&M University, honoring the institution’s founder and his enduring legacy of education and service.
“Dr. Councill’s remarkable journey from enslavement to educator, attorney, University president, and Prince Hall Mason stands as a powerful testament to resilience, vision, leadership, and service,” said vice president for Marketing, Communication and Advancement Jamal Ali.
The ceremony also celebrated a longstanding partnership with the Prince Hall Masons, who presented AAMU President Daniel K. Wims with a $10,000 scholarship contribution. Ali recognized the organization’s generosity, noting nearly $100,000 in contributions to the Prince Hall Legacy Foundation Endowment.
Wims underscored the importance of the Masons’ continued investment in students, noting that Black men represented 47% of AAMU's spring graduating class and more than 42% of its incoming class this fall.
“That is in today’s higher education landscape almost miracle work,” Wims said of the graduating class. “That is important that you're investing in those students and investing in our male students.”
Members of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama gather at the William Hooper Councill Memorial and Eternal Flame for the University’s annual Homecoming wreath-laying ceremony Oct. 14, 2026.
Corey D. Hawkins Sr., an AAMU alumnus and grand master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting the University and its mission.
“Reverend Dr. Councill’s vision and courage and determination laid the foundation and groundwork for all of this, for us to be able to make a difference in today’s society,” Wims said. “150 years later, we’re still transforming lives and helping to transform this community.”
The ceremony carried added significance following the University’s 150th Anniversary celebration in 2025, when the eternal flame was lit as a lasting tribute to Councill’s vision and enduring influence.
More than a century after his passing, Councill’s legacy remains central to Alabama A&M’s mission — a reminder that an institution born from the pursuit of educational opportunity continues to illuminate pathways to achievement, leadership and service.
From left, Kim M. Davis, annual fund director; Alabama A&M University President Daniel K. Wims; Corey D. Hawkins Sr., grand master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama; and Jamal Ali, vice president for Marketing, Communication and Advancement, display a $10,000 scholarship contribution during the University’s annual Homecoming wreath-laying ceremony Oct. 14, 2026.