Earning an doctoral degree is no easy feat. It’s among the most respected and the highest degrees conferred upon an individual. And there’s the honorary doctorate that recognizes individuals whose achievements are extraordinary and have lasting distinction. Solomon Wallace, 83, was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters by Wilberforce University (the nation’s oldest African American institution of higher learning).
What makes Wallace special? He has a plethora of accomplishments.
Wallace is the current CEO of the United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliated Scottish Rite Masons. In that position, he leads the Masons who hold the 33rd degree, the highest and last degree of Masonry. The longtime activist still maintains offices in Harlem and Philadelphia. Wallace was recognized for his contributions to humanity including a high rise apartment building; a 900+ acre camp in upstate New York; a 4-year-old mentoring program that now serves young people in eight states; and charitable acts exceeding a value of $90,000 a year benefiting the United Negro College Fund and other non-profits in New York and across the nation.
Wallace was among other prominent leaders receiving the honor including Ohio Supreme Court Justice Yvette McGee Brown. Those awards were a part of a theme of the University to recognize achievers who began life in modest circumstances to succeed in impressive ways. Wallace says, ” I am grateful to be among those receiving this recognition and looking out at this impressive graduating class of Wilberforce. I know that among them the world will see leaders who will carry on the torch. I leave them with the thought that whatever God has for you, is for you.”
Wallace is a native of Raleigh, N.C. and is listed among Ebony magazine’s Top 150 African American Organization Leaders. –yvette caslin
