Courtesy of Morgan State University
Morgan State University School of Global Journalism and Communicationâs (SGJCâs) recently established internship program with critically acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee officially commenced this summer for two Morgan scholars. The students will work alongside production and talent professionals in pursuit of rewarding careers in the entertainment industry.
Hekima (âKofiâ) Stevenson, a senior majoring in Multi-Platform Production, was selected as the recipient of the inaugural Steven Jackson Alumni Award, a summer internship program in Los Angeles co-sponsored by Spike Leeâs 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks and the Spike Fellows at The Gersh Agency, a premier Hollywood talent agency.
Steven Jackson, a 2014 Morgan State University SGJC graduate, serves as head of Development and Production for 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks.
âYour selection for this opportunity is a testament to your outstanding academic achievements, dedication and potential in the entertainment industry,â Jackson wrote in his offer letter to Stevenson.
Next month, July 2024, Stevenson will travel to Los Angeles for an eight-week internship, where he will work side-by-side with producers to study film production, help craft and edit scripts and learn the mechanics of making feature films and television programs.
Stevenson will also spend a week in New York this summer in the Spike Fellows at Gersh internship, under the guidance of Jayson Council, head of culture for The Gersh Agency. The agencyâs roster of clients includes award-winning actors, writers, producers, directors and production talent in film, television, new media, branded content and stage. Gersh has remained one of the most recognizable names in the entertainment industry for more than seven decades.
In addition to Stevenson, Edoghogho (âJoyâ) Ugiagbe, a Spring 2024 graduate of Morgan who earned a bachelorâs degree in Multi-Platform Production, was also selected for a summer internship with the Spike Fellows at Gersh, working directly with Council.
âThis is an exciting and gratifying opportunity,â said Jackie Jones, dean of the School of Global Journalism and Communication. âIt speaks to the excellent work of our faculty and students and is affirmed by an alumnus who not only has gone on to excel in the industry but has reached back to his alma mater to bring others along.â
The announcement comes at a fitting time, as the SGJC celebrates its 10th anniversary as a school of journalism and mass communication.
The Spike Fellows at Gersh is an offshoot of Leeâs inaugural Spike Fellows Program. The programs support undergraduate students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who have an interest in the film industry, providing them with access and exposure to create career opportunities.
Congratulations to Kofi and Joy, two enterprising Morganites who are working toward the pinnacle of their professions!