2024 Great Grads: Kofi Asafu-Adjaye

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Kofi Asafu-Adjaye has uniquely served as a member of the Royal Court since his sophomore year, when he was finally able to step onto campus after stay-at-home orders shuttered the doors of several colleges, including Johnson C. Smith University.

The Maryland native said that JCSU immediately felt like home and that his mom was eager to push him from the nest so she could watch him soar as he developed into a strong young man.

“It takes time to get where you want to be,” he said. “You can’t rush certain things, and sometimes messing up and making mistakes can allow you to grow.”

During his time at JCSU, Asafu-Adjaye has been not only a member of the Royal Court for three years, but also has been involved in the Smith Davidson Initiative, National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and the Charlotte Racial Justice Consortium. He is also a proud member of the Rho chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Asafu-Adjaye says that his favorite memories at JCSU include finally meeting his classmates in person after his first year as a student, which was spent online due to COVID-19, and becoming Mister Sophomore.   

“It was so random, and it was simply a ‘right place at the right time’ type of situation,” he said. “Me simply being myself and walking on The Block my sophomore year allowed me the opportunity to faithfully represent my school.”

After graduation, Asafu-Adjaye hopes to find a job in Charlotte while studying and preparing for Law school.

He says his biggest inspirations include his parents and brother, friends, Royal Court, advisors, chapter brothers, The Might Sixth District and God. He is also thankful to the professors and staff members who have helped him along the way, including Anthony Brown, Drs. Cathy Jones, Helen King, Terza Lima-Neves, Davida Haywood, Tyler Bunzey and Dr. Valerie Kinloch.

“They all served as an inspiration to me on account of the belief, trust and wisdom they instilled in me,” he said. “Through their energy, I was inspired to do well.”