Scholar Spotlight
A prolific writer of poetry and song, Nate is a dynamic speaker and isn't shy about performing in front of an audience.
Scholars Around the World
Two JKCF Scholars organize a 15-day study tour to Bolivia to explore the country’s political economy, peoples and rural development
Ahmad A. Lewis
“Full of questions but without answers, I began spending hours studying the works of Afro-American scholars like W.E.B. Du Bois and Cornel West, and their writings inspired me to become an agent of change.”
- Program: 2008 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
- Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
- Community College: Long Beach City College
- Four-year College or University: Stanford University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Sociology, Social Welfare
Ahmed A Lewis - Back in the Day |
Biography
PROFILE: When Ahmad Lewis was 13, he decided to become a rap star. He began writing music and working hard in pursuit of that goal. At 17, he landed a recording contract. His first single release, Back in the Day, went to #2 on the Billboard rap chart and was certified gold. By the age of 19, Ahmad had reached celebrity status, and over the next few years he toured the world. His only problem: “I was miserable.”
He still wanted to entertain, but he wanted to teach and to inspire. “I dissolved my record contract, got a nine-to-five job, and started a positive hip-hop band. The birth of his son three years ago inspired him to go back to school. He looks forward to explaining to his son one day why he walked away from so much early success to pursue a new path.
INSPIRATION: Ahmad thanks his mother for laying a firm foundation: “She survived an abusive marriage, and as a single mother of three, worked a full-time job while attending night classes. She ultimately earned a masters degree in social work from USC, and has dedicated her life to service.”
ASPIRATION: He plans to earn a Ph.D. in sociology and become a university professor in the field of social welfare.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Ahmad traveled to Africa last year as part of a humanitarian aid team, delivering supplies to children in Zimbabwe. As a member of Leaders Across Campus, he has mentored other college students. He has also served as a life skills coach, helping recovering drug addicts, mentally ill residents, and homeless families.
ACCOLADES: Ahmad was recognized on the Dean’s List with great distinction for four consecutive terms, and belongs to the Alpha Gamma Sigma honors society.
INTERESTING FACT: Ahmad has performed with the Black Eyed Peas, Sheryl Crow, and James Brown.
Other Scholars Like Ahmad
Andrew McAllister
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Adam Lance
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East Tennessee State University
Kseniya Charova
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Nasra Nimaga
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
University of California, Los Angeles