Faces of Black Excellence

Homeless Memphis teen graduates with 4.3 GPA and gets $3m in scholarships

17-year-old Tupac Mosley from Memphis, Tennessee, has won the hearts of many with his resilience after graduating from Raleigh Egypt High School with a 4.3 GPA while being homeless. Mosley became the valedictorian at his high school graduation earlier this month and he expressed his excitement of being accepted into 40 colleges and earning $30 million in scholarships.

“When I heard that I got $3 million, I was more than elated and excited and astonished that it was that much,” a happy Mosley told local WHBQ-TV.

The teen, who plans to attend Tennessee State University in the fall, lost his dad and his family has been moving from home to home as they struggled after their eviction in February.

“After my father passed, we fell behind on bills and we ended up getting evicted from our home February 21 of this year… So, we went to different homes and we were blessed to have For the Kingdom,” he explained.

The family was given a temporary place to stay by For the Kingdom nonprofit group and campsite that helps urban youth get on the right path. The organization’s director gave them more stability at the campgrounds which helped keep Mosley’s dream of going to college alive, reports CBS46.

“I knew that I had to make them proud… I knew that their investment was worth it that and just show them that – yes, everything that you poured into me was worth $3 million and counting,” he said during his graduation speech thanking his principal and teachers.

“Never let your current situation, whatever circumstances you’re going through, be a mountain that you can’t climb,” Tupac Mosley told his classmates.

The teen who has proved that in every adversity, dreams can still be pursued wants to major in electrical engineering.

Ismail Akwei

Ismail Akwei is an international journalist, communications and media consultant, editor, writer, human rights advocate, pan-Africanist, tech enthusiast, history fanatic and a lover of arts and culture. He has worked with multinational media companies across the continent and has over a decade's experience in journalism.

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