Wilberforce University (the nation’s oldest African American institution of higher learning) awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters to Solomon Wallace of Hollis, NY. Dr. Patricia L. Hardaway, University President conferred the degree as a part of the school’s Commencement Convocation on Saturday, May 5, 2012.
Dr. 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 83 year old resident/longtime activist still maintains offices in Harlem NY and Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Wallace was recognized for his contributions to humanity including a high rise apartment building; a 900+ arcre camp in upstate New York; a 4 year old mentoring program that now serves young people in 8 states; and charitable acts exceeding a value of $90K 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 fo you is for you.”
Wallace is native of Raleigh, North Carolina and is listed among Ebony Magazine’s Top 150 African American Organization Leaders.