Fellows and Interns Programs

Acire “Ky” Hamilton is a junior Mass Communication major with a concentration in journalism and a minor in psychology at Louisiana State University. She desires to be a King Scholar because she believes Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence offers a strong foundation for ethical leadership and responsible communication. The social causes Ky hopes to contribute to include media representation, digital responsibility, and community‑centered storytelling. She is committed to improving how marginalized communities are portrayed in the media, addressing the growing impact of digital polarization on public understanding, and promoting communication practices that strengthen empathy, truth, and connection across diverse groups

Ernest Binfon Jr. is a second-year undergraduate student at Duke University, pursuing a double major in Biology and Philosophy on the pre-med track. Beyond his studies, Ernest works at the Duke Catholic Center (DCC) and sings bass with the DCC Choir. Ernest also serves as a UNESCO Center for Peace Summer Camp Facilitator, where he chairs Model UN discussions and teaches students from around the world public speaking skills and rules of procedure. In his free time, Ernest sprints, reads philosophical fiction, volunteers, mentors youth, and spends quality time with family and friends.

Sierra J. Williams is an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, studying Cultural and Linguistic Anthropology and East Asian Studies, with minors in Linguistics, Japanese Studies, and Global Medieval Studies. Her interdisciplinary work explores culture, identity, heritage, language, and the ways scholarship can contribute to more equitable and inclusive communities. She desires to be a King Scholar because she is interested in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence, transformational leadership, and commitment to connecting scholarship with meaningful social change. Through the fellowship, she hopes to deepen her understanding of Kingian principles while learning how research and public engagement can serve communities. Her social justice interests include racial and cultural equity, the preservation and representation of marginalized and Indigenous communities, diaspora and migration, educational access, and cultural heritage.

Rachel Williams is a third-year Sociology Major at Oglethorpe University born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She is extremely grateful and honored to be a part of The King Center Fellowship.

While studying Sociology, she is interested in advocating for marginalized communities and spreading awareness on social issues happening around the world. She is actively involved on campus, holding executive positions in Black Student Caucus, Sociology Student Association, and Cooking Club. She hopes to continue to further her education and hopes to be able to work alongside communities in need.

Kris Hammond is a sophomore at Mercer University. He is a double major in Philosophy and Psychology. He wants to be a King scholar because he wants to go through mentorship, dialogue, and develop a community of fellow scholars who can challenge my thinking.

He hopes to use what he learns with the King Center to pursue meaningful action and contribute his own perspective and ideas to the King Center’s community. Ultimately, He wants to help advance the King Center’s commitment to scholarship, public engagement, and positive change in the communities it serves. He wants to contribute to Black educational empowerment, youth mentorship and leadership, and social justice.

Peace Olayiwola Akinloluwa is a Philosophy student at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State Nigeria. He’s a passionate student leader committed to purposeful service, intellectual growth, and positive impact. He currently serves as the President of the Department of Philosophy Students’ Association (NAPS), having previously served in various representative and leadership capacities. With interests in philosophy, leadership, public speaking, critical thinking, and peacebuilding, Peace is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for students and contributing to a more united and progressive community.

Grayson Bolinaga is a second-year student at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, who is very grateful to be a part of the Junior Fellows program at the King Center. He is majoring in philosophy, English, and Greek Studies and minoring in religion. Grayson hopes to pursue graduate school after finishing his undergraduate degree, particularly interested in teaching philosophy or theology at a collegiate level. Grayson is also the president of MASA (Mercer Astronomy Student Association) and Mercer University Book Club, as well as a devout nondenominational Christian. Through this program, Grayson hopes to sharpen his leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for King’s philosophy.

I attend Mercer University as a sophomore. I am a double major in Philosophy and Psychology. I want to be a King scholar because I want to grow through mentorship, dialogue, and develop a community of fellow scholars who can challenge my thinking. I hope to use what I learn with the King Center to pursue meaningful action and contribute my own perspective and ideas to the King Center’s community. Ultimately, I want to help advance the King Center’s commitment to scholarship, public engagement, and positive change in the communities it serves. I want to contribute to Black educational empowerment, youth mentorship and leadership, and social justice.

Tinbite Makonnen is an accounting student at Oglethorpe University with a strong interest in auditing, financial accounting, and business leadership. Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she moved to the United States during high school and has embraced opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally. At Oglethorpe, she serves as Treasurer of the Accounting Club, Co-Treasurer of C100, Social Media Chair for the African Student Association, Lead Student Ambassador for Oglethorpe Goes to Work, and a Financial Accounting Tutor. Through these roles, she enjoys supporting her peers, building meaningful connections, and developing her leadership skills. Tinbite is also passionate about service, community, and leadership. As a King Center Scholar, she continues to explore the principles of nonviolence and how she can make a positive impact in my community. Tinbite’s career goal is to earn her CPA license and pursue a career in auditing.