Morgan Park Native Rings Closing Bell At Nasdaq

Morehouse College Sophomore Jeremy Hall had the opportunity to ring the closing bell at Nasdaq because of his involvement with Shared Interest. Photo provided by MyWhy Agency.
Morehouse College Sophomore Jeremy Hall had the opportunity to ring the closing bell at Nasdaq because of his involvement with Shared Interest. Photo provided by MyWhy Agency.

Morgan Park Native Rings Closing Bell At Nasdaq

By Tia Carol Jones

Jeremy Hall, a second year Biology (pre-med) and finance minor at Morehouse College, grew up on the city’s South Side. Because of his participation in One Goal, he was awarded a scholarship, which helped him pay for tuition to college. But, he still needed other funding to pay for school. So, he researched and applied to other scholarships in hopes he could get the money he needed. He eventually received a scholarship from UNCF, which he credits with changing his life.

“It represents a stepping stone and shows that all it takes in life is for one person to say yes,” he said. He advises other people to use the adversity they face as a tool to find out who they really are when they have difficult times.

Recently, Hall had the opportunity to ring the closing bell at Nasdaq. That opportunity is part of his involvement with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Social Impact Leaders Forum.

The Nasdaq Foundation and Shared Interest launched a partnership to expand opportunities for HBCU students. As part of the partnership, Hall, along with other HBCU students participate in a 10-session workshop series where they learn about the fundamentals and history of environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, socially responsible investing and impact investing.

During his time in New York City, Hall was able to network with people including Robert Phillips, the Senior Managing Director of Global Corporate Client Group at Nasdaq. He said Phillips served as a great guide, he interacted with him and answered questions.

As a University Innovation Fellow, Hall, along with two other Morehouse students, created a database for students to receive better opportunities in internships, fellowships and job placement. He was also named a 2023 Catalyst for Change and Academic Trailblazer. Before Hall went to ring the closing bell at Nasdaq, he participated in an event where he served 2,000 families.

“I like to do these type of paying it forward events before I go to special events like the Nasdaq bell ringing to keep me in a humble space and with a level head,” he said.

Ringing the closing bell felt amazing for Hall. He said it represented him looking back on everything that he has gone through. He said ringing the bell was for everyone who stutters and everyone who is trying to overcome stuttering, and everyone who is trying to find light in a tunnel of darkness.

“I want other people to know that the only way to be in a tunnel and create your light is to have faith and trust in yourself and be confident in your actions,” he said. He wants other people who stutter and those who are former stutterers to engage more in their community.

His advice for students going through the college process is to LIVE, which stands for longevity, intentionality, vision and execution. He said that acronym has really helped him get through everything he has been through.


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