By Yasmine Malone | May 30, 2024
Clarksdale, Mississippi – Ahkenaton (Ken) Furdge, a proud native of Clarksdale, has been accepted into the Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, where he will pursue a degree in physics. Johns Hopkins, ranked ninth among universities in the United States, is internationally renowned for its engineering program.
Ken is the son of Joseph and Tamarski Furdge, who also hail from Clarksdale, MS. His educational journey began at George H. Oliver Elementary, continued through W.A. Higgins Middle School and Clarksdale High School, and progressed to Alcorn State University. At Alcorn State, Ahkenaton joined the Delta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Despite his academic achievements, Ken’s childhood was enriched with singing and football, highlighting his diverse talents.
Ken offers valuable advice to young Delta residents seeking to forge their own paths. He emphasizes the importance of expanding one’s perception of job opportunities. “If you’re uncomfortable with the jobs that ‘seem’ the most available, expand the list,” he advises. “After choosing something you have a greater affinity for, create a plan to obtain that job. This can include researching specialized schools, acquiring certifications, or seeking internships that provide valuable experience. Clarksdale is a beautiful place with talented and creative thinkers. Know what you deserve and be strategic about achieving it.”
When asked about his life goals, Ahkenaton shared his vision: “I want to prove that it can be done. ‘It’ refers to things that may seem out of reach or are typically seen only in movies or television. I hope to be a beacon for Clarksdale natives, showing them that we too can move the needle forward in many ways. I am a regular guy from Clarksdale, MS. What I have accomplished is possible for my fellow Mississippians as well. Hopefully, my public pursuits will inspire others to positively change some aspect of their lives.”
Congratulations, Ahkenaton! Clarksdale supports your journey and aspirations.
Below are more insights from my conversation with Ahkenaton Furdge:
Yasmine: What advice do you have for young boys and girls in Clarksdale looking to maximize their potential?
Ahkenaton: One of the hardest things to conceptualize growing up in Clarksdale is an adequate sense of job opportunity. Working towards an expansive list of job opportunities would be a solution in more ways than one. If you’re uncomfortable with the jobs that ‘seem’ the most available, expand the list. After choosing something you have a greater affinity for, create a plan to obtain that job. This can include researching schools that specialize in that area, acquiring certifications, or seeking internships that provide valuable experience. Clarksdale is a beautiful place with talented and creative thinkers. Know what you deserve and be strategic about achieving it.
Yasmine: Do you have any advice for young people who want to follow a similar path?
Ahkenaton: Outward growth requires inward reflection. Our sense of self can adjust our trajectory for life. Take the time to know who you are and be intentional on your journey of self-discovery. This will affect every aspect of your life in ways you won’t anticipate. Are there borders around your perspective where there should be meadows? I discovered that I couldn’t think of my next move until I unlearned the habits that placed limitations on my thinking. There is so much out there to do, but it is a lot harder to achieve when you handicap your mind’s ability to generate ideas. So, I would start there.
Yasmine: When did you decide that physics was your path?
Ahkenaton: More accurately, I consider physics as part of a larger path. I have been involved in science and technology since I left high school. After earning an engineering degree and securing a job I enjoy, my pursuit of a deeper understanding of the laws that govern our world became a priority. This decision to pursue a Master’s in Applied Physics is about advancing that priority now that I have a stable foundation with my full-time job. It’s an opportunity for personal growth.
Yasmine: Was there a person or experience that inspired you to pursue Johns Hopkins University?
Ahkenaton: I earned my previous degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). I wanted to challenge myself by diversifying my education and seeing what new skills I could acquire in a different environment. The university had to offer an online course so that I could continue working full-time, which narrowed my options significantly.
Yasmine: When do you expect to graduate?
Ahkenaton: I expect to graduate in May or December of 2026.
Yasmine: What advice do you have for young people in Clarksdale looking to make the most out of their lives?
Ahkenaton: One of the hardest things to conceptualize growing up in Clarksdale is an adequate sense of job opportunity. Working towards an expansive list of job opportunities would be a solution in more ways than one. If you’re uncomfortable with the jobs that ‘seem’ the most available, expand the list. After choosing something you have a greater affinity for, create a plan to obtain that job. This can include researching schools that specialize in that area, acquiring certifications, or seeking internships that provide valuable experience. Clarksdale is a beautiful place with talented and creative thinkers. Know what you deserve and be strategic about achieving it.
_________
*To report a spelling or grammar error or inaccurate information, please email us at info@clarksdaleadvocate.com.
