Morehouse Men: The New Faces Of Horror
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on March 11, 2025 Ronald “Sully” Sullivan, Adisa Iwa, Raynal “Shaka” Harris, and Ajamoo Raheem Kemet—four visionaries, four Morehouse Men, forged in the crucible of excellence at one of the nation’s most esteemed institutions. Their paths diverged after graduation—Sully pursued justice at Harvard Law, Raheem expanded his intellect at Morgan State, Shaka honed his skills at the University of Michigan, and Adisa took his talents straight to Los Angeles, carving out a name in television. But destiny had a larger plan. Years later, these bold minds reunited with a singular mission: to revolutionize the entertainment industry. They birthed HBCU Superheroes, an expansive universe that celebrates the legacies, cultures, and power of the 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Their creation is more than just a story—it’s a movement. And just as the world prepares for their groundbreaking impact in comics and film, these Morehouse Men are setting their sights on another frontier—horror. Bound by brotherhood, driven by innovation, and fearless in the face of convention, they embody the very essence of what it means to be a Morehouse Man: leaders, disruptors, and architects of the future. Because one thing is certain—you can tell a Morehouse Man, but you can’t tell him much! This June, the Morehouse brotherhood is set to make its mark on the horror genre in a way never seen before. Alongside their fellow Morehouse alum and veteran actor John Eddins, who boasts over fifty film credits to his name and currently has one of the longest runnng commercial on TV, these visionaries will begin filming Unplugged—a spine-chilling horror story born in the depths of the COVID era. The genesis of Unplugged began with Raheem, a lifelong horror aficionado who saw an opportunity to merge his love for the genre with the rich culture of HBCUs. One conversation with Adisa, and the idea ignited like wildfire. What if HBCU students found themselves trapped in a terrifying, life-or-death battle with an evil beyond comprehension? For hours, they dissected the possibilities, exploring themes of survival, folklore, and the resilience of Black students faced with an unimaginable nightmare. Fueled by inspiration, Raheem locked himself away for two months, crafting a script that was as electrifying as it was terrifying. When he and Adisa finally presented it to Shaka and Sully, it took just one read—one pulse-pounding, edge-of-the-seat experience—for them to say, "We’re in." They knew they weren’t just looking at another horror script. They were looking at a game-changer. Now, with cameras set to roll and a powerhouse team behind it, Unplugged isn’t just a film—it’s a statement. Morehouse Men have always been innovators, risk-takers, and leaders, and now, they’re about to flip the script on horror. The question isn’t whether the world is ready for their vision—it’s whether the world can handle it. With doors already flung open from the buzz surrounding HBCU Superheroes, the team chose to take an unexpected but strategic leap—DO IT THEMSELVES! Unlike other genres, horror doesn’t demand a blockbuster budget to captivate audiences; it thrives on storytelling, atmosphere, and sheer, unrelenting terror. And while their budget is more than enough, their focus is razor-sharp: a gripping script and next-level special effects. To bring their vision to life with the highest level of realism and entertainment, they enlisted Matt Seel of Dreammakers Studios, a master of the macabre in his own right. Seel is one of the most accomplished special effects artists you’ve probably never heard of, but his work speaks for itself—he’s the mastermind behind some of the most elaborate haunted houses in Las Vegas and across the country. His resume also boasts collaborations with some of Hollywood’s biggest names, ensuring that when the blood spills and the terror unfolds, it looks and feels all too real. By writing, directing, casting, and producing Unplugged independently, this Morehouse collective is keeping alive the Spike Lee model—the same fearless approach that made Lee, a fellow Morehouse graduate, a cinematic icon. Lee once bet on himself. Now, these Morehouse Men are doing the same. Maybe it’s something in the water at Morehouse, or maybe it’s just the DNA of trailblazers. One thing is certain: this isn’t just a horror film—it’s a movement. Right out the gate, the PTAH Collective made a major power move by securing the historic Mants Estate as the filming location for Unplugged. This isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the kind of cinematic setting that typically only major studios have access to. Set across five sprawling acres, the estate features a private lake, cabins, pavilion, carriage house, barn, and guest quarters—every element needed to create the perfect atmosphere for a horror film. The location’s eerie beauty and remote feel provide an authenticity rarely seen outside of big-budget productions. What truly sets this apart is the commitment to full immersion. Some cast members will live on location during filming, making their experience of isolation and tension feel incredibly real on screen. This level of dedication isn’t just about acting—it’s about bringing the horror to life in a way audiences will feel. By securing such a high-caliber location and pushing the boundaries of independent filmmaking, the PTAH Collective is proving that great storytelling, vision, and bold decisions can rival even the biggest players in Hollywood. Unplugged isn’t just another horror movie—it’s a testament to what’s possible when creativity meets ambition. For the PTAH Collective, this isn’t just about filmmaking—it’s about building a movement and setting an example for the next generation, especially those committed to an HBCU education. Their impact is undeniable, and everywhere they go, the response is the same: overwhelming support and unprecedented turnout. At Howard University’s first film festival, the demand to see PTAH Collective/HBCU Superheroes was so massive that the event had to be moved to a larger room due to overflow. At Delaware State University, the doors had to be shut half an hour before the event even began because the venue had reached capacity. At Morgan State University, more than two thousand students engaged HBCU Superheroes for eight straight hours during a meet-and-greet. At Cheyney University, the excitement reached new heights when WWE Hall of Famer Sharmell Sullivan’s character, White Moon Hunter, made her debut at her father’s alma mater. The momentum extends far beyond college campuses. When the PTAH Collective hosted SpelHouse Hollywood, now HBCU Hollywood, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, they found themselves supported by many of Hollywood’s most accomplished HBCU actors, writers, singers, and executives, further establishing their place in the industry. This isn’t just a series of successful events—this is a cultural shift. The PTAH Collective is proving that HBCU storytelling is powerful, profitable, and here to stay. They aren’t just making films; they’re redefining the landscape of entertainment and bringing a new era of Black excellence to the forefront. Casting for Unplugged will take place on April 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Email casting@unpluggedmovies.com. HBCU Superheroes will be appearing at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina on March 14, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM in the George F. Shipman Science Theater. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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