GOLDEN DAKA BIOGRAPHY

Golden Daka was born on December 7th, 1997 in Lusaka, Zambia. At the age of 3, his mother,
Vizzie Wayuma-Okpalobi, traveled with Golden and his twin brother to the United States of America in
order to start a new life. Golden and his family arrived in New York City on August of 2001. Goldens
mother and aunt purchased their first apartment in Silver Spring, Maryland, their journey in America had
just begun. Golden has very little recollection about his father. Since leaving Lusaka in 2001, Golden has
had very minimal to no contact with his father. He credits his mother, and grandmother for taking care of
him, and raising him to become the man he is today. Golden began school at Georgian Forest Elementary
School. He was immediately placed in ESOL (English for Speak of Other Languages) courses in order to
become more fluent in english. This was extremely difficult for him because often times he would be
isolated from the other kids in order to polish his literacy. To make matters worse, the living conditions
Golden and his family dwelled in were subpar. Often times his family could not afford to pay the monthly
rent despite his mother and aunt working long hours. As a result, Golden and his family lived in an
apartment that normally lacked electricity, hot water, and fresh food. Goldens family did the best they
could for him and his brother. Although they lived on an extremely tight budget, they made sure to try to
keep the family encouraged. As Golden climbed grade levels, his passion for school augmented. Golden
credits his 8th grade year as the turning point of his life. During this year, he and his family moved from
Montgomery County, Maryland to Prince George's County, Maryland. Golden believes his move to
Prince Georges County, Maryland is what led to the development of his work-ethic. However, the move
was initially difficult for Golden because it was a fresh start.
 Golden entered Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in 2012. Initially, Golden struggled to stay
focused. During his sophomore year of high school, he earned a 2.8 cumulative grade point average.
Golden knew this had to change. During his junior year of high school, he earned a 3.7 grade point
average. As a result, Golden boosted his grade point average to a 3.3. While at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr.
High School, Golden served as President of A.M.A.T.E (All Males Aspiring to Excel). A.M.A.T.E is one
of the top male mentoring groups in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Golden was also inducted into
the National Honors Society, and graduated as apart of the first class of the Health and Biomedical
Sciences academy at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School. During his senior year of high school, Golden
was accepted into his dream school, Morehouse College. However, Golden could not attend Morehouse
College his freshman year of college because of financial issues. As a result, Golden attended Prince
Georges Community College during his freshman year of college. While attending school as a full-time
student, Golden worked an average of 30 hours a week at Baskin Robbins ice cream shop in order to save
up for Morehouse College. Golden took the train for a total of four hours a day to get to school, and work.
He never gave up on the idea of attending Morehouse, although others told him it was impossible. Golden
credits this daunting period as the turning point of his life. He became more patient, spiritual, and diligent.
Golden entered Morehouse College his sophomore year of college. Golden currently maintains a 4.0
grade point average at Morehouse. He is also apart of LYTEhouse an organization centered around
Lifting Youth Through Enrichment. Golden also serves on the executive board of the Student
Government Association, as well as a member of the Morehouse College pre-law association. Golden is a
United Negro College Fund Footlocker Incorporated Scholar, National Coalition of Black Women
Scholar, Caesar Hill Scholar, Baltimore Alumni Association of Morehouse College Scholar, and a Kappa
Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated (Hyattsville Chapter) Scholar. Golden was also recently featured in
Amazon Smile - a campaign started by the UNCF and Amazon in order to raise funds for students. After
obtaining his bachelors from Morehouse College, Golden aspires to attend law school and earn his J.D.
Golden desires to build a library system in Lusaka that provides students with the same resources he was
afforded by coming to America. Golden also aspires to create his own scholarship fund, as well as
practice civil and corporate law in the United States. During his leisure time Golden likes to read, write
and play videogames. He is a huge fan of Erykah Badu, and neo-soul music. Golden also loves spending
time with his siblings, John, Ariana, Andre and Junior.