Elijah C. DeVaughn Jr.: From Compton to Harvard to Oxford — A Scholar Redefining Greatness

He’s continuing on his path to greatness — one milestone at a time.

Three years ago, Elijah C. DeVaughn Jr., a young man from Compton, California, made national headlines when he was accepted to Harvard University. Now, he’s back in the spotlight for another extraordinary achievement: being selected as a Rhodes Scholar, one of just 32 American students chosen for this year’s cohort. With this honor, DeVaughn will pursue graduate studies at Oxford University in England, joining the ranks of leaders, scholars, and changemakers across generations (Rhodes Trust, 2024).

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A Story of Resilience and Redemption

DeVaughn’s path was far from easy. Raised by a single mother, a dedicated public school teacher, while his father served a 13-year prison sentence, Elijah faced challenges that might have derailed many young people. But instead of letting those circumstances define him, he used them as fuel for his ambition.

“When I pray to God at night, I say, ‘I don’t thank you for placing my dad in jail, but I thank you for the life you’ve given me, even if that’s a part of it,’” DeVaughn told ABC News. “Because it ignites that fire. It pushes you to want to achieve more, to do more.”

Watching his mother work tirelessly to support the family gave him strength, while learning from his father’s mistakes gave him perspective. Together, those experiences inspired him to rewrite the narrative of what success could look like for a young Black man from Compton.

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Harvard: A Launchpad for Leadership

Getting into Harvard University, one of the most selective institutions in the world, was more than a personal triumph — it was a validation of years of perseverance. But once he arrived in Cambridge, DeVaughn didn’t stop there.

At Harvard, where he majors in History and Literature, he quickly emerged as a campus leader committed to service and advocacy. According to Harvard’s Institute of Politics and the Harvard Gazette, DeVaughn serves as Co-Chair of the Fellows Study Group Program, where he has hosted notable figures such as former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, Ambassador Cathy Russell, and Senator Heidi Heitkamp. He is also a Public Service Representative, organizing university-wide events that promote civic engagement and community leadership.

Beyond campus, DeVaughn has worked as a legal intern at the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, assisting attorneys with pro bono work for low-income residents of Boston. His résumé also includes serving as a legislative intern for then-Senator Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C., and being named one of Harvard’s Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellows, a distinction reserved for scholars pursuing excellence in the humanities and social sciences (Harvard Gazette, 2022).

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Giving Back to the Community That Raised Him

Even while studying at one of the world’s top universities, DeVaughn has never forgotten his roots. In his hometown of Compton, he founded EJayyTalks, a youth-focused lecture and mentorship series designed to inspire students to dream beyond their environment.

“The idea behind EJayyTalks was simple,” he explained in a campus interview. “I wanted to show young people that we don’t have to be defined by where we come from, but we can use it as a foundation to rise higher.”

His outreach has reached hundreds of local students and educators, demonstrating his belief that leadership means pulling others up as you climb. His efforts have earned him praise from civic leaders and recognition as one of ABC News’ “Young Voices Changing America” (ABC News, 2023).

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A Vision for Justice and Global Connection

As he prepares for Oxford, DeVaughn is eager to deepen his understanding of criminal justice reform, a cause close to his heart. He told The Harvard Crimson that his proposed research will explore the historical connections between African American thinkers and global justice movements — particularly through the travels of Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X to the United Kingdom.

“I understand criminal justice to be the civil rights issue of this generation,” he said. “So it only makes sense to follow in the footsteps of Douglass and X — to learn how they built transnational coalitions in their time, and how I can do that in my life.”

This academic vision reflects his personal experience: a deep awareness of systemic inequality, combined with a conviction that education and empathy can drive meaningful change. His time at Oxford will allow him to study these intersections on a global scale, continuing a legacy of activism that transcends borders (The Washington Post, 2024).

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An Example for the Next Generation

The Rhodes Scholarship — one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international awards — recognizes not only intellect but also character, leadership, and commitment to service. DeVaughn embodies all of these traits.

As Rhodes Trust officials noted in their announcement, this year’s class “reflects exceptional academic achievement and a deep dedication to public good.” For Elijah, that public good is rooted in a belief that true greatness means using your gifts to uplift others.

“I’ve learned that purpose doesn’t come from perfection,” he reflected in a recent interview. “It comes from persistence — from showing up every day and believing that your story matters.”

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Reaching for Higher Ground

From Compton to Cambridge, and now to Oxford, Elijah C. DeVaughn Jr. is proof that circumstances do not define destiny — choices do. His journey reminds us that brilliance can bloom from the most unlikely soil, and that even the hardest beginnings can lead to world-changing futures.

Keep striving for excellence, Elijah — the world is watching, and rooting for you.