Between the end of theCivil War and the turn of the century, Atlanta became home to several of the nation’s most important historically black colleges and universities, including Atlanta University, Clark University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College.
Morehouse is the only all-male African American college in the United States. Founded in 1867 as Augusta Institute, the school relocated to Atlanta in 1879 and after several name changes became Morehouse College in 1919. Dr. Benjamin Mays was perhaps the best known and most influential president of Morehouse, expanding the school’s academic reputation during his tenure from 1940 to 1967.
In the first part of the twentieth century, Morehouse, along with Spelman, were symbols of hope and inspiration to Southern African Americans. Over time, they had a profound effect on the quality of leadership in Atlanta’s black community. Morehouse produced many famous and influential graduates, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Julian Bond, Maynard Jackson, Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Edwin Moses, former Surgeon General David Satcher, and Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, who was appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services by President George H.W. Bush in 1989.
Cover Image: Dr. Benjamin E. Mays as President of Morehouse College mentored many future leaders in the Civil Rights Movement including Martin Luther King Jr., ca.1975.
FAQs
Founded by William Jefferson White in 1867 in response to the liberation of enslaved African-Americans following the American Civil War, Morehouse stressed preparatory and religious instruction in the Baptist tradition for students who had been prevented from receiving education by former slave laws.
What represents Atlanta? ›
Music is a significant part of Atlanta's cultural identity, with the city being a hub for hip-hop and RnB. Atlanta also has a thriving art scene, with galleries, museums and festivals throughout the year.
Is Morehouse an ivy? ›
Morehouse College
It is ranked #124 for Best Colleges for National Liberal Arts Colleges and #4 for the best HBCU in the country. It is also considered a Black Ivy League school.
What celebrity went to Morehouse College? ›
Martin Luther King Jr.: Perhaps the most famous alumnus of Morehouse College, Dr. King was a civil rights leader whose legacy continues to inspire generations around the world. Spike Lee: An acclaimed filmmaker, Spike Lee is known for his groundbreaking work in cinema and his commitment to social justice.
Why is Atlanta called the A? ›
So, to recap again, Atlanta is named after an ancient hero (Atlas), a body of water (Atlantic), a geographical location (end of the Atlantic railroad) and a significant figure (Marthasville and Atalanta, after the governor's daughter.)
Is Atlanta a red or blue city? ›
Politics can be a touchy subject in Atlanta, a city long known as a blue dot in a solidly red state. It can be so touchy that some people don't even want to talk about it, which can make it difficult to figure out just how blue the city is compared to the rest of the country.
Who founded Atlanta? ›
Did you know the city name of “Atlanta” came about as a result of Richard Peters, a land owner in Midtown in the mid 1800s? Mr. Peters was in charge of building a railroad from Augusta to what was then called Marthasville.
What did Martin Luther King Jr. do in College? ›
In college, Martin Luther King, Jr. studied sociology, theology, ethics, and philosophy. In the early years at Morehouse College, MLK was fond of studying law and medicine but he eventually turned his attention to the ministry.
What College in Atlanta was founded by John Rockefeller? ›
Established as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, it was incorporated in 1888 as Spelman College, in honor of Laura Spelman Rockefeller, wife of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. and her parents, who had been abolitionists.
What is the sister College to Morehouse? ›
Morehouse and its sister schools, Spelman and Bennett, enjoy an evening of reconnection and rededication to each other.
The enrolled student population at Morehouse College is 98.4% Black or African American, 0.783% Two or More Races, 0.117% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0783% White, and 0.0392% American Indian or Alaska Native.
