Atlanta African American Colleges – Clark Atlanta, Morehouse & More

Colleges

Atlanta's involvement in the progression of the civil rights movement is reflected in the high standards of education established by the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) of the city. The past, present, and future of these illustrious institutions is a source of pride for many Atlantans. Morehouse, Spelman, Morris Brown, Clark Atlanta University, and the Interdenominational Theological Center have provided knowledge to some of the nation's best and brightest. Renowned activists and academics continue their work to ensure this legacy continues.

Clark Atlanta University
Though the name has changed, Clark Atlanta University maintains its reputation for providing a rich education. As the largest of the United Negro College Fund institutions, the school has remained popular among students who are attracted to its history, urban campus, and multitude of student offerings. (more info)
• Clark College was founded in 1869, and it was named for Bishop Davis Wasgatt Clark (the first President of the Freedman's Aid Society).
• In 1877, the School was chartered as Clark University.
• 1880 the school conferred its first degree.
• The university relocated in 1883.
• 1988 merged with Atlanta University.

Interdenominational Theological Center
The school of worship began in 1958 with a mission to "educate Christian leaders for ministry and service in the Church and the global community. The Interdenominational Theological Center educates and nurtures women and men who commit to and practice a liberating and transforming spirituality; academic discipline; religious, gender, and cultural diversity; and justice and peace." (more info)
• The Interdenominational Theological Center, one of the most significant ventures in theological education in America, was chartered in 1958 through the mutual efforts of four denominations, representing four seminaries.
• These institutions have all been a apart of the ITC history:
Morehouse School of Religion
Gammon Theological Seminary
Turner Theological Seminary
Phillips School of Theology
Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary
Charles H Mason Theological Seminary
Lutheran Theological Seminary In Atlanta
Interdenominational Theological Center
The ITC has welcomed into its enrollment students who were members of denominations other than the six constituent denominations. These students are designated as "At-Large"
• At present, more than fifteen different denominations are represented among this population, including Disciples of Christ (Christian Church), United Church of Christ, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Lutheran, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic, as well as students who are non-denominational.

Morehouse College
The ideal of the "Morehouse Man" is one that the school continues to work hard to maintain—intelligent and well-spoken with an unparalleled work ethic. In addition to famous alumni—including Martin Luther King, Jr., Spike Lee, and Samuel L. Jackson—this distinguished institution is renowned for success rates in producing successful, intelligent, and ambitious graduates. The all-male school impresses its unrelenting standards on students, in hopes that they will strive for greatness. (more info)
• In 1867 Augusta Institute was established in the basement of Springfield Baptist Church in Augusta, GA. Today, Augusta Institute is Morehouse College.
• In 1885 the institution relocated to its current site in Atlanta's West End community.
• Upon the death of the founder in 1913, Atlanta Baptist College was named Morehouse College.
• Morehouse School of Medicine became an independent institution in 1981.
• 2003, The Wall Street Journal named Morehouse one of the top 50 most successful schools across the nation for sending students to well-known, well-respected graduate and professional schools.
• Also in June 2006, Morehouse received the coveted collection of personal papers of alumnus Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Dr. Adam Daniel Williams, grandfather, class of 1898, Atlanta Baptist College (became Morehouse College in 1913)
• Dr. Martin Luther King Sr., father, class of 1930
• The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., class of 1948—early admission (1944) at age 15
• The Rev. A.D. Williams King, brother, class of 1960
• Martin Luther King III, son, class of 1979
• Dexter Scott King, son, attended 1979 to 1984

Spelman College
As a historically black women's college, Spelman continues to garner national attention and respect as a premier liberal arts institution. Students and faculty alike cherish the Spelman experience for placing an emphasis on excellence, while maintaining a unique sense of sisterhood. Thanks to a wide spectrum of supporters—including the Cosbys, Oprah Winfrey, and community supporters —this school continues to shine for the stellar education and resources provided to its students. (more info)
• 1881: Founded as Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary by Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles
School opens April 11 in basement of Friendship Baptist Church, the Rev. Frank Quarles, pastor
• 1883: Moved to present site occupying nine acres and five frame buildings
• 1897: College department opens
• 1901: First college degrees granted to Jane Anna Granderson and Claudia T. White
• 1958: Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
• 2000: Spelman ranked No. 2 by the Association of Medical Colleges in placing African-American students in medical school
• 2003: Spelman named in the top 100 Best Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News and World Report.

Morris Brown College
Morris Brown distinguished itself as the first educational institution in Georgia that was solely funded by African Americans. Civil Rights activist Hosea Williams earned his Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from this school. By enriching the background of a diverse student body, the school hopes to continue to serve the community. (more info)

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