Coming Monday: Morris Brown is 130 Years Old but Projected Enrollment Down to 100
College and private high school were center of education for pre-integration Atlanta and state; institution now fighting dramatic decline in enrollment
Morris Brown College Marching Band.
Courtesy Dr. Stanley Pritchett., Sr.
Photos (5)
Photos
Morris Brown College, 643 Martin Luther King Dr., turned 130 years old this week.
The college was founded on Jan. 5, 1881, by former slaves affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. It was named for the Rev. Morris Brown of Charleston, S.C., an AME leader and pastor [see portrait and caption under full image].
Morris Brown has a vibrant history and it was one of the only college options during segregation for the legions of lower-income, rural African-American students who came to Atlanta with the goal of becoming a teacher. Many returned to their hometowns across Georgia and in other states to teach school and serve as community leaders.
Since the late 1990s, Morris Brown has struggled with a dramatic decline in enrollment that alumni, faculty and community leaders have fought to reverse.
The challenge is continuing. On Sunday, students will head to the campus for Spring 2011 orientation. College administrators estimate the enrollment at 100, including online students.
We will cover the orientation and report the news Monday and provide readers with a comprehensive photo gallery--featuring photos from alumni's memory books, the college's archives and current students' social media web pages.
If you have a few special pictures to share, please send jpeg copies to janita.poe@patch.com or, if you subscribe to our free daily or weekly news digest, post as many pictures as you like on the story site. To join the alumni association or give to the college, visit the site of The Morris Brown College National Alumni Association.
Did you attend Morris Brown? If so, what are your fondest memories of your years at the school?
Tell us in the comments.
Jamie Cox
10:49 am on Friday, January 7, 2011
Morris Brown does, indeed, have a great history. This institution also provided an education to those who were otherwise overlooked and written-off even in the African-American community. Morris Brown also had great summer programs that inspired middle and high school students and introduced them to the college experience. I think it's sad that the administration hasn't been able to revive this college.
Yolande M. Minor
4:19 am on Saturday, January 8, 2011
Jamie, I agree that Morris Brown has a great history and it is almost overlooked for the great educators that it has produced. However, the leadership is on target. In speaking with Dr. Stanley Pritchett, Sr. , Morris Brown's president, the College is in process to recovery. However, it will take that African American community to show support of their efforts. The school's mere foundation was built on the school being self-sustaining, financially. The college's doors are still open today due to the contributions of it's Alumni, let's not forget the United Negro College Fund. Let's find ways to embrace the challenges that we are faced with and face them together !!!! Read more on Monday........
Stephanie L. Arnold
9:24 pm on Friday, January 7, 2011
I agree with Jamie. I have been expecting great things from MB. As an HBCU grad myself, I was and still am rooting for Morris Brown, but these enrollment numbers worry me. Arghhh. What, if anything, can we do to help?
Vivian E. Johnson
2:13 pm on Monday, January 10, 2011
Morris Brown College blessed my mind and my soul. She afforded me a top notch education that will match any institution of "Institution of Higher Learning." She is and she remains to be a "Haven for hungry souls." God has not forsaken Morris Brown College. Therefore, as a graduate of this "Great Institution called Morris Brown College, I ask you, your family and friends to send $1.00 or more to help save Morris Brown College.
Vivian El-Amin Johnson, Ph.D.
Class of 1982
Rodgel Gilford
9:17 am on Sunday, January 30, 2011
When the Band Stops Playing: the History, Struggle and Legacy of Morris Brown College: A Documentary
I am working on my next film & raising funds to complete it. Please click link below to read more info about project and how to donate.... Support the arts!
http://www.indiegogo.com/MBC
Dr. McColumn
11:28 am on Monday, January 31, 2011
Morris Brown College continues to stand because its' mission is not complete. There are many more souls that are yet to be fed. I continue to pray that God enables the school's leadership to stand against all adversity so that the accreditation process can unfold. I'm encouraged by my class-mate, Dr. El-Amin Johnson's, appeal to give money to our school. Giving is not limited to former Brownites. Giving is for anyone who is serious about producing top-notched American citizens.
Bruce R. McColumn Sr., Ed.D.
Class of 1982
karen phillips
1:52 pm on Monday, January 31, 2011
Morris Brown has a history to uphold. My grand father was one of the AME ministers that helped move the school from the basement of Big Bethel AME Church to it's present site. Morris Brown continues to be a Haven for ALL hungry souls.and feeding them continues to be their goal. Morris Brown fed my soul and allowed be build my career as a tenured educator in the Atlanta Public Schools. If you cut me I will bleed PURPLE! Morris Brown will rise out it's advirsity. May GOD continue to hold her in his hand and uplift her to her rightful place in this world.
Karen (Glver) Berry Phillips
Class of 1980
Robert"Super-Mann"Blount
10:36 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
My future and who I have become is all attributed to my walk and success from my schooling and education at Morris Brown. Athletics allowed me to receive my education in Atlanta. My attitude about being a successful black man born in 1955 from Louisiana was totally transformed through my experiences at Morris Brown. I was blessed to become the first African American in the country to open and own a health club to educate African Americans and citizens on the deleterious effects of unhealthy living. I pray that God will restore the tradition, finances,enrollment population, athletics and education at Morris Brown. I am Robert"Super-Mann'Blount. 1973-1978. Love my Alma Mater.