Established Jan. 5, 1881, Morris Brown College has a vibrant history as alma mater to more than 20,000 graduates.

During segregation, it was one of the only college options 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. This week, an estimated 100 students--including those in an online program--will return to class. 

Today, we are featuring a photo gallery of pictures that tell the Morris Brown story.

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.

[Editor's Note: This story first ran Jan. 12, 2011, the week of Morris Brown's 130th anniversary. For a comprehensive report on the history and status of Morris Brown College go to: 130-Year-Old This Month, Morris Brown a Cornerstone of Atlanta University Consortium].