Morehouse College

Definition

Morehouse College is a historically Black men's liberal arts college located in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1867, it has played a crucial role in shaping African American leadership and education, particularly during a time of significant political and social change for African Americans in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Morehouse College was founded as the Augusta Institute in 1867 and later moved to Atlanta, where it became known as Morehouse College in 1913.
2. The college has produced numerous influential leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Spike Lee, and Maynard Jackson, the first Black mayor of Atlanta.
3. Morehouse is known for its strong emphasis on developing the intellect, character, and leadership potential of its students, particularly African American men.
4. The institution has maintained a commitment to social justice and community service throughout its history, encouraging students to engage with issues facing the African American community.
5. Morehouse College is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which supports historically Black colleges and universities through scholarships and financial aid initiatives.

Review Questions

• How did Morehouse College contribute to the political empowerment of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement?
  • Morehouse College served as a crucial training ground for many African American leaders during the Civil Rights Movement. It provided an education that emphasized leadership skills and social responsibility, inspiring students to take active roles in advocating for civil rights. Notably, alumni like Martin Luther King Jr. emerged from Morehouse to become prominent figures in the struggle against racial injustice, illustrating the college's significant impact on political empowerment within the African American community.
• What role does Morehouse College play within the broader network of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)?
  • Morehouse College is a vital part of the network of HBCUs that promote higher education among African Americans. It collaborates with other institutions like Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University through the Atlanta University Center to enhance educational opportunities and foster social change. This partnership amplifies their collective impact on education policy, access to resources, and community engagement aimed at addressing systemic challenges faced by African Americans.
• Evaluate how Morehouse College has shaped contemporary views on race, education, and leadership within the African American community.
  • Morehouse College has significantly influenced contemporary views on race, education, and leadership by producing leaders who advocate for social justice and equity. Its focus on developing strong moral character alongside academic excellence sets a standard for leadership rooted in community service. By fostering an environment that encourages dialogue about race relations and empowerment, Morehouse helps shape future generations who are committed to addressing ongoing disparities in society. This legacy continues to resonate today as graduates take their learnings into various sectors to challenge systemic inequalities.

Related terms

HBCU: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher learning established to serve the African American community, often playing a pivotal role in civil rights and community development.

Martin Luther King Jr.:

A notable alumnus of Morehouse College, he became a key leader in the American civil rights movement, advocating for nonviolent resistance against racial segregation.

Atlanta University Center:

A consortium of historically Black colleges and universities in Atlanta, including Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University, fostering collaboration in education and social justice initiatives.