Spelman College: A Tradition of ExcellenceSpelman College:

By Jean Nash Wells

Spelman College is a private liberal arts college for women in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1881, it was initially called the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary with the purpose of educating African American women.

Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles, the school’s founders, were white women from New England who moved to Atlanta with the goal of teaching African American students. Together, the two women established the school with just 11 students and a mission to educate Black women.

The early years of the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary were challenging. With limited funding, the school struggled to keep its doors open. But determined, Packard and Giles worked tirelessly to secure funding and build support for their institution. Renamed Spelman Seminary in 1884 to honor the significant donation by Laura Spelman Rockefeller, wife of John D. Rockefeller, the school expanded its curriculum to include courses in music, art, and domestic science, and it continued to attract talented and ambitious students from around the country.

Throughout the early 20th century, Spelman continued to face significant challenges—economic depression, world war and discrimination. The school persevered, however, emerging as the premier institution for African American women in the country. In the 50s and 60s, Spelman played a prominent role in the civil rights movement. Students and faculty members took part in protests and demonstrations, and the school’s leaders worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, and others.

Spelman became the first HBCU for women accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1982. This recognition helped solidify the school’s reputation as a leading institution of higher learning. During the years that followed, the college continued to innovate and grow. The school established a new mission statement that emphasized leadership development and social responsibility, and it expanded its academic programs to include majors in fields such as psychology, economics, and computer science. Today, Spelman College is one of the most respected and prestigious institutions of higher learning in the country. The school’s commitment to educating and empowering African American women has helped it produce a long list of accomplished alumni, including authors Alice Walker and Pearl Cleage; actress and producer Keshia Knight Pulliam; educator Marian Wright Edelman; Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.; and politician Stacey Abrams.

Spelman’s impact on higher education and society at large cannot be overstated. The school has been at the forefront of efforts to promote racial and gender equality, and it has helped to break down many of the barriers that prevented African American women from achieving their full potential.

Looking to the future, Spelman College holds true to its tradition of excellence. Its commitment to providing students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in a rapidly changing global economy remains steadfast. Through innovative academic programs, strong community partnerships, and dedication to social justice, Spelman continues to shape the leaders of tomorrow and create a brighter future for all. Along with Clark Atlanta University, Morris College, and the Morehouse School of Medicine, Spelman is a member of the Atlanta University Center consortium.

Spelman College graduates—outstanding Black women— continue to pave the way toward political, social, cultural and educational achievement around the world.

brightstarts boldfutures!

David C. Banks: A Legacy of Literacy By Glenda Cadogan David C. Banks, a veteran educator, assumed the position of...

THE GIFT OF LITERACY

By R.L. Witter I celebrated my birthday in April. And despite being the oldest I’ve ever been, I felt like...

Drew University’s Master of Arts in Teaching Provides a Pathway for Students to Live Their Passion

Drew University’s Teacher Education programs develop teaching skills by blending coursework with real-world, hands-on experiences. Students collaborate with faculty mentors...

Education: Building an Equitable City

By Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka In building an equitable city, there is no single greater foundation than quality education...

Spelman College: A Tradition of ExcellenceSpelman College:

By Jean Nash Wells Spelman College is a private liberal arts college for women in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1881...

Community Education Forum with Alfred Bundy guests: Dr. Elvy Vieira & Anthony Smith of Lincoln Park

In this episode of Essex County College’s Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with guests Dean of Community, Continuing...

5 Things to do When you Get Your First Paycheck

Getting your first paycheck is an exciting experience and an opportunity to kickstart your financial...

New York must open Crisis Stabilization Centers: People in Mental Health throes need immediate help

Rev. Patrick O’Connor is the co-chair of Queens Power, a citizens’ power organization affiliated with...

The Grid Collective

Achieving an Equitable Clean Energy Future On March 30, 2023, The Greater Allen A.M.E. Church...

THE GIFT OF LITERACY

By R.L. Witter I celebrated my birthday in April. And despite being the oldest I’ve...

Barber School

Rev. Dr. Cornell Edmonds Esq. is Interim Pastor of The Church of the Covenant, E...

The Wrap-Up Report

Thanks to everyone who found their way to the historic Robert Treat Hotel in Newark...

Newark Beth Israel Medical Raises the Flag for Pride Month

Employees Host Annual Flag Raising Ceremony in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Awareness Month Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s...
Read More

Assemblywoman Timberlake Celebrates Community Trailblazers

At the Loft in West Orange in mid-March, Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake hosted her annual cocktail and awards reception, ”Celebrating Trailblazers...
Read More

Malcolm X would have been 98 today

Malcolm X walked the Earth for just under 40 years, but his impact is felt to this day and likely...
Read More

Staten Island Black History Town Hall

The Central Family Life Center Hosts 18th Annual Event With the focal point around mitigating historic inequalities with collaborative and...
Read More

HBCU/Divine Nine Greek Sunday Service

Abyssinian Baptist Church Honors Pastor’s Commitment to Faith and Education To honor the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Calvin...
Read More

Nicole A. Davis: Executive Director Center for Food Action

Center for Food Action (CFA) announced the appointment of Nicole DeSane Davis as executive director, effective March 1. An innovative...
Read More

Mother’s Day Edition

My mother is my root and foundation. She planted the seed that has blossomed to be me. That seed has...
Read More

Kimberly Council: Deputy Brooklyn Borough President

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso recently announced the appointment of Rev. Kimberly Council to the position of deputy borough president...
Read More

President Obama Names the City of Newark a My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Model Community

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced yesterday that President Barack Obama named Newark as one of four cities nationwide to...
Read More

Newark Beth Israel Medical Raises the Flag for Pride Month

Employees Host Annual Flag Raising Ceremony in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Awareness Month Newark Beth...

Let’s Talk About Mental Health

Each year, millions of people face the reality of living with mental illness or caring...

Give Your Body to God

Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New...

New York must open Crisis Stabilization Centers: People in Mental Health throes need immediate help

Rev. Patrick O’Connor is the co-chair of Queens Power, a citizens’ power organization affiliated with...

The One Thing That WON’T Change

Sonja D. Gracy, author, playwright, and NYC public school teacher is currently working on her...