History & Heritage: Colleges

Atlanta University Center is a vital part of Atlanta’s African-American heritage

The progression from the Civil War through Reconstruction and the civil rights movement is reflected in the high standards of education established by the Historical Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) of Atlanta, Ga. The past, present and future of these illustrious institutions are sources of pride for Atlantans, students and alumni.

The Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUC) is a vital part of Atlanta’s African American heritage. The Atlanta University Center is best described as a consortium of four African American private institutions of higher education: Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine and Spelman College. Morris Brown College and the Interdenominational Theological Center are no longer members of the consortium but are widely recognized for their role in the AUC’s rich legacy.

Reasons to visit the Atlanta University Center

1. Member campuses of the Atlanta University Center boast a distinguished group of alumni, among them Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the N.A.A.C.P.’s Walter White, writer James Weldon Johnson, opera singer Mattiwilda Dobbs, filmmaker Spike Lee, Atlanta’s first African American mayor Maynard H. Jackson Jr., social activist Julian Bond, actor Samuel L. Jackson and actress Keisha Knight Pulliam. Renowned activists and academics continue their work to ensure that the legacy established by historically black colleges in Atlanta, Ga., continues.

Insider tips

• Join Hump Wednesdays at Morehouse College, Market Thursdays at Clark Atlanta University and Market Friday at Spelman College. You’ll find great food and apparel from vendors while enjoying live DJ music.
• The historical colleges and universities at AUC house treasure troves of art. Don’t miss the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum and the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art.
• There are plenty of activities to enjoy in this college neighborhood. Many restaurants and bars are only a bus ride away. Football fans will be excited to know that Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, is only a few blocks away. For those who seek sunshine, Washington Park is located just north of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW.

Know before you go

Where is the Atlanta University Center located?

The physical address of the Atlanta University Center Consortium is:

156 Mildred St SW
Atlanta, GA 30314

Are tours of Atlanta University Center available?

Clark Atlanta University

Tours are conducted Monday-Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and select Saturdays during the regular academic year (fall and spring semesters).  A weekday campus visit provides students and their families with a 30-minute information session provided by an admissions professional and a 60-minute student-guided tour of the campus.

Morehouse College

Tours are available by reservations Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for individuals, families and groups.

Morehouse School of Medicine

Tours of Morehouse School of Medicine are available for prospective students.

Spelman College

The Welcome Center hosts campus tours Monday through Friday for high school students and their families, and for groups of no more than 75 female students. The total time spent on campus will be approximately 90 minutes. Tours are not available in August, December or during the first three weeks of January and May.