History & Heritage: Colleges

Atlanta’s Historically Black Colleges are a vital part of African-American history and 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 historically Black colleges and 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 history and heritage. The Atlanta University Center is best described as a consortium of four African American private institutions of higher education which includes 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 Atlanta’s HBCUs – 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 and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson, opera singer Mattiwilda Dobbs, filmmaker Spike Lee, Atlanta’s first African American mayor Maynard H. Jackson Jr., social activist Julian Bond, Children’s Defense Fund founder Marian Wright Edelman, actor Samuel L. Jackson, United States senator-elect Raphael Warnock, actress Keisha Knight Pulliam and director Kenya Barris. Renowned activists and academics continue their work to ensure that the legacy established by historically Black colleges in Atlanta, Ga. pushes forward. Find out more about the legacy of Atlanta’s HBCUs.
2. Movies and TV shows were filmed on these HBCU campuses, exploring the culture and experience of Black college students and families. A few of the shows filmed in the AUC: School Daze, A Different World, ATL, Stomp the Yard, Drumline, The Quad, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and Hidden Figures.

Insider tips

• The Atlanta University Center HBCUs 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 and history to explore. Start with The Herndon Home Museum, Hammonds House Museum, Paschal’s Restaurant and Busy Bee Cafe along with other Black and Brown-owned businesses located in the West End such as Slutty Vegan, Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Atlanta Business League, Local Green Atlanta and Soul Vegetarian.

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.