Notable Alumni of Morris Brown College: A Legacy of Achievement
Morris Brown College (MBC), a private Methodist historically black liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia, has a rich history of educating African-American students since its founding in 1881. Established by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Morris Brown College was created with the sole purpose of educating African-American students in the wake of the Civil War. Named after Morris Brown, one of the founders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and its second presiding Bishop, the college has produced numerous notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Despite facing adversity, including financial challenges and loss of accreditation, the college has remained committed to its mission of providing educational opportunities and fostering leadership, management, entrepreneurship, and technology.
A Foundation of Education and Empowerment
Morris Brown College's commitment to transformation, to taking those who were once deemed unworthy and giving them the skills to improve their communities, has shaped countless generations of African-Americans. For the sons and daughters of former slaves and the entrepreneurs, artists, professional athletes, educators, and civil rights activists that followed in their footsteps, Morris Brown was a symbol of hope to those who had been disenfranchised by the American system of higher education. The school began with an appeal from trustees of neighboring Clark College (later Clark Atlanta University) to members of Big Bethel. As church members discussed the trustees’ request for financial assistance to furnish a room in a newly constructed building on campus, Steward Wylie, an officer at Big Bethel, proposed a daring alternative. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of students have attended the college, which was originally located at Boulevard and Houston Street.
Notable Alumni Across Disciplines
The alumni and graduates of Morris Brown College boast a prestigious list of notable names in Black Atlanta and Black America. These individuals have excelled in diverse fields, leaving a lasting impact on their communities and the world.
Civil Rights and Activism
Hosea Lorenzo Williams was a Morris Brown graduate, minister, businessman, and world-renowned civil rights activist. Williams was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to fight for equality and justice.
Arts and Entertainment
Jean Carn, an R&B singer, is a Morris Brown College alumna. Her contributions to the music industry have earned her recognition and acclaim.
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Thomas Jefferson Byrd was a theater and film actor. His talent and dedication to the craft made him a respected figure in the entertainment world.
Lori Ann Rambough, a comedian who goes by the stage name Sommore.
Education
Charles Lincoln Harper was the first principal of Booker T. Washington High School. His leadership and dedication to education helped shape the lives of countless students.
Charles W. Chappelle as the son of African Methodist Episcopal Church Reverend George W. Chappelle, attended Morris Brown College in the late 1800s and became an educator.
Deloris Harris Hughes, graduated from Morris Brown in 1956, retired after 39 years of teaching in the Atlanta Public Schools. Mrs. Hughes and four of her closest friends were seniors at Stanton High School in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1951 when Morris Brown College Dean Willie Frank Payne traveled to Stanton High and recruited all five of them.
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Business and Leadership
Isaac Blythers served as the former President of Atlanta Gas Light Company. His leadership in the business sector has been widely recognized.
Eula L. Adams held the position of Executive Vice President for First Data Corporation. Her achievements in the corporate world have made her a role model for aspiring business leaders.
Military Service
Albert J. Edmonds is a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant General. His distinguished military career reflects his commitment to service and leadership.
Law and Politics
Melody Maddox is DeKalb County’s first African American female sheriff.
James E. Winfield Sr. opened a law office at 1720 Clay St.
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Athletics
Ezra Ray Johnson played football at Morris Brown College before he left for the Green Bay Packers.
Overcoming Challenges and Regaining Accreditation
Even though the college faced its share of challenges and graduated students despite them, there was a significant shift in 2002 when the college lost its accreditation. This blow was followed by bankruptcy, land sale, and incidents of vandalism and arson. One hundred and twenty years after its inception, Morris Brown College’s reputation was marred by a financial scandal. The former president of the college, Dolores Cross, and the financial aid director, Parish Singh, were indicted in federal court for misusing federal financial aid that was supposed to be given to their students. Cross and Singh pled guilty to the federal charges against them, but the college’s financial problems continued.
Twenty years later on March 26, 2022, after almost two decades of operating as an unaccredited institution Morris Brown, regained its accreditation through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Under the leadership of Kevin E. James, Morris Brown was authorized as an institute of higher learning by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) in 2019. The college's application for candidacy was accepted by TRACS in early 2021, enabling the college to once again receive federal financial aid and other funding.
A Symbol of Hope and Resilience
Despite facing numerous obstacles, Morris Brown College has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a steadfast commitment to its mission. The rebirth of Morris Brown College is a testament to the perseverance and determination of its leaders. The college is proud of its tradition of serving the educational needs of the best and brightest young minds, while simultaneously providing educational support to students who might not otherwise receive the opportunity to compete on the college level. This is a formula that has proven itself time and again. Morris Brown’s commitment to transformation, to taking those who were once deemed unworthy and giving them the skills to improve their communities, has shaped countless generations of African-Americans.
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