Spelman College: A Look Back {1881 - 1924}

On April 11, 1881, two women made history in the basement of a local church, with just $100 and a mission to educate Black women in the South. More than 142 years later, as we bask in the historic $100 million gift in honor of the 100th anniversary of being named Spelman College, it would be remiss to let this Black History Month pass without paying homage to the foundational members of this illustrious institution.
What began with just 11 students -- most of them formerly enslaved and unable to read -- has transformed into a bustling campus with over 2,500 students, all seeking higher education from what is now the #1 HBCU in the country. Against all odds, societal norms and expectations, the Black girls and women who studied at Atlanta Baptist Seminary persisted in pursuing a proper education. Their determination and perseverance laid the groundwork for every student and alumna that has graced Spelman’s campus since.
1881-1924 were critical to the development of Spelman College as we know it today. Join us as we take a closer look at the foundation of Spelman’s legacy. #SpelmanHistoryisBlackHistory #SpelmanBHM #BHM