By Janice Robinson-Celeste
Here is some good news worth sharing at the dinner table. Morris Brown College, the historically Black college in Atlanta, announced on November 11, 2026, that it has received a $700,000 gift from an anonymous donor.
Key Takeaways
- An anonymous donor gave Morris Brown College $700,000.
- The college was founded in 1881 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
- Morris Brown regained its accreditation in 2022, which restored federal financial aid for students.
- Its comeback means one more HBCU option for families planning for college.
“We needed this good news!” said President Dr. Kevin E. James. The college has not yet said how the money will be used.
A Comeback Story
Morris Brown lost its accreditation in 2002, which cut its students off from federal financial aid and put the college’s future in doubt. Under Dr. James, who became president in 2019, the school earned accreditation again in April 2022 through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. That brought back federal aid eligibility, and the college has focused on growing enrollment and building financial stability ever since.
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A gift this size is a vote of confidence in where the school is headed.
Why It Matters for Your Family
Every HBCU that grows stronger gives our children more choices. If you have a middle or high schooler, this is a good moment to start the HBCU conversation:
- Visit early. Many HBCUs welcome families for campus tours and homecoming long before senior year.
- Ask about aid. Accredited schools like Morris Brown can offer federal aid, so fill out the FAFSA every year.
- Look beyond the famous names. Smaller HBCUs often offer close mentoring and strong scholarships.
How to Explore Morris Brown College and Other HBCUs With Your Teen
News like this is a natural opening to talk about college with your child. Here is a simple checklist to start this month.
- Make a short list. Pick three HBCUs, including Morris Brown College, and look at the majors each one offers.
- Plan a visit. Check each college’s admissions page for tours, open houses and virtual visits.
- Talk about money early. Learn how the FAFSA works so aid deadlines never sneak up on you.
- Ask about scholarships. Many colleges list school-based scholarships on their financial aid pages.
- Celebrate interest. Wear the sweatshirt, watch homecoming highlights and let college feel exciting.
The National Center for Education Statistics tracks enrollment at historically Black colleges and universities, a helpful place to compare schools with your teen. You can read more about the gift in TheGrio’s report on the Morris Brown College donation.
Keep the momentum going with our guide to starting HBCU planning in middle school, our look at how Alabama honors its 14 HBCUs, and the story of a BeyGOOD-funded camp that brings kids to HBCU campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who gave Morris Brown the gift?
The donor has chosen to stay anonymous.
Is Morris Brown College accredited?
Yes. It regained accreditation in April 2022, which restored federal financial aid for its students.
Where is Morris Brown College?
Morris Brown is in Atlanta, Georgia, near Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse and Spelman.
How can my child learn more about Morris Brown College?
Start with the college’s official website and admissions office, then ask about campus tours, virtual visits and scholarship options for future students.
Photos and some content may be AI generated.
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