Who doesn’t love a little family competition? We’re back it with another “Who did it better,” and this time, The Root is headed to the Dirty South where Morehouse College and Spelman College both stand as some of the top historically Black universities and colleges (HBCUs) located in Atlanta.
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As two of only three single-gendered HBCUs, Spelman and Morehouse are more like brother and sister. But while they’re both extremely different, there’s ton of similarities that we plan on addressing! So get ready…we’re taking a look at fashion, alumni, graduation statistics and everything else in between.
First Day of School at Spelman
Who likes to party? Spelman women love to party! These freshmen had a blast celebrating their first semester at the illustrious school.
How Morehouse Men Celebrated the First Day
Unlike most colleges, new student orientation at Morehouse looks very different. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, over 700 freshmen were welcomed in one of the most sacred traditions at the school. Dressed in white button down shirts and ties, these students chanted and sang as their families watched in awe in the background. And we already know somebody’s momma was shedding tears!
Notable Spelman Alumnae
There’s a long list of Spelman’s famous alumnae, including “The Color Purple” author Alice Walker, Democratic politician Stacey Abrams and the mother of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Alberta Williams King.
Famous Morehouse Men
From Oscar-winning director Spike Lee and actor Samuel L. Jackson to former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson and hip-hop producer Metro Boomin, Morehouse College is known for producing some of the leading men across notable industries.
Move in Day at Spelman College
Clearly, this student did it big when it came down to decorating her dorm room. From the wallpaper to the television and microwave, she is bound to be comfortable all year long.
Morehouse Men Decorate Too!
While it may be more common for the ladies to go all out on the dorm decorating, this Morehouse student is one of the many examples of men stepping up their interior design skills!
Spelman Homecoming Outfit Check
Although homecoming at Spelman is largely connected to Morehouse — also known as “Spelhouse”— the all-girls school still celebrates the occasion in their own fashion-forward way. Check out these Spelman women, who were repping their school in the most creative outfits possible.
Morehouse Men Shut Down Homecoming
Ahh.. to be young, gifted and Black!!
A Spelman Graduation
In 2024, Spelman College graduated 78 percent of their students, which is 16 points higher than the national average. This year, Spelman ranked no. 1 yet again for the top HBCU spot.
A Morehouse Graduation
In the 2023 to 2024 school year, about 60 percent of Morehouse students crossed the graduation stage. The Atlanta college sits comfortably at no. 5 on the highest ranking HBCU list.
What Does the Spelman Campus Look Like?
Spelman College was founded in 1881 by Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles in the basement of a Baptist church, according to the website. In 1921, the college signed an agreement officially affiliating itself with both Morehouse College and Atlanta University– which later became Clark Atlanta University. With that, the Atlanta University Center Consortium Inc. (AUC) was formed.
Morehouse Campus in the Fall
Originally, Morehouse College was named Atlanta Baptist College and was founded in 1867. It wasn’t until 1913 that the name changed to Morehouse College to honor Henry Lyman Morehouse, the corresponding secretary of American Baptist Home Mission, according to the school’s website.
First Day of School Fashion at Spelman
For the women of Spelman College, the first day of school is about more than just academics. These beautiful students turned the classroom into a fashin show with these classy outfits.
First Day of School Fashion at Morehouse
One of the best things about Morehouse men is that everyone has their own unique style, but you can tell they all mean business! Just look at how each of these students styled jean shorts (jorts) for the first day of classes.
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