Senate Resolution 791
By: Senators James of the 28th, Rhett of the 33rd, Wicks of the 34th, Anderson of the 43rd,
Howard of the 35th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing March 16, 2026, as Morris Brown College Day at the state capitol; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, eighteen years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation
Proclamation, the ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of the State of
Georgia, fully realizing the necessity of an institution for the preparation of young men and
women for every department of Christian work and also cognizant of the importance of an
industrial training school for both genders, resolved upon the establishment of a school to be
known as Morris Brown College; and
WHEREAS, Morris Brown College of the AME Church was granted a charter from the State
of Georgia in May, 1885, becoming the first institution in the state solely under African
American patronage; and
WHEREAS, the school first opened in October of 1885, with Mrs. Mary McCree serving as
principal; in 1890, the first graduating class from Morris Brown College received their
diplomas; and
WHEREAS, for more than 130 years, Morris Brown College has received and nurtured
students from around the world; the institution's deep seated commitment to a profound
purpose, diligence of effort, hard work, perseverance, and belief and trust in God provides
access to opportunity for educational development in a nurturing environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize March 16, 2026, as Morris Brown College Day at the state capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Morris Brown
College.