25 LC 112 2882
Senate Resolution 139
By: Senators James of the 28th, Rahman of the 5th, Kemp of the 38th, Esteves of the 35th,
Wicks of the 34th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing March 21, 2025, as Morris Brown College Day at the state capitol; and for other
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purposes.2
WHEREAS, eighteen years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation3
Proclamation, the ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of the State of4
Georgia, fully realizing the necessity of an institution for the preparation of young men and5
women for every department of Christian work and also cognizant of the importance of an6
industrial training school for both genders, resolved upon the establishment of a school to be7
known as Morris Brown College; and8
WHEREAS, Morris Brown College of the AME Church was granted a charter from the State9
of Georgia in May 1885, becoming the first institution in the state solely under African10
American patronage; and11
WHEREAS, the school first opened in October 1885 with Mrs. Mary McCree serving as12
principal; in 1890, the first graduating class from Morris Brown College received their13
diplomas; and14
S. R. 139
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WHEREAS, for more than 130 years, Morris Brown College has received and nurtured
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students from around the world; the institution's deep seated commitment to a profound16
purpose, diligence of effort, hard work, perseverance, and belief and trust in God provides17
access to opportunities for educational development in a nurturing environment.18
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body19
recognize March 21, 2025, as Morris Brown College Day at the state capitol.20
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed21
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Morris Brown22
College.23
S. R. 139
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