Isaiah Johnson, Managing Editor

Behind the name of many Black colleges and universities is a rich history, from their founding, to their notable alumni and to their campus culture. Most students of these institutions would say that they know their school’s history pretty well. However, there may be some historical facts that students may not know. 

Luckily for Morehouse College, there is a class that allows students to take an in-depth dive into the history of their soon to be alma mater. The Social and Cultural History of Morehouse College taught by Dr. Trenton Bailey ’08 not only gives students a deeper knowledge about their school, it also gives students a different outlook on their school as well. 

“This course tells them what Morehouse is,” Dr. Bailey said. “When someone comes up to them asking them questions about Morehouse, they should know.” 

Though this class may sound new to some, it actually got its start in 2013 by former professor Dr. Marcellus Barksdale as roll out for the sesquicentennial project. This project is made of two components, one being an oral history project and the other being the course that’s currently being taught. 

“Dr. Barksdale retired in 2017 and the class had to keep going,” Dr. Bailey said. “I was the only choice to teach this course, and it has been good so far.” 

The course overall has received positive remarks from the students that have taken the course and from those that are currently taking it. 

“I took this course because I felt like I didn’t know the history of my college completely,” senior Nate Green said. “I wanted to know more about my college and its historic name in totality before I go out into the world.” 

Though the course has not reached its halfway point in the semester, Green feels as though it is having an impact on his Morehouse journey.

“This course is having a positive impact on my Morehouse experience,” Green said.  “Dr. Bailey is amazing and the pride he takes in Morehouse is the pride I want to have once I leave.” 

Sophomore Dei’Ray Ceaser, who took the course last semester, feels that every student would benefit from taking this course. 

“It ensures that you understand the legacy given to us,” Ceaser said.  

By knowing the legacy, Ceaser believes that he has a better understanding of people’s passion for the school. 

“The course helped me understand why Morehouse men are so passionate about this institution,” Ceaser said. “It gave more meaning and value as to me being here.” 

The Social and Cultural History of Morehouse is changing the way current students see this historic institution by making a positive impact on their overall experience and adding to the mystique that Morehouse men possess when they leave this institution. 

Read more from our latest edition here.