Spelman’s Black History Changes the World

Since its founding in 1881, Spelman College has made a profound impact on Black history. From Georgia Dwelle, the first alumna to attend medical school to the first all-woman, African-American team to compete in the RoboCup four-legged robot soccer competition, Spelman continues to make its mark on educating Black women who change the world.

Here’s a look at other members of the Spelman community who are changing Black history:

• Jonecia Keels, C’2011, SpelBots co-captain who used her computer knowledge to design an iPhone
  

  Jonecia Keels.

  application.

• As Spelman Student Government Association president in 2008-2009, Miriam Archibong, C’2009, led the SSGA to contribute $10,000 of its budget to establish “A Dream Not Deffered,” emergency scholarship fund to help first- and second-year students pay for tuition, housing, books and food. The scholarship helped 100 seniors graduate in 2009. Archibong also led an SSGA distribution of $4,000 in book scholarships for students and a 2008 collaboration with Aramark, Spelman’s food service provider, for 16 full-semester meal plan scholarships.
• As a student, Alisha Thomas Morgan, C’2000, was active in NAACP’s efforts to stop anti-affirmative action legislation at the state Legislature. In November 2002, Morgan made history by becoming the first African-American to serve in the Georgia House of Representatives for Cobb County.
• Marcelite Harris, C’64, became the first African-American woman general in U.S. Air Force history. In 1997, she retired as a major general, becoming the U.S. Air Force’s highest-ranking female officer.
• Arthur Frazier, director of Facilities and Management Services at Spelman, coordinated construction of the first “green,” dorm, The Suites, at a historically Black college or university. The facility is the first residence hall on the campus of an HBCU to receive silver-level certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System. – Alicia Lurry

Here are some of the ways you can impact Black history:

• Mentor a child at your local Boys and Girls Club
• Donate to and/or volunteer with favorite charity or organization
• Volunteer with Spelman’s Independent Sister Program
• Pursue your passion and use it to help others