Nestled in the heart of Atlanta’s historic West End, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) stands as a beacon of higher education for African Americans, blending a rich history of resilience and innovation with a roster of influential alumni who have shaped civil rights, arts, entertainment, and more
As one of the city’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), CAU continues to empower students through its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and entrepreneurship.
Here’s what you need to know about this iconic institution.
A Storied History Rooted in Empowerment
CAU’s origins trace back to the post-Civil War era, emerging from two pioneering institutions dedicated to educating freed African Americans.
Atlanta University was founded in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, with support from the Freedmen’s Bureau, making it the nation’s oldest graduate institution primarily serving African American students.
Meanwhile, Clark College was established in 1869 by the Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta’s Summerhill community, named after Bishop Davis Wasgatt Clark, and aimed at creating a university for educating freedmen.
These foundations laid the groundwork for what would become a powerhouse of Black education in the South.
Key milestones marked the evolution of both schools. Atlanta University began granting bachelor’s degrees in 1870 and focused on training Black teachers and librarians for Southern public schools.
Clark College was officially chartered in 1877, conferred its first degrees in 1880, and relocated to a 450-acre property in South Atlanta in 1883.
In 1897, renowned scholar W.E.B. Du Bois joined Atlanta University’s faculty as a professor of history and economics, where he conducted groundbreaking sociological research, hosted national conferences on African American issues, and popularized the concept of the “talented tenth” to describe an elite class of Black intellectuals.
Another pivotal figure, Hale Aspacio Woodruff, joined in 1931 and established the first art department at an HBCU, launching the University’s Art Annuals from 1942 to 1970 as national exhibitions for Black artists.
The paths of Atlanta University and Clark College converged in the 1930s and 1940s through shared affiliations and proximity, culminating in their historic merger on July 1, 1988, to form Clark Atlanta University—the first HBCU in the southern United States established by African Americans for African Americans.
This consolidation was part of the broader Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUC), formed in 1957 with institutions like Morehouse College, Spelman College, and others, fostering collaboration among HBCUs.
CAU played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement.
In 1960, AUC students, including those from Atlanta University and Clark College, formed the Atlanta Student Movement, issuing an “Appeal for Human Rights” and leading sit-ins that were integral to desegregation efforts.
Student leader Carolyn Long Banks later became the first African American woman to serve on the Atlanta City Council.
Post-merger, CAU achieved numerous accolades, including hosting field hockey events during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, launching WCLK-91.9 FM as Georgia’s first Black federally licensed educational FM radio station in 1974, and receiving major grants for research centers like the Center for Functional Nanoscale Materials.
In 2025, CAU was renewed as an R2 “High Research Activity” institution, one of only two private HBCUs with that status.
Today, with enrollment exceeding 4,000 students, CAU upholds its motto: “I’ll Find a Way or Make One,” emphasizing innovation and perseverance.
Famous Alumni Who Have Made Their Mark
CAU’s alumni network is a testament to its impact, boasting trailblazers across various fields. Here are some notable figures:
- Ralph David Abernathy: A civil rights activist and close collaborator with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Abernathy served as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was instrumental in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and other pivotal movements (Class of 1951).
- James Weldon Johnson: Poet, diplomat, lawyer, and civil rights activist who authored “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” known as the Black National Anthem (Class of 1894).
- Kenny Leon: Tony Award-winning director known for Broadway productions like “A Raisin in the Sun” and former artistic director of Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre.
- Kenya Barris: Writer, producer, and director behind hit shows like “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish,” who has pledged significant donations to CAU.
- Pinky Cole: Entrepreneur and founder of the popular vegan restaurant chain Slutty Vegan, embodying CAU’s spirit of innovation. 5 19
- Hosea Williams: Civil rights leader, activist, and politician who founded Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless (Class of 1951).
- Eva Marcille: Model, actress, and winner of “America’s Next Top Model,” known for roles in TV and film.
- Hank Johnson: U.S. Congressman representing Georgia’s 4th District since 2007.
- Pearl Cleage: Acclaimed playwright and author of works like “Flyin’ West.”
- Jermaine Dupri: Grammy-winning music producer and founder of So So Def Recordings.
- David Satcher: Former U.S. Surgeon General and director of the CDC.
- Carolyn Long Banks: Trailblazing politician and first Black woman on the Atlanta City Council (Class of 1962).
Other distinguished alumni include singer Bobby V, voting rights activist Melanie L. Campbell, and physicist Shirley Ann Jackson, former head of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Looking Ahead
As CAU celebrates its legacy—recently marking its 35th anniversary as a consolidated institution in 2024—it continues to drive progress with initiatives like the PROPEL Center for HBCU innovation and a $250 million capital campaign.
For Atlantans, CAU isn’t just a university; it’s a vital part of the city’s cultural and educational fabric, inspiring the next generation to find a way or make one.
Whether you’re a prospective student, alumni, or local resident, CAU’s story reminds us of the power of education in building a brighter future.