Morris Brown College received $810,000 in donations, highlighted by a $50K contribution from rapper T.I. and a $700K grant from U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams. Michael Bishop and the Sixth District of the AME Church also donated $60,000. The news was shared on the university’s Instagram page on January 28.
The funds will support the college’s endowment, scholarships, and campus security enhancements, continuing the university’s revival following its previous closure.
The announcement comes in the aftermath of the college reinstating its former president, Dr. Kevin E. James, after he was dismissed without explanation on January 12.
James, who had served as Morris Brown’s interim president since 2019, officially stepped into the permanent role in 2022 amid uncertainty surrounding the Atlanta college’s future and low enrollment.
US Representative, Nikema Williams, presents a check in the amount of $700,000.00 to Morris Brown College; Photo Credit: Kimberly Evans
Morris Brown’s accreditation was revoked by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 2002 after former president Dolores Cross and former financial aid director Parvesh Singh falsified enrollment data by inflating the number of students receiving financial aid and misappropriating federal funds. The money was diverted from designated student accounts to cover institutional debt and operational costs, including payroll. Both Cross and Singh later pleaded guilty to embezzling federal funds.
Morris Brown College is an HBCU in Atlanta, founded in 1881; Courtesy of Morris Brown College
Under James’ leadership, the college regained accreditation in 2022 through the Virginia-based Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.
Following his reinstatement, James reposted the announcement on social media with the caption, “The Hard Reset Part II.” The slogan, “The Hard Reset,” has been used since 2022 as part of the college’s rebranding campaign and reflects renewed momentum and growing support for the university’s continued progress.
