MEMBER EVENT: Open Convocation

Join AAMU in celebrating the Morrill Act of 1890
 
January 2015, Normal, AL---In 2015, 1890 institutions of higher learning will celebrate the 125^th anniversary of the Morrill Act of 1890 that established Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities. Today, the 1890 land-grant universities are giant pillars in education, and continue to produce numerous African-American leaders who render valuable service to their communities, nation, and the world.
 
The name "land-grant" was coined because the institutions were established with funds from the sale of land granted to each state by the federal government; but there was one major problem. When the 1862 Morrill legislation was enacted?introduced by Vermont Senator Justin Smith Morrill?slavery still existed in the United States and it was considered a criminal offense to educate Blacks in the South. Therefore on August 30, 1890, the Morrill Act of 1890 was passed in support of black educational institutions. Thus, the foundation was laid for the creation of many Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
 
Today, there are 19 Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities in the United States. Under the theme ?Providing Access and Enhancing Opportunities,? these 1890 land-grant institutions have begun a year-long celebration of the Morrill Act of 1890; marking the 125^th anniversary of its passage and their existence.