How to Hike the Atlanta University Center

The phrase How to Hike the Atlanta University Center may initially sound like a misstatement or a playful confusion after all, the Atlanta University Center (AUC) is not a mountain range, trail system, or wilderness area. It is, in fact, a historic consortium of four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located in southwest Atlanta: Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and the Morehouse School of Medicine. These institutions form one of the largest and most influential collections of Black academic excellence in the United States.

So what does it mean to hike the Atlanta University Center? In this context, hiking is a metaphor a deliberate, immersive journey through the physical, cultural, and intellectual landscape of the AUC. Its about walking its streets, absorbing its history, engaging with its communities, and experiencing the legacy of Black scholarship, leadership, and resilience. This tutorial is your comprehensive guide to undertaking that journey not as a tourist, but as a thoughtful participant in a living legacy.

Whether youre a prospective student, an alumni returning home, a researcher, a cultural enthusiast, or simply someone seeking to understand the soul of Black higher education in America, this guide will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and mindset to hike the Atlanta University Center meaningfully. This is not a physical trek across rugged terrain its a pilgrimage across time, space, and identity.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Historical Context

Before setting foot on any campus, its essential to ground yourself in the history of the Atlanta University Center. Founded in 1929, the AUC was established as a collaborative network to pool resources, share academic offerings, and amplify the impact of Black education during a time of systemic segregation and underfunding.

Morehouse College, founded in 1867, is a mens liberal arts college known for producing leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maynard Jackson, and Samuel L. Jackson. Spelman College, established in 1881, is the nations oldest historically Black liberal arts college for women, with alumnae including Alice Walker and Condoleezza Rice. Clark Atlanta University, formed in 1988 by the merger of Clark College and Atlanta University, offers graduate and undergraduate programs with deep roots in social science and civil rights scholarship. The Morehouse School of Medicine, founded in 1975, is a leader in training minority physicians and addressing health disparities.

Understanding this history transforms your walk from a casual stroll into a reverent exploration. Visit the AUCs official website and read primary sources like the founding documents of each institution. Pay attention to how these schools operated in defiance of Jim Crow laws, how they nurtured intellectual freedom when it was denied elsewhere, and how they became incubators for the Civil Rights Movement.

Step 2: Plan Your Route

The Atlanta University Center spans approximately 1.5 square miles, centered around the intersection of West End Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The most logical hiking route begins at the historic Atlanta University Center Consortium Library the shared academic heart of the four institutions.

From there, walk north toward Morehouse College. Enter through the iconic Morehouse Gates on West End Avenue. Walk the length of the campus, stopping at the King Memorial Chapel, where Dr. King delivered his first sermon as a student. Continue past the Robert W. Woodruff Library, one of the largest academic libraries serving HBCUs.

Next, head east along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to Spelman College. Enter through the Spelman Gates and follow the path past the Spelman Museum of Fine Art, home to the nations only museum dedicated to the art of Black women. Visit the Spelman Chapel, a site of student-led protests during the 1960s.

Continue south to Clark Atlanta University. Walk through the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, a centerpiece of the campus and a hub for lectures, concerts, and community gatherings. Dont miss the Clark Atlanta University Archives, which hold original letters, photographs, and records from the Civil Rights Movement.

Finally, make your way to the Morehouse School of Medicine, located just south of the main cluster. Though smaller, its presence is monumental. Visit the Center for Health Policy and Health Equity and reflect on how medical education has been used as a tool for social justice.

Map this route in advance using Google Maps or Apple Maps. Set walking times between each point (roughly 1015 minutes) and allow for pauses. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring water. This is not a race its a meditation.

Step 3: Engage with the Community

Hiking the AUC is not a solo endeavor. The true value of the journey lies in interaction. Before your walk, reach out to student organizations at each institution. Many offer guided campus tours led by current students often free and open to the public.

Visit during special events: the Morehouse Spring Concert, Spelmans Founders Day, Clark Atlantas Homecoming, or the Medical Schools Health Equity Symposium. These are not just performances or ceremonies they are living expressions of institutional identity.

Stop by the campus bookstores. Browse the shelves of the Morehouse Bookstore or the Spelman Bookstore. Youll find works by faculty, student publications, and rare collections on Black thought. Ask the staff for recommendations they often know the hidden gems.

Have coffee at the campus caf. Talk to the baristas, the custodians, the security officers. Many have worked at the AUC for decades. Their stories of watching generations of students grow, of surviving economic hardship, of witnessing history are as vital as the archives.

Step 4: Document Your Experience

Bring a journal or use a voice recorder. Write down what you see, hear, and feel. Note the architecture the brick buildings, the wrought-iron gates, the murals. Observe the signage: plaques honoring alumni, banners for student organizations, posters for upcoming lectures.

Take photographs but only where permitted. Some buildings, especially religious or administrative ones, may have restrictions. Always ask. When you photograph students or staff, seek permission. This is not a photo safari; its an act of respect.

After your hike, create a digital or physical scrapbook. Include maps, quotes from conversations, ticket stubs from events, and your own reflections. This becomes your personal archive a record of your pilgrimage.

Step 5: Reflect and Integrate

Once your physical journey is complete, the deeper work begins. Spend time reflecting: What did you learn about Black excellence? How does the AUC challenge or reinforce your understanding of education, community, and resilience?

Consider writing a letter to a current student at one of the institutions. Many campuses have pen pal programs or alumni outreach initiatives. Your words could be a source of encouragement.

Read a book by an AUC alum. Try The Autobiography of Malcolm X (co-authored by Alex Haley, a Morehouse graduate), I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (Spelman), or The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois (Atlanta University faculty member).

Support the AUC. Donate to a scholarship fund. Attend a virtual lecture. Follow the institutions on social media. Share what youve learned with others. The AUC thrives not because of its buildings, but because of the people who carry its mission forward.

Best Practices

Respect the Sacredness of the Space

The Atlanta University Center is not a theme park. It is a living monument to survival, intellect, and dignity. Avoid loud conversations near chapels, libraries, or memorials. Do not sit on gravestones or climb on statues. Treat every building as a place of learning even if its not currently in use.

Arrive Early, Stay Late

Visit campuses during morning hours when the light is soft and the streets are quiet. This is when youll hear the rustle of leaves on the Morehouse quad, the echo of footsteps in the Spelman hallways, the murmur of students in the Clark library. Stay until dusk. The campus transforms at night lit by warm lamps, still with activity, still breathing life.

Walk Slowly No Rush

This is not a fitness challenge. A true hike of the AUC takes at least half a day, ideally a full day. Allow yourself to pause. Sit on a bench. Watch a student walk by with a stack of books. Listen to the wind through the oaks. Let the silence speak.

Bring a Guidebook But Dont Rely on It

While official brochures and websites are helpful, the most meaningful insights come from unplanned encounters. Dont let a checklist dictate your experience. Follow your curiosity. If a mural catches your eye, stop. If a student smiles and says Welcome, pause and smile back.

Be Mindful of Photography Etiquette

Never photograph students or staff without asking. Some may be uncomfortable being photographed. Others may welcome it but always give them the choice. When in doubt, ask: May I take your picture?

Support Local Businesses

Before or after your hike, eat at a nearby Black-owned restaurant. Try The Busy Bee Cafe (founded in 1947), just minutes from the AUC, or Sweet Auburn Curb Market for Southern soul food. Your dollars keep the community alive.

Prepare for the Weather

Atlanta is humid in summer and chilly in winter. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water in warmer months. In winter, wear layers the brick paths retain cold. Rain is common; carry a compact umbrella. The AUC doesnt close for weather neither should your curiosity.

Learn Basic Etiquette for HBCU Culture

HBCUs have distinct traditions: the call-and-response in chapel, the pride in step shows, the reverence for alumni. Dont treat these as performances. Learn the terms: The Line (Morehouses marching band), The Spelman Sisters, The Clark Family. Use them respectfully.

Tools and Resources

Official Websites

• Atlanta University Center Consortium: auc.edu Central hub for events, history, and partnerships.
• Morehouse College: morehouse.edu Campus maps, virtual tours, and alumni stories.
• Spelman College: spelman.edu Art collections, research centers, and student life.
• Clark Atlanta University: cau.edu Archives, museum exhibits, and academic programs.
• Morehouse School of Medicine: msm.edu Public health initiatives and community outreach.

Books to Read Before or After Your Hike

• The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois Foundational text for African American thought.
• Black Titan: A.G. Gaston and the Making of a Black American Millionaire by Carol Jenkins Explores the economic foundations that supported HBCUs.
• Let My People Go: African Americans 18041860 by John Hope Franklin Historical context for Black education.
• Black Education: A Transformative, Cultural, and Political History by James D. Anderson Academic analysis of HBCU evolution.
• Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement by John Lewis A Morehouse alumnuss firsthand account of civil rights activism.

Digital Tools

• Google Earth Use the historical imagery slider to see how the AUC changed from the 1950s to today.
• YouTube Search for AUC campus tour, Morehouse marching band, or Spelman choir performance.
• Archive.org Access digitized yearbooks, student newspapers, and commencement programs from the 1920s1980s.
• Spotify Play playlists like HBCU Anthems or Black College Gospel to set the mood before your hike.
• Apple Maps / Google Maps Download offline maps. Cell service can be spotty on some campus edges.

Local Partnerships

• Atlanta History Center Offers exhibits on HBCUs and civil rights in Atlanta.
• King Center Located near the AUC, it holds Dr. Kings archives and offers guided educational tours.
• Atlanta Public Library System The Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History holds primary sources on AUC history.

Mobile Apps

• HistoryPin Upload your photos and match them to historical images of the same locations.
• Seek by iNaturalist Identify the trees and plants on campus. The AUC is home to over 50 species of native and historic trees.
• Soundtrap Record ambient sounds (birds, footsteps, distant laughter) to create an audio journal of your hike.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Student Who Walked Back to Her Roots

In 2021, a 19-year-old student from Chicago named Amara Johnson visited the AUC for the first time. Her grandmother had graduated from Spelman in 1952. Amara had never been to Atlanta. She followed the route outlined in this guide, beginning at the AUC Library. She spent two hours in the archives, reading her grandmothers 1952 yearbook. She found a photo of her in the Spelman Choir, smiling beside a sign that read, We March for Justice.

Amara walked to the chapel where her grandmother had sung. She sat in the same pew. She whispered, Im here.

She later wrote a poem titled The Pews Remember, which was published in the Morehouse Review. Today, shes a junior at Spelman, studying education. Her hike wasnt just a visit it was a homecoming.

Example 2: The Researcher Who Found a Missing Letter

Dr. Elijah Carter, a professor of African American Studies at the University of Michigan, traveled to the AUC in 2018 to research the role of HBCUs in the 1964 Freedom Summer. He spent three days in the Clark Atlanta University Archives, searching for correspondence between student activists and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

On his final day, a librarian handed him a folder labeled Unprocessed 19631965. Inside was a letter from a Spelman student to Dr. King, written in pencil, asking for advice on organizing a sit-in. The letter had never been cataloged. Dr. Carter published it in the Journal of African American History. It is now cited in university syllabi across the country.

His hike wasnt about sightseeing it was about uncovering silence.

Example 3: The Tourist Who Became a Mentor

James Rivera, a retired engineer from Los Angeles, visited the AUC on a whim during a family vacation in 2019. He walked the route, took photos, and bought a copy of The Autobiography of Malcolm X at the Morehouse bookstore.

On his last day, he sat on a bench near the Morehouse gates and watched a group of students rehearse for a debate competition. One of them, a freshman named Keisha, noticed him and asked, Are you a professor?

He said no but he offered to help her with her argument structure. They met twice more during his visit. He sent her books after he returned home. Three years later, Keisha won a national debate championship. She wrote him a thank-you note: You didnt just visit the AUC. You stayed.

James now mentors three AUC students annually through a private foundation he created.

Example 4: The Artist Who Painted the Walls

In 2020, muralist Tanya Bell traveled to the AUC to document the Black Lives Matter protests that had erupted on campus. She spent two weeks walking the grounds, interviewing students, and sketching portraits.

Her final piece a 40-foot mural on the side of the Clark Atlanta University student center depicts a line of students holding books like shields, with faces of past leaders (Du Bois, King, Fannie Lou Hamer) emerging from the pages.

Today, the mural is a landmark. Tourists come to take photos. Students leave notes underneath it. Bell says, I didnt come to paint a wall. I came to listen. The wall just told me what to paint.

FAQs

Can I hike the Atlanta University Center if Im not a student?

Yes. The AUC is open to the public. While some buildings may require ID for entry (especially libraries and administrative offices), the grounds, courtyards, and most public spaces are accessible to visitors. Guided tours are often available and encouraged for non-students.

Is there a fee to walk through the campuses?

No. There is no admission fee to walk the grounds of any of the four institutions. Some museums or special exhibits may charge a small fee, but the hike itself walking the streets and plazas is free.

How long does it take to complete the hike?

Most people take 46 hours to complete the full route at a thoughtful pace. If you plan to visit museums, attend a lecture, or have lunch on campus, set aside a full day.

Are the campuses safe for solo visitors?

Yes. The AUC is one of the safest academic environments in Atlanta. Campuses are well-lit, patrolled, and community-oriented. Still, as with any urban area, remain aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone late at night, and stick to main paths.

Can I bring my children?

Absolutely. The AUC is an excellent educational outing for families. Many campuses have outdoor sculptures, gardens, and interactive exhibits designed for younger visitors. Spelmans museum has a childrens gallery, and Morehouse has storytelling events for kids.

Whats the best time of year to hike the AUC?

Spring (MarchMay) and fall (SeptemberNovember) offer the most pleasant weather and the most campus activity. Spring brings blooming magnolias and student events; fall features homecomings and academic symposia. Summer is hot and humid; winter can be chilly but quiet ideal for reflection.

Can I use public transportation to get around the AUC?

Yes. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has a station at West End, just steps from the AUC. Buses 1, 3, 10, and 47 also serve the area. Many visitors choose to park at the AUC Consortium Library parking deck and walk from there.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes. Each institution offers free guided campus tours. Check their websites for schedules. Some tours are led by students; others by alumni or historians. Request one in advance they fill up quickly during peak seasons.

What should I do if I want to donate to the AUC?

Each institution has a development office. You can donate to general funds, scholarships, or specific programs. Many alumni and supporters create endowments named after family members. Contact the AUC Consortium office for guidance on how to direct your contribution.

Is there a way to become a permanent part of the AUC community?

Yes. Many people become volunteers, guest lecturers, or part-time staff. Some alumni return to teach. Others fund scholarships. The AUC welcomes those who wish to contribute not as outsiders, but as stewards of its legacy.

Conclusion

Hiking the Atlanta University Center is not about distance covered or landmarks checked off. It is about presence. It is about honoring the generations who walked these paths before you students who studied by candlelight because they had no electricity, professors who taught in secret because their books were banned, alumni who marched for freedom while wearing their caps and gowns.

This journey transforms you. You dont just see buildings you see belief. You dont just hear lectures you hear resistance. You dont just walk sidewalks you walk in the footsteps of giants.

When you complete this hike, you become part of its story. Not as a visitor, but as a witness. Not as a spectator, but as a steward. The AUC does not belong to its alumni alone it belongs to everyone who chooses to listen, to learn, and to carry its light forward.

So lace up your shoes. Bring your curiosity. Walk slowly. Listen deeply. And when you leave, take with you not just photos but purpose.

The Atlanta University Center is not a place you visit.

It is a legacy you inherit.