5 Things you Need to Know about Spelman College

What do you really know about Spelman College? Do you know what it takes to be a Spelmanite? Whether you’ve walked the gorgeous Atlanta campus or are just hearing about this HBCU for the first time, we’ve got some facts that might give you a fresh perspective on one of the most unique and inspiring colleges in the country. From its bold history to its enduring traditions, Spelman College continues to empower Black women to lead, innovate, and create change.

Becoming Spelman College

Let’s start with a little history. Spelman College was founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary by Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles. Their mission was simple but revolutionary: provide quality education to Black women and girls at a time when opportunities for formal education were limited, and the country was still reeling from the aftermath of slavery. According to Spelman’s official history, “Packard and Giles left the comforts of their New England home to fulfill what they believed was their role in bringing a divided nation together. They formed a powerful dream that they shared and pledged their lives to implement. Theirs was a bold vision, a daring dream. It was this mission that led to the founding of the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary.”  (Spelman History and Traditions Brochure 2023)

In 1883, the school moved to its current location in southwest Atlanta, where it sits proudly on 39 acres of campus in the heart of Fulton County. Spelman awarded its first degrees in 1901, making it the oldest private historically Black liberal arts institution for women in the United States. Over 140 years later, that founding mission of education, empowerment, and leadership remains at the heart of everything Spelman does.

 

Spelman and the Civil Rights Movement

Nestled in Atlanta, Spelman College played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement. Between 1954 and 1968, Spelman students participated in marches, sit-ins, and protests across the city, with some even facing arrest for standing up for equality and justice. The college was a hub for courageous activism. Howard Zinn, the acclaimed historian, served as a professor at Spelman during this era and advised the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), guiding students as they organized and mobilized for change.

The book Undaunted by the Fight captures this spirit perfectly: “Undaunted by the Fight is a study of a small but dedicated group of Spelman College students and faculty who, between 1957 and 1967, risked their lives, compromised their grades, and jeopardized their careers to make Atlanta and the South a more just and open society.” The courage, dedication, and resilience of these students and faculty are still felt on campus today, serving as a reminder that Spelman has long been a place where intellect, activism, and community converge. (Zinn Education Project). 

Excellence in Education

Spelman College is consistently ranked first among HBCUs, and it continues to be a powerhouse of academic excellence. The college enrolls the highest number of Gates Millennium Scholars of any HBCU, drawing students from across the country and around the globe. Roughly 30% of students are Georgia residents, 69% hail from other U.S. states, and 1% come from international locations. Spelman’s curriculum is rigorous, multidisciplinary, and designed to challenge students while preparing them for leadership in every field—from the sciences and business to the arts and public policy.

The faculty at Spelman are leaders in their fields, offering mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities, while programs like the Spelman-Morehouse cross-registration pipeline allow students to access courses and experiences at both institutions. The result? Graduates who are intellectually equipped, culturally aware, and ready to lead in an ever-changing world.

The White Attire Tradition

If you haven’t attended a formal Spelman College event, you might not know about the White Attire Tradition. This long-standing custom requires students to wear a “respectable and conservative” solid white dress or pantsuit, paired with flesh-toned hosiery and closed-toe black shoes, during designated official occasions. The tradition reflects Spelman’s emphasis on dignity, professionalism, and unity, and it’s a visual reminder of the college’s commitment to cultivating poise, confidence, and excellence in every Spelmanite.

An example of a formal Spelman event that requires such attire is the New Student Orientation Induction Ceremony, where new students are officially welcomed. Another is the March Through Alumnae Arch. “The Alumnae Arch is located within the campus Oval, near the walk between Rockefeller Hall and Reynolds Cottage. The senior class takes part in the March Through the Alumnae Arch to symbolize graduating from college and moving into greater service. Spelman alumnae, observing the white dress tradition, precede the Senior Class through the Arch.” (Spelman.edu)

Notable Spelman Alumnae

Spelman graduates have influenced virtually every industry. From politicians like Stacey Abrams, who transformed voting rights advocacy, to artists and authors influencing global culture, Spelmanites carry the legacy of leadership and impact wherever they go. Notable Spelmanites include:

• Alice Walker—Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who gave us the gift of the story The Color Purple.
  
• Stacey Abrams—politician and voting rights activist, former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives (2007–2017), and a national voice for civic engagement and equity.
  
• Marian Wright Edelman—founder of the Children’s Defense Fund and MacArthur Fellow, dedicated to advocating for children and social justice.
  
• Mattiwilda Dobbs—Celebrated opera singer who also served on the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Opera and the National Endowment for the Arts.
  
• Tati Gabrielle—Acclaimed actress known for her roles in You, The Last of Us, Kaleidoscope, and much more.
  
  

These women, among countless others, are proof of the transformative power of institutions like Spelman and HBCUs everywhere—developing leaders, creatives, and community advocates who continue to make meaningful change.

Knowledge is Power

Spelman College is a place where Black women are nurtured, challenged, and celebrated. It’s a space that balances academic excellence with cultural awareness, activism, and creative expression. For over 140 years, Spelman has helped to nurture women who leave an impact. 

Whether you’re a student, alumna, or simply a fan of HBCU excellence, Spelman College is a place to learn, grow, and thrive. Did you learn something new about Spelman today? Maybe you discovered a tradition, a fact, or an alumna you didn’t know about before. Either way, keep celebrating the legacy, and remember, when it comes to HBCUs, knowledge really is power, so spread the word!

Check out the latest Spelman College merch at HBCULeggings.com and show your Spelman pride—because being a Spelmanite isn’t just about a degree, it’s a way of life.

Love and Leggings,

Bibi