The PODIUM
National Articles
Morris Brown College (from the movie Drumline) is back after a 20-year hiatus!
By Tarshae Odom National Vice President for Student Affairs - ΚΚΨ & Dr. Kevin James National Board of Trustees - ΚΚΨ President of Morris Brown College
I
n 1881, 141 years ago, HBCU Morris Brown College was founded at Big Bethel AME (Atlanta) Church by freed slaves for African Americans. It is the only school in Georgia founded, funded, owned, and operated by Black people. Morris Brown’s Marching Wolverine band was featured as the big-school rival in the film Drumline, making the college and the band household names. The real-life band played at the film’s premiere and made it to the grand finale in the movie. Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma were featured throughout the film. Many brothers and sisters from chapters throughout the country, specifically the Southeast District participated in various bands in the movie. The Podium featured the film along with our members in the Spring 2002 publication. In 2002, shortly after being a part of the film, Morris Brown College lost its accreditation due to financial mismanagement. The President at the time was accused of misappropriating millions of dollars and indicted on 27 charges, but in 2006 pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement — essentially admitting she swindled about $11,000 (misappropriating student financial aid) to cover administrative costs at the
38 - Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
It is the only school in Georgia founded, funded, owned, and operated by Black people.
