2010 PLACES IN PERIL: MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE

The Story: Morris Brown College was the first educational institution in Georgia under sole African American patronage.  Built in 1882 to educate freed slaves, Fountain Hall, a National Historic Landmark, was the first building constructed on campus; however, the school did not open formally until 1885. The College educated many outstanding alumni including Isaac Blythers, former President of Atlanta Gas Light Company; Eula L. Adams, Executive Vice President for First Data Corporation; Albert J. Edmonds, Retired Lieutenant General of the United States Air Forces; the late Reverend Dr. Hosea Williams, civil rights leader; Thomas J. Byrd, actor of television, film and stage; and Pulitzer prize-winning author, James A. McPherson.

The Threat: Due to an embezzling scandal in 2002, the school lost its accreditation and conducts most of its classes online, leaving the buildings vacant and subject to the elements and vandalism.