Our Scholar Activists Program is a national yearlong social justice opportunity for students currently enrolled full-time in an accredited higher education academic institution to develop and exhibit academic and leadership skills in the pursuit of advancing social justice causes and examining issues that disproportionately affect people of color across the United States. These students are change agents, who have the opportunity to put learning into practice, by working in small teams (no more than 10 members) on a substantive, policy-oriented project. These student groups work to examine a clearly defined research problem and undergo leadership training and service designed to enhance their leadership skills and empower them to be leaders for the common good. Members of the Lowery Institute staff and guest leaders manage and supervise the projects.

We are so thrilled that our incredible board member, Dr. Kijua Sanders McMurtry, is our resident facilitator.

Kijua is the epitome of a scholar activist who uses her sensitivity and intellect to lead impactful and informed conversations.

JOIN US in 2022 as we kick off the year with Dr. Nikole Hannah-Jones discussing the 1619 project January 26th in our #RACETOWARDSRECONCILLIATION

Please Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VNZFHDlMRVSIesiFqv3GGA

Youth in our national Social Justice Book Club receive a themed box of learning activities including a book consistent with the theme. Members in grades 3-5 meet for 1 hour weekly over for an 8-week period. Through intergenerational transfer of knowledge, collegiate Change Agents lead discussions and activities. Book Club meetings encourage social responsibility, help to develop an extended vocabulary, support a positive attitude towards reading, and provide a deeper understanding of social justice and human rights issues.
We were proud to serve at Atlanta Public School’s Dunbar and M. Agnes Jones Elementary Schools and Fulton County School’s Parklane, Hapeville and Brookview Elementary Schools.

2021 was extremely challenging for the students we serve within the Atlanta University Center. Food insecurity has been an issue for students attending the campuses of Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College for years, as well as many HBCU’s. Since our pantry opened in 2015, we have been dedicated to meeting the needs of students struggling to buy books, pay rent or buy food. The pandemic has exacerbated the issue.

The concept of a food pantry on the AUC’s campus was created by a Change Agent, Malika Flowers, during the Lowery Institute’s inaugural “Change Agent Tank”. In response to her own experiences and the experiences she witnessed among many AUC students, Ms. Flowers shared the difficult choices many students make between textbooks, personal hygiene products and food. Flowers envisioned the creation of a food pantry on the AUC campus. Mimi’s Pantry represents the combination of Ms. Flower’s vision, and the support and research of the Lowery Institute.

In 2019, with all campuses open, we had a clear path to addressing these needs. Our pantry was open daily for students without a full meal plan. Students from either campus were able to come to the pantry and pick up a week’s worth of food every week they needed it. It’s not that simple anymore. Many of the students that we serve are commuter students. Additionally, many classes at these Universities were still being held virtual, creating situations where many students did not frequently come to campus, if at all.

In partnership with the leadership of Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College, we have been intentional about working to meet students at their point of need. We have also pursued innovative ways to help students, including providing gift cards to local grocery stores, cash stipends, and “pop ups” at Morehouse and Spelman College to provide commuter students and those without a full meal plan with food bags on campus. We have reached out to other HBCU’s to extend our mission.

We are extremely thankful for food and cash donations from Publix who filled the pantry this August and provided gift cards. The New Advent Choir and Children’s Ministry of Cascade United Methodist Church provided Walmart gift cards and a $5,000.00 emergency cash fund for students in need of food. Church of the Incarnation; Connections@Metropolitan UMC, Clark Atlanta University’s Political Science Department, Clark Atlanta University’s Facility Management and Services; Camellia Rose Chapter of the Links, Inc., Second Helpings; KPMG, LLP; National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, and incredible individual donors like the Norwood’s, have helped us remain stocked and available to meet students’ needs. The Camellia Rose Links, Inc. not only donated $1,000.00 for Thanksgiving turkeys, but also literally served by preparing homemade mac and cheese for 200 students in the AUC. We sincerely appreciate the in-kind services and donations from every donor.

Our student led podcast – THE CHANGE is hosted by three incredible Change Agents from within the Atlanta University Center. These students tackle social justice issues that confront college students on a daily basis. This year has been extremely challenging for students nationally. Housing, food insecurity and other issues are discussed, and solutions are sought to bring about change.

Morehouse College student John Washington’s project, The Change, was a winner of the 2018 Change Agent Tank.