Morris Brown Collegegreenspun.com : LUSENET : A.M.E. Today Discussion : One Thread |
As you all know Morris Brown is in trouble. In the Atlanta paper, it stated that AMEC did not know that the college was in trouble. Nothing could be further from the truth. The AMEC church knew this was happening, yet sat back and watched as the events unfolded. Now the college is in a reactive mode, which puts them at a disadvantage. The president, bless his heart says that God will work things out. I believe that faith without works is dead. I think that MBC is in about 27 millions worth of debt. If each AMEC gave 5.00, this would save the church, making them debt free. For that matter what it every black person in the nation gave a dollar, it would probably save MBC and Gambling. I think that is time to stop begging other people for help and depend on ourselves.Pastor Fisher...how difficult would it be to create a website for making donations to MBC with paypal? I am willing to work with you on promotion and marketing of the site.
When MBC gets over this...I suggest that AMEC establishes a committee that oversee the operations of this college, including monitoring management salaries. Any thoughts....
-- Anonymous, December 11, 2002
Thank you Brenda for making this suggestion. I was just fussing about this issue yesterday. I will gladly send a check to help this precious institutions. Of course we have to verify and establish safeguards for setting up the address to where monies should be sent because there are many in cyberspace who will gladly take advantage of this event.Jazzman
-- Anonymous, December 11, 2002
It is to be regretted that because Morris Brownn is not in our Episcopal District there appears to be a disdain for its condition, almost as though that is someone else's problem. I drew this inference when I raised the alarm at our Presiding Elder's planning meeting on November 14, after reading about it on the internet. While our Presiding Elder Theodore Evans gave me permission to undertake an effort, here, in the Northwest Missouri Conference, Kansas City South District, to help Morris Brown, clearly, that effort was not accorded a priority status, and few pastors have evinced an interest in assisting this effort. In subsequent inquiries, it would appear that if it "ain't on my watch," who cares?Our denomination must, one day, come to understand that "connectional" means "inter-connectional" not "dis-connectional."
Theoretically, we have a meeting planned for December 19 at Willis Chapel A.M.E. here in Kansas City. We solicit suggestions and prayers.
Rev. Dr. Larry D. Coleman
-- Anonymous, December 11, 2002
Morris Brown is A.M.E. and that means all of us, not just a few of us. We will survive.The Sixth Episcopal has since our Convocation distributed a SPECIAL APPEAL FOR MORRIS BROWN. Although I can't diplicate this form exactly as it is here, It reads as follows. It asks for the following information. For further details you may call or email the Bishop's Office
The Sixth Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church Liberation, Reconciliation, Salvation
Special Appeal For Morris Brown College
Pledge/Payment Form
I pledge $___________________ (___________________Dollars) For Morris Brown College
Check boxes
________My gift is enclosed ____________My gift will be mailed.
My gift is designated for ________General Operating _____General Scholarship
______Cash _________Check ___________Money Order ______Other
Credit Authorization ______AMERICAN EXPRESS ______MASTER CARD
______VISA
Name of Cardholder______________ (Please Print
Title___________
Account Number______________ Expiration date___/_____/_____
Cardholder's Signature ______________________-
Name________________________
Home Address_____________________________________
City__________________ , State_________, Zip Code_______________
Home Phone____________________. Work Phone______________,
Email Address___________________
My Relationship to the College is: _______Alumni
_______Friend_________ Church _________ Other____________
PLEDGE FROM SIGNATURE_________________________
DATE:___________/_____________/________
"Please join me in supporting Morris Brown College. Your gift will make a difference! "Thank you for your contribution
FranK C. Cummings
PLEASE RETURN TO:
Frank C. Cummings, PRESIDING BISHOP Sixth Episcopal District A.M.E. Church 75 Piedmont Avenue Suite 316 Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 5234-8279/Office (404) 524-0078/FAX
email: Sixdistr@bellsouth.net
-- Anonymous, December 11, 2002
As you all well know by now. I am a fighter and I don't give up. Because of the Grace of God I looked in the face of death and the onslaught of the enemy and God and I WON. You also know I am verbal and say just what I think.Morris Brown is my school. But it is not my school alone. It is the only College in Georgia both founded and operated by blacks. When no one else would give us a chance, when everyone else said no and closed their doors, Morris Brown said yes. At the time I attended this was without discrimination. The school had more Baptists and Pentecostals than A.M.E.s. It also accepted and continues to accept those of other races and creeds as well. In every school in GA there are more teachers who are Morris Brown graduates than from any other school. My Desktop theme is a pictue of the campus of MBC.
Across the nation, much of the success we now enjoy is in part and even largely due to Dear Ole Morris Brown. Wherever you may live or whoever you may be, look around you, ask and think and you will see that this is true.
On last Sunday I also witnessed education at its best when the Choir and faculty of Morris Brown Colege sang Messiah, played bells, orchestal instrument, piano and orgn, and sang arias like any at Royal Albert Hall, La Scala or the Met.
I am certain that we can accurately count 2.5 million A.M.E.s. Bill Dickens made a proposal of how we could give the A.M.E. Budget a major shot in the arm. Now is the time to put this into action. No A.M.E. School should ever be strapped for finances or in debt. We have the ability to do it and we must.
God holds us accountable for what we do on earth. When Christ ascended, He left us in charge of the store. Faith without works is dead. Now is the time for all to say "Here am I Lord, Send Me."
-- Anonymous, December 11, 2002
The situation at Morris Brown is, in deed, appalling. However, some questions must be asked (and ANSWERED) before we start throwing money at the problem:1. HOW did the school accumulate a $23 million debt in the first place?
-- Anonymous, December 12, 2002
The situation at Morris Brown is, in deed, appalling. However, some questions must be asked (and ANSWERED) before we start throwing money at the problem:1. HOW did the school accumulate a $23 million debt in the first place? That's a LOT of debt and certainly was not accumulated over a short term. I don't know anyone at MBC and am not questioning anyone's integrity, but it sounds like somewhere along the line, there has not been good management of finances.
2. What SAFEGUARDS are in place to ensure donations are properly applied?
3. Keep in mind that other, and maybe all, AME schools are in financial straits. Our oldest school, Wilberforce University, in the Terrific Third, has financial woes, also, but is afloat.
4. What all in necessary to restore accreditation? This is not always just a matter of dollars!
5. Is the current president of MBC, Dr. Charles Taylor, the same Dr. Charles Taylor who was president of Wilberforce U. some years back? (not to be confused with Dr. Yvonne Walker Taylor who was president prior to Charles).
-- Anonymous, December 12, 2002
Yes, this is the same man...what happened at Wilburforce?
-- Anonymous, December 12, 2002
Thank You Sis. Brenda I am interested in how many other schools are in serious difficulty. If we are to raise money. Let us find out how much is needed in greater detail that we can help the many and not just the one. I will be sending funds to Bishop Cummings for MBC. I have never been there but it is still important to us all.
-- Anonymous, December 12, 2002
I am in Philadelphia as I write this note. On yesterday I was in Wash DC and stopped by the National Center for Education Statistics to discuss the status of MBC. The decision by the Southern Association of Schools to revoke the accreditation credentials of MBC is now final. Revocation of accreditation means the instituion is no longer eligible for Federal financial assistance. Schools like MBC which are tuition-dependent for its operating expenses (80% of students receive financial aid) now run the risk of losing students to other colleges. President Taylor has decided to pursue the risky strategy of appealing the decision. If his appeal is denied the consequences are even more severe. My recommendation would be to forego risky and expensive appeals and focus on addressing the fiscal disequilibrium. Every AMEC, and I mean every church, should complete the form Robert provided in an earlier note. Committments should be made at a minimum of six months. But, it shouldn't stop with the completion of the form. The goal is not to just stop the financial hemmorage but to provide a sustainable cash flow for the "out years". Brenda's concerns are legitimate and deserve a reasoned response by the AME church leaders. All Bishops do not possess the skills to provide effective leadership in the field of higher education. You do not run a university like a pastoral charge. The skills are not inter-changeable. As a result, I would recommend that a complete overhaul of the Board of Trustees (resignations for everyone) be implemented and start with a new slate of Trustees. Change is sometimes painful but like any catharsis the end results are for the collective good. QED
-- Anonymous, December 13, 2002
Thank you brother Matthews for this information. I am not an alumnus of Morris Brown but I believe that Morris Brown was started in the basement of Bethel AME church in Atlanta, Ga. I also believe that church is located on historic Auburn ave in Atlanta. For what education means to me and our race, I will gladly send a check to Morris Brown and I am going to pray that it be used wisely. You know it may sound crazy but praying over money makes a lot of sense.I am going to request that someone who is an alumnus of Morris Brown give me an address of the school and the name of the fund at Morris Brown that I should make the check out to. This is an emergency this school needs our support now and not our criticism before another precious part of our heritage ceases to exist!!!.
Jazzman
-- Anonymous, December 13, 2002
Having grown up in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, I have always know us to be a people who trusts in God. It has also been my experience that we possess and unshakable and unmoveable faith. I am therefore amazed when it seems that some put their trust in the system of men and princes and kings.We indeed face a crisis at Morris Brown College, but this crisis is just a challenge for us to put more trust in God. I just read a statement which said, "Stop telling God you have big problems and start telling your problems you have a BIG and ALMIGHTY GOD. "
While it is true that we are called upon to act on our faith and this action calls us to use the earthly powers we possess. we are also called to live out our creed. When we do this we cannot fail. What President Taylor has done may involve some risks but the risks are nothing compared to what our God can do. So let us now act and act in faith and prayer.
Morris Brown College was built on faith and prayer. In the past I am told that the saints of old collected soap wrappers that it would survive. How is it now that with our unlimited resources we give up and say we are doomed to fail?
On Sunday as I listened to Messiah I became aware of a sermon in every word. "And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." And I said God we need this now. For those who may not recall the sons of Levi were the choir and the priests.
Sunday, I also heard a sermon based on the Lectionary entitled, "A Way Our of No Way". As our foreparents taught us "God is a WAY out of NO WAY" and there is NOTHING to hard for God. We have it on the authority of Jesus that when we only believe there is NOTHING impossible to one who believe and thus we cannot fail.
So I call upon each of you to not only join me in sending our funds to Morris Brown, But I also ask you to join President Taylor, Bishop Cummings and others who know the power of prayer.
For those who wish to read what has already been said and done. You may check out the following sites.
Letter to Parents
-- Anonymous, December 13, 2002
Robert I agree with you 100 percent, God can and will part the waters. We must stand on our faith and pray unceasingly. I also would like to remind people think how many years it took our black universities to get accredidation in the first place. They never gave up. As we pray for Morris Brown Let us also pray for Grambling who is facing the lost of accredidation also. Their probation period was extended another year. Whereas Morris Brown did not get the second year extention. Keep praying!
-- Anonymous, December 13, 2002
Morris Brown will be okay. I have spent the last two dys on the campus boosting student morale ad helping out inanymanner that I can. It is not time to sit back and talk about how did we get in debt, we are in it now and it is crunch time for us to rais money. Please refer to the letter that Dr. Taylor has writte to the parents as frequently asked questions. Brother Matthews has the link above, but just to clarify some things, as of now we ARE still accreditated. Studnts receiving Financial Aid will be entitled to it. I think it is sickening that e have to wait until a crisis to come together and bail our schools out. Just send money either to the Bishops office r the Office of President of MBC ASAP. Dr. Taylor will b on the Frank SKI morning show Monday morning so he will launch a drive from there. I hope Tom Joyner is contacted and any celebrity who would like to contribute or you now of any please have them to give. It is giving time, Morris bron has given to us and now we MUST bail our school out. That is the most valuable property in the state of Georgia and we as AME's own a piece of that rock. So if you do not give,think about your own property that you are paying on, you own a piece of the rock. May God Bless you and continue to pray with us as we go about prayerfully doing the work of the Lord.
-- Anonymous, December 14, 2002
Sinclair thanks for the update and thanks for being a powerful witness for Christ. I too would ask that churches in addition to sending money also put Morris Brown on our prayer chains and that there also be a denomination wide prayer initiative. I am sure Dr. Taylor is getting lots of letters of concern, PLEASE send letters of encouragement and support. It is always darkest before the dawn. And our God is a miracle making God. Out of this incident some wonderful blessings can occur, such an setting endowsments for all of our A.M.E schools around the world. We also have schools on the continent of Africa. God is not finished with us yet, so let's not be finised with him!! There are about 35 states in the U.S who are in dire financial straights with their budgets. My state of Montana has a 24 million dollar deficit. We have not thrown our hands up in the air and said "I guess the state is going to close" No in Montana. The churches have taken the lead and started community think tanks. We are looking at what resources we have. We know the federal government is not going to help so we are praying and working with the legislature to stop them from cutting human services. We have set up email chains. We are all working together as we have never worked before. But we are standing on scripture. We too as a Christian denomination must take the lead. I am writing the Southern Association of Colleges and asking them to continue the accredidation of Morris Brown. I will share the rich history of our denomination what we have done and what our students can do if they have a college to attend. The Southern Association of Colleges can be found by doing a search under their name. We must use every gift, and expertise we have to fight for Morris Brown. That means positive letter writing, contacting Oprah Winfrey, Denzel, calling your cousin and telling her to send money to Morris Brown. When we were told we could not vote, we fought, we organized. We spent money. The closing of a Black college IS A CIVIL RIGHTS issue. For the stats are showing enrollment is increasing in black colleges. I noticed yesterday the AP wires picked up the story and it is being carried in most of the major papers. Therefore we must writes letters to the editor extolling the positive virtues of Morris Brown and asking everyone regardless of color to help this school during it's financial insecurity. Also as Robert Matthews shared Morris Brown is featured in the movie "Drum Line" that opened yesterday. We can capitolize on that fact our school is in the movie. It will help with fund raising. And last but not least. Don't forget those chicken dinners. I know many a mortgage was paid by the fried chicken dinner sale. If we all chip in, with God's help we can do this!!!! PRAY UNCEASINGLY, PRAY EXPECTANTLY and PRAY FOR THE STUDENTS they are our children. God bless!!
-- Anonymous, December 14, 2002
I am a current student at MBC and there is nothing more that I would like to see than my institution be saved. The students will suffer more than anyone in this situation, especially graduating seniors such as myself, and the sad thing is, we had no hand in this at all. Throughout my matriculation at Morris Brown College we are taught to uplift, support, and unify our people..... well it is really hard to believe or learn this when we are faced with a potential travesty in our "black community" and no one wants to step up to the plate!!!!! There is a link on MBC's website where anyone can give an online donation, if there is a time for our people to come together the time is NOW!!!!! We have plenty African Americans who take money out of our neighborhoods and make millions, when will they put any money back (i.e. FUBU, BET, Record labels, Clothing companies) PEOPLE THE TIME TO UNIFY IS NOW!!!! May experience at MBC could not have been duplicated at any other institution in the world, I would like for all people (black, white, hispanic, etc.) to have the opportunity to experience Morris Brown College!! I have been pondering a difficult question for years now, Where are our black leaders in a situation like this, people and organizations like, NAACP, Bill Cosby, Oprah, Mike Jordan, Professional Athletes, the Atlanta University Center, and also white organizations like the "AMERICAN GOVERNMENT" they want the black vote in their elections and will come to the community to campaign but when faced with situations such as this they are silent, had this been election time..........I apologize people, I just have alot to say in an attempt to save my school, and not enough time!
-- Anonymous, December 15, 2002
As a graduating senior at Morris Brown I am extremely concerned about our current financial situation. However, I do not walk out on the words of man, but on my faith in God. What I find hard to believe is how our sister and brother schools i.e. CAU, Morehouse, Spelman etc. have failed to step up to the plate. We are the only consortium of schools that exits as a center in the entire nation. How is it that we have schools from other states such as Bennett and Fisk offer our students a chance to transfer, but our sister and brother institutions around the corner have offered NOTHING. I realize its a huge responsibility, but if you can't turn to your neighbor for support what has our world come too. I urge anyone who believes that our black people should thrive as educated individuals to give. This goes deeper than the students of Morris Brown it effects/affects our entire community. God help us in our stewardship...we can fund a war an ocean over, feed the hungry from other countries, but we can't save a historical institution in our own backyards.
-- Anonymous, January 01, 2003
Deeply concerned with Morris Brown College and its possible loss of accreditation, I wish to share a few thoughts.As a graduating senior, I stand proud completing my undergraduate studies at a wonderful institution. The faculty is remarkable and the education is unmatched.
Nonetheless, I the find media coverage and a few comments I've heard throughout the community somewhat inaccurate and apathetic.
Whenever a group or individual is going through a difficult time a good solution in helping the individual with the problem is offering support; providing resources for the individual or collective group.( financial, emotional, etc).
As Morris Brown fights for its appeal with SACS in the coming months, the best answer to this problem is support in the form of money, prayers, aiding students wishing to stay or transfer, and general cooperative economics.
I pray the media, community, and others can avoid discussing whom to blame for Morris Brown's predicament. Merely watching an individual or group experience hardship is not support. My answer calls for the "support" of the community. Its one thing to talk about Morris Brown; lets strive to help our beloved college.
Darren Davis C/O 2003
-- Anonymous, January 02, 2003
To Darren and the other students at Morris Brown College none of us can begin to imagine what you are going through. But God knows and he on that campus with his son. I remember my senior year of college it was so hectic, applying to seminary and trying to keep my grades up so I could get into the seminary of my choice. You and the other students now have the additional pressure of the accredidation appeal. I would like to suggest that you and some of the other students meet with the chaplain and set up prayer meetings and bible studies. All of you deserve support also invite the falcuulty to participate. You might want to think about lunch time in the cafeteria. Because Morris Brown is an A.M.E college you can talk about God! Keep posting on the board some of us want to help. And the reality is everyone of us in our lives have had some hard times, we know how it feels when we are kicked when we are down. Morris Brown is on the prayer list for my church and if I can be of help to any of the students in terms of spiritual support please contact me. Besides being a pastor I am a mom! I am proud of all of you.
-- Anonymous, January 02, 2003
I just heard from my Presiding Elder Donna Roberson and she is in the process of gathering money from the Pacific Northwest Conference for Morris Brown College. This is exciting. I hope everyone if the fabulous fifth district gives generously and will also contact their Presiding Elder. For those that read the board you might also want to check with your Presiding Elder to see if there are any special fundraisers in your conference and also ask how your conference is helping Morris Brown. Keep the faith God is not finished with Morris Brown yet!
-- Anonymous, January 08, 2003
Thank you Rev. Denise Rogers. This news is supportive. I also read in the local newspaper of various A.M.E. Churches willing to raise funds for Morris Brown College in the month of February. This too, demonstrates evidence of cooperative economics among the churches.
-- Anonymous, January 16, 2003
Bro. Darren welcome to the Board and I hope you keep posting. This month our online Christian Magazine featured "Morris Brown" as our Christian Hero this month www.ourchurch.com/member/b/blessings4uI have heard from several of the the administrators thanking us for lifting Morris Brown Up. It is not me that did this but it is Jesus that lifts them up. I hope everyone will continue to pray and also send a card and or letter of encouragement. They need it and we show the love of Christ by doing this. And yes all the Bishops have asked our A.M.E Churches to collect money on Founders day for Morris Brown. Good to hear from you Bro. Darren.
-- Anonymous, January 16, 2003
I am very concerned about the situation at Morris Brown College and I am very surprised and concerned that it has gotten to this situation. I work in entertainment and marketing and I feel that this is a matter that the entire african-american community should embrace and support.As one of the earlier inquiries stated, What needs to be done for the college to get its accredidation back? That is my concern. If it is financial, I am interested, and willing and will reach out to several communities, organizations, entertainers, etc. to try to assist with Morris-Brown College reaching its financial goal. However, the concern is, "What are the criterias other than financial." Not being an expert on the situation, I assume if the college meets its financial goals of 10 million, 20 million, plus, it will be able to hire the rightly trained people to oversee the budget and dispurse it correctly. Anyone wanting to comment to me, please send an email. Today is 8-15- 2003, please look out for further information. Because this matter is just beginning. Although I will contact the university directly next week, anyone with further information on how to find the person directly regarding this please do so. thanks.
-- Anonymous, August 15, 2003
I am very concerned about the situation at Morris Brown College and I am very surprised and concerned that it has gotten to this situation. I work in entertainment and marketing and I feel that this is a matter that the entire african-american community should embrace and support.As one of the earlier inquiries stated, What needs to be done for the college to get its accredidation back? That is my concern. If it is financial, I am interested, and willing and will reach out to several communities, organizations, entertainers, etc. to try to assist with Morris-Brown College reaching its financial goal. However, the concern is, "What are the criterias other than financial." Not being an expert on the situation, I assume if the college meets its financial goals of 10 million, 20 million, plus, it will be able to hire the rightly trained people to oversee the budget and dispurse it correctly. Anyone wanting to comment to me, please send an email. Today is 8-15- 2003, please look out for further information. Because this matter is just beginning. Although I will contact the university directly next week, anyone with further information on how to find the person directly regarding this please do so. thanks.
P.S. I think the matter at hand is solving the problem. No time to debate, why, who or send blame, but to get to the point and solve the problem. That is my goal and make sure it does not happen again.
-- Anonymous, August 15, 2003
Concerned Citizen -Your entry in this discussion is late but still important. The appeal was denied last Spring so the decision to revoke MBC accreditation credentials thru SACS is final. No future attempts at "correcting the fiscal problem" can chnage the outcome. Now if you are still interested in discussing how you and your entertainment contacts can make a difference at MBC I would urge that you plan on attending the next AME Convo which will be held in Birmingham, AL in December 2003. That particular Convo will focus exclusively on Higher Education. QED
-- Anonymous, August 16, 2003
Bill are you going to convo? And the Higher education summit. I hope so we could really use the input of a professor, who teaches economics is A.M.E. and a Sunday School Superintendant. You would have a lot to offer at that meeting. Unfortunately I cannot attend I will be at A DMC commissioners meeting at that time.I hope you will be able to attend brother Bill.
-- Anonymous, August 16, 2003