While celebrating Black History Month in Savannah (February 2012), it is important to the four Innkeepers of Savannah Inns to focus on Savannah State University, Georgia’s oldest public historically black university.
- Historic Hill Hall at Savannah State University, Savannah GA
Originally the African American university was founded as a result of the Second Morrill Land Grant Act of August 30, 1890, which mandated that Southern and border states develop land grant colleges for black students.
- On November 26, 1890, the Georgia Assembly passed legislation creating the Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth, now Savannah State University.
- A preliminary session of the School was held in the Baxter Street School Building in Athens, Georgia where it operated for several months.
- The school moved to its permanent location in Savannah, GA on October 7, 1891.
- The College awarded its first baccalaureate degree in 1898.
- In 1921 the first female students were admitted as residents on the campus.
- In 1928 the college became a full four institution for the education of freedman as teachers in both the North and South.
- In 1932 the college became a full member institution of the University System of Georgia and its name was changed to Georgia State College.
- The college served as Georgia’s land-grant institution for African-American students until 1947. The designation was then transferred to Fort Valley State College.
- In January 1950, the college changed its name to Savannah State College.
- In 1996 the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia elevated Savannah State College to the status of state university and the name was changed to Savannah State University.
- Savannah State University is the first institution in the state of Georgia to offer the homeland security degree program.
- It was the second institution in the University System of Georgia to offer wireless Internet connectivity to students throughout the campus.
Savannah State University is located approximately 5 miles east southeast from the center of Savannah, Georgia, 250 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, and 120 miles from Jacksonville, Florida.
Get away to Savannah, Georgia, to experience African American History Month. Enjoy being near the rich black history in Savannah, while lodging with one of the historic Savannah Inns – Green Palm Inn, Zeigler House Inn, Azalea Inn and Gardens, or Dresser Palmer House. Each is a unique experience, and you’ll be near some of the best African American places of interest.
Tags: African American Heritage, african american history, African American History month, african american travel, bed and breakfasts, black heritage, black history month, GA, GA black history, Savannah, Savannah bed and breakfasts, Savannah Inns, when is black history month
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