MCA Benjamin E. Mays Papers
Scope and Contents
The Benjamin E. Mays Papers include the administrative papers of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays from his tenure as President of Morehouse College (1940-1967). It comprises a broad range of correspondence with students, parents, faculty at Morehouse and Atlanta University Center, dignitaries, school administrators, and community members. The papers offer valuable insights into decision-making processes, relationships formed during Dr. Mays' presidency, and the larger educational and social issues of the time, such as the validity of African American Education, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. This collection serves as an important resource for understanding the growth of Morehouse College and the influential leadership of Dr. Mays.
Dates
- Creation: 1928 - 1970
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1931 - 1978
Conditions Governing Access
The restricted materials in this collection may be viewed upon written request. Such requests will be submitted to the lead archivist and then forwarded to the director for approval. Please note that none of the files may be photocopied, duplicated, or photographed. We reserve the right to deny access to these materials, which are intended for research purposes only.
Biographical / Historical
Benjamin Elijah Mays (1894-1984) was a distinguished educator, minister, and civil rights leader, best known for his long tenure as the president of Morehouse College from 1940 to 1967—the longest in the school's history. Born in South Carolina, Mays overcame significant racial and economic barriers to pursue his education, ultimately earning advanced degrees from Bates College and Columbia University.
During his tenure, Mays achieved a series of transformative milestones that greatly raised Morehouse’s profile. He increased student enrollment from around 300 to over 2,000, establishing the college as a leading institution for African American higher education. His dedication to academic excellence was clear as he set high standards and expanded the curriculum, which boosted the college’s reputation for quality education.
Mays also played a key role in strengthening the college's financial health. Through effective fundraising and careful financial management, he secured the resources needed for campus improvements and scholarships, ensuring that Morehouse could provide competitive opportunities for its students. He focused on faculty development by hiring qualified educators and fostering a strong academic environment, further enhancing the school's prestige.
In addition to his administrative achievements, Mays was an influential leader in the civil rights movement. He mentored prominent figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr., and encouraged student activism, turning Morehouse into a hub for social justice advocacy. His efforts also promoted arts and cultural programs, enriching the college’s contribution to African American culture and heritage.
By the end of his tenure, Mays had transformed Morehouse College into a symbol of academic and social progress, raising its status as a training ground for future leaders. His vision and commitment not only impacted the school but also left a lasting legacy in the broader landscape of American education and civil rights.
Extent
140.83 Linear feet
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
This collection is divided into seven series: Administrative files; Correspondence; Contributions; General/Non-Morehouse College files; Personal papers; Reference Sheets; and Restricted. The contents of the series are arranged alphabetically or chronologically. See series notes for more details.
Processing Information
This collection was processed using MPLP (More Product, Less Process), an archival processing method designed to speed up collection management. Previously, the collection was processed at the item level; as a result, some files are organized individually while others are in complete context. Please note that files processed at the item level may require cross-reference research to understand the context.
Harmful Language Statement
It is important to acknowledge that some language and descriptions within these materials may reflect the biases, prejudices, and social norms of their time, particularly concerning race and identity. In keeping with our commitment to reparative metadata practices, we are actively reviewing and updating the language and descriptions associated with this collection to ensure a more accurate and inclusive representation of these historical records. Researchers are encouraged to approach these materials critically, recognizing both their historical significance and the evolving perspectives on the issues they address.
- Title
- Morehouse College Archives Benjamin Elijah Mays Papers, 1931-1978
- Subtitle
- Benjamin E. Mays Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Collection processed by Aletha Moore Carter, Leah Mickens, and Jasmine Talley
- Date
- December 15, 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Morehouse College Archives Repository