Spelman College, a historically black liberal arts college for women located in Atlanta, Georgia, is truly like no other place on Earth. While there are statistics that perfectly support such outstanding claims, it’s actually the sisterhood and unique experiences shared by each and every student that confirms how special Spelman really is. Here are 10 Things Cherished By Every Spelman College Student…
1. The Grass
At Spelman, walking on or across the grass is a sin. You will never spot a true Spelmanite walking on any greenery while on campus, even if it makes for a shorter trip on her way to class. Why is stepping on the grass such a huge deal at Spelman? “Spelman women do not cut corners.”
2. Freedom of Expression
It has been said that “you can tell a Spelman woman, but you can’t tell her much.” This stands to be extremely true, especially when it comes to freedom of expression on campus. At Spelman, there is not just one set “look” you will find. Everyone has such a different personality, a unique sense of style and fashion, and a strong sense of self. It can be interesting attending an all women’s college, especially when the goal of most of the students is not to fit in, but to stand out.
3. A Choice to Change the World
When committing to Spelman College, you are committing to much more than the next four years of your life. You are committing to the rest of it, as well. Spelman’s mission is to inspire students to work within and outside of their communities with people of all cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles. Becoming a Spelmanite is becoming a world-changer. Making the choice to change the world is one that Spelmanites and Spelman graduates have made on a daily basis. The theme of “A Choice to Change the World” is so important within the Spelman community, the director of the Spelman College Glee Club, Dr. Kevin Johnson, even wrote a song with that title to be performed by the choir at almost every Spelman event. The song is a bit of an anthem for anyone who has committed their lives to changing the world through Spelman.
4. Soul Food
Homemade, Southern-style cooking is a staple at Spelman College. Macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, black eyed peas, rice, candied yams, collard greens, buttered yeast rolls, cornbread, and of course, peach cobbler is what’s on the menu every single Wednesday on campus. It’s called Fried Chicken Wednesday. On Friday’s, it’s a similar situation...Fried Fish Friday’s. It’s not a mystery how many students gain “Freshman Fifteen” on campus, but the comfort food the cafeteria dishes out is well worth the calories and is just too good to turn down.
5. The Alumnae Arch
What’s the one thing worse than walking on the grass at Spelman? Walking underneath The Alumnae Arch before your senior year Class Day. The Arch is exclusively for very soon-to-be graduates and Spelman alumnae. Rumor has it that if you walk under The Arch before your special day has come, you won’t graduate on time.
6. The Spelman Hand
If ever you find yourself on the campus of Spelman College, you may notice many young women joyously pumping their perfectly angled hands in the air while greeting another one of their sisters. You may be confused by this new sign language if not a Spelmanite. This gesture is referred to as "The Spelman Hand." It is oftentimes used by one Spelmanite to cheer on or recognize another sister for her accomplishments. It can also be used just to show school spirit. It has been said that the slightly bent hand represents the pedestal in which Spelman women are placed on. When a Spelmanite makes this gesture, she is representing the way in which Spelman women raise the bar and/or rise above others with their diligence, hard work, and intelligence.
7. Sisters Chapel
Sisters Chapel is a very special place on Spelman’s campus. Within this small chapel, worship services, convocations, bonding activities for incoming freshman, The Inaugural Christmas Carol Concert, The Miss Spelman College Pageant, Spelbound, and much, much more are held. Sisters Chapel is home for some of the most important gatherings and events on campus. It’s a safe space and a sacred place for all Spelman women to feel at home.
8. The Spelman Hymn
Spelman and its students have a very sisterly tradition of holding hands and singing what is called “The Spelman Hymn” at many events where Spelman women are all gathered. Learning this hymn is NOT optional. As a freshman, you are required to learn the hymn, and never forget it.
9. White Dresses, Black Shoes, Pantyhose
If planning on attending Spelman, it’d be a great idea to invest in several white dresses, some closed-toe black shoes, and a pair of flesh-toned pantyhose. This is a traditional outfit sported by Spelmanites at many celebrations, events, and gatherings across campus. This traditional white dress ensemble has been a Spelman staple since the school began. The strict rules regarding what types of white dresses and black shoes can be worn are not to be bent.
10. Pageants
Pageant life is a big part of the Spelman experience. There are pageants for so many different things on campus. From Miss Spelman and Miss Maroon and White, to Miss Residence Hall Association and Class Queens, there are pageants that cover nearly all the bases.
11. Sophia & Harriet
