Tuskegee University Celebrates

135th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act

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Tuskegee University played a prominent and symbolic role in the 135th anniversary celebration of the Second Morrill Act in 2025, honoring its legacy as one of the original 1890 land-grant institutions.

George Washington Carver Legacy Night

Tuskegee partnered with the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, which temporarily rebranded as the "Montgomery Peanut Runners" to honor Carver’s agricultural innovations. Dr. Mark A. Brown, Tuskegee’s President and CEO, threw the ceremonial first pitch at Tuskegee Community Night on August 28, 2025. The event celebrated Carver’s work with peanuts and his transformative impact on agriculture in Alabama and beyond.

Cultural and Ceremonial Presence

The Tuskegee University Choir performed the National Anthem. The TU ROTC Color Guard delivered a salute to the Tuskegee Airmen, reinforcing the university’s deep historical ties to African American military and educational excellence.

Academic and Community Engagement

The College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS), led by Dean Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller, emphasized the importance of Tuskegee’s land-grant mission. CAENS collaborated with the Montgomery Biscuits to engage high school Career Technical Organizations, encouraging students to create projects inspired by Carver’s legacy and its relevance to modern careers.

Educational Legacy

Tuskegee was highlighted nationally for its contributions to veterinary and animal science, food safety, and human nutrition, showcasing its ongoing leadership in agricultural research and education.

135th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act

The 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890 was commemorated with a series of national events in Washington, D.C., on September 9–10, 2025. This landmark legislation, signed on August 30, 1890, established the 1890 Land-grant Universities, which are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) created in states where Black students were excluded from public higher education.

Theme:
“Celebrating Legacy, Growing Opportunities, Inspiring Innovation, and Uplifting Communities” — a reflection of the enduring impact of the 1890 institutions

History and Celebrations

History of the Morrill Act

When the first land-grant colleges were established in 1862, slavery was still legal in much of the United States, and most African Americans remained enslaved until emancipation in 1865. In the years that followed, the Freedmen’s Bureau helped create educational opportunities for formerly enslaved people, founding institutions such as Howard, Atlanta, Fisk, and Hampton universities.

However, by 1890, segregation laws barred Black students from attending white land-grant colleges. To address this injustice, Congress passed the Second Morrill Act of 1890 (signed on August 30, 1890), which extended the land-grant system to include historically Black institutions. This pivotal legislation opened the door for African Americans to access higher education through what are now known as the 1890 land-grant universities.

September 2025 Events

September 9th-10th

Cyber & AI Games in Agriculture

Hosted at the University of the District of Columbia. The first-ever HBCU-led Cyber and AI Games challenged student teams from each of the 19 institutions to solve real-world agricultural cybersecurity scenarios. This event emphasized the intersection of agriculture, artificial intelligence, and cyber defense.

Reception at the National 4-H Council

A celebratory gathering at the new headquarters of the National 4-H Council. Provided a space for reflection, networking, and honoring the collective impact of the 1890 universities.

Capitol Hill Engagement

University leaders met with members of Congress to amplify the story and significance of the 1890 institutions.

19-Strong Legacy Pathway

A large-scale photography exhibit showcased the contributions of the 19 universities across four themes:

Celebrating Legacy
Growing Opportunities
Inspiring Innovation
Uplifting Communities

September 27th

The Ralphenia D. Pace Walk, and the TU Health Fair.

Flyer containg two info of two events in celebrating the 135th anniversary of the second Morrill ACt

October 2025 Events

October 15th - Taste of the world (food and fun from around the world).

Experience a celebration of culture, cuisine, and community at Taste of the World — an international potluck competition that brings global flavors to Tuskegee!

Participants are invited to prepare and share dishes inspired by their favorite regions around the world. Enjoy an afternoon filled with food, fun, and friendly competition, where creativity in the kitchen is rewarded.

Savor diverse tastes, connect across cultures, and cheer on the winners as they take home cash prizes for the most delicious and inspiring dishes!

Flyer containg two info of two events in celebrating the 135th anniversary of the second Morrill ACt

November 2025 Events

November 12th - Agriculture Innovation Field Day

Step into the future of agricultural advancement during the Agriculture Innovation Field Day. This hands-on event will showcase cutting-edge technologies and research shaping the next generation of farming. Attendees will explore the Mobile Meat Processing Exhibits, tour Tuskegee University’s research facilities, and connect with experts sharing innovative solutions for small farm success.

Engage directly with USDA exhibits, learn about small farm resources, and witness firsthand how research and innovation continue to empower communities across Alabama’s Black Belt and beyond.

November 16th - Gala/Honor Banquet

The celebration culminates with the 135th Second Morrill Act Gala and Honor Banquet, an elegant evening dedicated to recognizing the legacy of the 1890 Land-Grant Universities and the leaders carrying that vision forward today.

Join distinguished guests, faculty, alumni, and community partners for a night of reflection, recognition, and renewal of commitment to educational access and agricultural excellence. The Gala will highlight honorees whose contributions exemplify the spirit of the Second Morrill Act—advancing equity, innovation, and sustainable growth for future generations.