Emory University Black Book
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Emory University Black Book
About the Black Book
What is it?
The Black Book is a resource guide containing essential information tailored to the needs of Black Students at Emory showcasing businesses, resources, scholarships and more.
Origins
The Black Book was created in the spirit of Victor Hugo Green's "The Negro Motorist Green Book" which documented hospitable hotels, gas stations, and restaurants for Black people from 1936-1966.
Timeline
The Black Book is meant to be a continuous work in progress updated to the needs of the Emory Black student body. We will continue to add to it and work on it throughout the school year so make sure to keep checking for any updates!
Credit to the Claremont Colleges OBSA
How- to...
Scroll down to see tips for navigating life at Emory + advice to make resources more accessible to students & orgs!
Finesse the Emory System
From current seniors to recent grads to alum from 25+ years ago, enjoy some tips on how to make the MOST of your Emory experience without stressin' yourself out along the way.
Escape the Emory Bubble
Connect with the AUC!!
We are ATLANTA! THEE BLACK MECCA! Although Emory students often feels isolated, we're really just 15-20 minutes away from endless opportunities to explore familiar communities. If you haven't heard, the Atlanta University Center (AUC) is a consortium of four HBCU's: Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and the Morehouse School of Medicine. Connecting with AUC students, events, and culture will be a great opportunity to take a break from Emory!Here's some annual events to expect:
Pajama Jam (canon event for Black Emory; usually early August & gives back to school function)
AUC Homecoming (October)
Orange Crush (April)
Get out of Town!
Do what you can on a budget of course; but here are some easy (& affordable) options:
Lifting Our Voices (sandwich runs at various schools every Saturday)
Volunteer Emory (Alternative Breaks & Volunteer Trips out of the city)
Chattahoochee River (technically not out of town, but you gotta shoot the hooch)
Cabin Trip (all you need is a car, some friends that can cook, & good vibes)
Mardi Gras (Book 4/5 months in advance for the best deals & stay on Bourbon Street... it'll save you so much money)
Emory Experience (Sponsored by Dooley After Dark, but madddd free events like basketball games, movie premieres, concerts!)
Stay Connected
Networking Amongst your Class
Relationships must be cultivated within your class year! These people can help you in ways you could never imagine.
Here are a few tips for meeting people within your year...
Go to class-specific events!
- Participate in SongFest: this is a great place to start developing relationships within your residence
Attend planned events through Emory clubs and organizations
- This is another way to continue building relationships by seeing your contemporaries outside the residence hall.
Don’t Be afraid to make yourself known!
- All relationships often start with a small conversation! Step out of your comfort zone and speak to someone
Networking Professionally
Be active in attending events for professional networking.
- Emory hosts events where students can build resumes and network with companies in partnership with Emory! Take ADVANTAGE!
- Get to know your teachers! They have the resources to help students. Every conversation could be a networking opportunity
Utilize the Career Center
- Use this resource to build your resume. These people are here to help you look the most presentable.
- Schedule regular appointments to workshop your interview skills.
- The career center has professional attire to borrow for interviews and/or career events
Speak with Emory Alumni
- Use LinkedIn to communicate with Emory Alum in different career fields
- Look for a mentor! Emory Alum loves to help undergraduate students
Advice From Faculty/Staff
“First impressions go a long way. Find one thing in a conversation to remember or that sticks out about that person. It makes it easier to follow up and have a conversation.”
Kriskumar Singh, Complex Hall Community Director
“Use your resources. Be Genuinely curious about others. Do your research”
Chad Hixon, Undergraduate Academic Advisor
“Attend career fairs, alumni events/gatherings, and conferences. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Continue to nurture new and existing relationships by keeping in touch”
Capri Blount, Senior Business Manager of Finance Operations
“Networking isn’t a point in time or a transaction. Every human contact is valuable. Treat it as such”
Dean Enku Gulaye, Dean of Campus Life
Acknowledgements
I'm incredibly thankful for the awesome collaboration between the Black Student Association and the 2023 Eminent Ivy Court. This project has been all about making Emory's resources more accessible to students and groups, while also fostering stronger connections within the Emory Community and with AUC schools. From day one, it's been my personal mission to tackle these challenges head-on. Thank you BSA not only making this impactful platform, but for allowing me to have a role in its development.MASSIVE shoutout to my pageant brothers, Tyler, Deven, and Matt, for always having my back. So much love for M Egberongbe, my "mini-me," who constantly makes me beam with pride. And of course, a loving thank you to Lia Sidberry, my incredible pageant sister and bestie, and Dr. Diane Stewart for her amazing F'23 Black Love course.Last but not least, endless appreciation to the "Sweet" Nu Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for their unwavering support.With heaps of gratitude,
Kaleb N. Branch
Your 2023 Eminent Ivy
Student Organizations
Black Student Alliance (BSA)
In the midst of the turmoil, the black students of Emory decided to come together to create a safe and secure environment to express their views and foster open conversation. In 1968, the students founded the Black Student Alliance of Emory University. We, the Black students attending Emory University, in order to maintain an Afrocentric identity for the cohesiveness on Emory University campus; to promote the awareness of a conscious and diverse Black community; to educate on and celebrate Black culture and heritage from all parts of the Black Diaspora; and to serve as a forum for the study and elevation of Afrocentric ideas and goals do hereby establish this Constitution of the Black Student Alliance of Emory University.
African Student Association (ASA)
The African Student Association at Emory University aims to promote African culture, politics, and people through educational and social programs that engage Emory and surrounding communities in a dialogue on topics related to the African diaspora. ASA provides a community for individuals with shared interests concerning the African continent.
Association of Caribbean Educators and Students (ACES)
ACES at Emory University aims to promote Caribbean culture awareness among the Emory and Atlanta community by organizing regular events and meetings, including the Caribbean Awareness Week in the spring. ACES also includes a dance team called Vibez, known for their high energy and interactive performances showcasing the Caribbean dance culture.
Black Student Athlete Group (BSAG)
The Emory Black Student Athlete Group comes with the mission to foster a stronger black student-athlete community, advocate for one another, and celebrate black identity at a PWI. Their objectives include but aren’t limited to: boosting school spirit and attendance at sports events, giving back to the greater Emory and Atlanta communities, and promoting further development of athletes on and off the floor.
Black Mental Health Ambassadors (BMHA)
Black Mental Health Ambassadors (BMHA) is an organization that was created by Black students in 2016 in partnership with CAPS. The organization emerged in response to the formal demands of the Black Students at Emory in 2016. BMHA seeks to advocate for Black undergraduate and graduate students in relation to mental health.
Brotherhood of Afrocentric Men (BAM)
BAM at Emory University aims to create a safe space for male first-year students of all races to engage in community service events, progressive dialogue, stepping skill development, and identity affirmation. The organization fosters a sense of commonality and brotherhood among its members, regardless of cultural differences.
Collegiate Black Christians
Collegiate Black Christians (CBC) in affiliation with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship is a Christ-centered ministry that aims to see black students across Emory’s campus believe and commit to Jesus Christ. CBC strives to disciple students to live as unapologetically black and Christian. In addition, CBC not only strives to challenge and support their members or serve the community, but also to build up servant leaders who will continue to help the ministry grow on Emory University’s campus.
Emory Black Student Union (EBSU)
Not to be confused with the BSA, the Emory Black Student Union (EBSU) is a cultural space that aims to support community members who identify within the African diaspora. The EBSU was built so students could have an enhanced space for programs, celebrations, and knowledge sharing. The EBSU is open to all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and located on the third floor of Cox Hall.
Emory NAACP
The mission of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. The Emory University chapter of the NAACP strives to remove all barriers of racial discrimination, to inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination, and to educate persons as to their constitutional rights.
Eritrean Ethiopian Student Association (EESA)
Emory Eritrean Ethiopian Student Association aims to bring together the community of Ethiopians and Eritreans on campus and to promote unity of the two nations and all ethnic groups within, to celebrate their diversity and showcase their cultures to the Emory community, and to foster an informed community for students with affiliation or interest in the countries. EESU also serves as a philanthropic student organization, donating to and volunteer at charities and non-profit organizations aiding people in Eritrea and Ethiopia and serving the community around them. They also strive to connect with the Atlanta area colleges, grade-school students, and Emory alumni so as to promote networking, guidance, and success in the Eritrean Ethiopian community.
NGAMBIKA
Ngambika is a Greek-neutral organization that promotes student leadership development on Emory's campus through Service, Academics, Sisterhood, and Step (S.A.S.S), with a focus on building sisterhood through an athletic team experience. The organization carries out its mission by engaging in community service projects and by collaborating with other multicultural groups on events and programs.
Zuri African Dance Troupe
Zuri African Dance is Emory's only African dance team, and they aim to spread awareness of the diversity of African cultures through music and dance, as well as provide a space for students who enjoy African dance.
Zeta Phi Beta
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is a historically black Greek lettered sorority founded in 1920. Founded on the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love and Finer Womanhood, Zeta seeks to uphold women while effecting positive change in its community. The Alpha Tau Chapter was founded on Emory's campus is 2008. Since its chartering, Alpha Tau has sought to serve its community through various signature programs such as the March of Dimes Fundraiser, Finer Womanhood Week and various community service events.
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Dedicated to sisterhood and service to all mankind, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by Black college women, was founded in 1908 at Howard University. The Nu Alpha Chapter at Emory University was chartered on April 14, 1979 and continues to serve its community under the guidance of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Delta Sigma Theta
The Omicron Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The principal purposes and aims of the Omicron Xi Chapter shall be to engage in cultural, educational, and public service activities. To establish, maintain, and encourage high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards; and to promote and encourage academic achievement in the Emory Campus and greater Atlanta Community.
Alpha Phi Alpha
Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind are the aims of which brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. stand upon each day. As the first black inter-collegiate fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha is fully dedicated to the advancement of global communities and the personal development of brilliant and innovative men. As brothers of distinguished character and unparalleled achievement, the men of the Mu Alpha chapter have continually served as leaders amidst the high standards of Emory University
Phi Beta Sigma
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. was founded on January 9th, 1914 on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C by A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and Charles I. Brown. Our organization was founded on the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service. Our motto is Culture for Service and Service for Humanity. The Gamma Beta Gamma Chapter of our great organization was chartered on Emory's campus on April 20, 2013.
National Pan-Hellenic Council
NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities, functions, and service initiatives.
1915 Scholars Program
The 1915 Scholars program is designed to help you meet your academic, social, and professional development needs as a first-gen college student. The program connects you with a small, intentional “family” cluster to provide support as you build a solid foundation for success. This family cluster includes first-generation peers, graduate mentors, and alumni mentors. The family cluster also serves as a supportive network for you on and off the Emory campus.
AHANA
AHANA A Cappella was founded in 2003 by Will Corbin and Jasmine McGinnis and has been a well-known group on campus since. The acronym AHANA stands for Asian, Hispanic, African, and Native American, though we celebrate and are accepting of all races and ethnicities. Since its inception, AHANA A Cappella has performed at events on and off campus, including most recently the 2023 Taste of Africa at the Fox Theatre and Emory’s Baccalaureate Ceremony in the spring. AHANA's mission is to serve our community and spread love through music. We greatly appreciate your support!
Centro Latinx
The Centro Latinx is a cultural space that supports the intellectual and social development of the Emory community. Students who inhabit this space host programs focused in education, community building, and awareness regarding the Latinx community. Additionally, this space provides social and intellectual mobility to students by providing them with opportunities to explore various facets of their cultural identity and its intersections. The Centro Latinx also exists to provide solace from discrimination against or harassment of individuals or groups based upon their identities – and to empower students to engage more fully in the academic and social experiences that higher education offers.
Emory Quest Scholars Network (EQSN)
The chartered organization provides support to first-generation or disadvantaged socioeconomic background students by advancing their social, academic, and professional needs. Members include those who identify with their mission, as well as those who are accepted to Emory through the National QuestBridge Program.
Global Brigades
A service organization that aspires to empower and provide comprehensive medical and dental services to rural, underserved communities in Central and South America. They organize annual brigades and travel together in the summer.
Our student chapter is affiliated with the Global Brigades nonprofit organization.
Minority Pre-Med Society
MPS is an inclusive community that celebrates diversity by providing minority pre-med students with resources, mentors, and opportunities to engage in informational and volunteer opportunities. Students explore medicine and learn how to address the health needs of the surrounding minority community. Students will also be able network with medical students, medical school admission officers, physicians and other healthcare workers.
Uplifting Marginalized Mothers and Individuals
UMMI serves refugee mothers and incarcerated mothers, as well as other women in marginalized communities. They dedicate services and hold volunteer events for motherhood, maternity health, and pregnant women, specifically in the incarcerated and refugee communities. Through collaborations, they create events and volunteer opportunities in the fields of healthcare, education, and cultural competency.
Cheat codes
Need your hair done?
Check out: styleseat.com for Atlanta to find reliable braiders, loctitians, and stylists for your black hair needs. Using their location feature, you can find stylists in the Emory area reachable through the shuttle system or a short $10 uber ride.Or look at the list of stylists on our Black Businesses on Campus page!
Need to go to the Beauty Supply?
By riding the South Dekalb Emory Shuttle to the end, you can go to Chapel Beauty Mall, which supplies everything from braiding hair and black hair care products to lace fronts and wig caps. No need for an expensive Uber ride. Just download the Passio GO shuttle app to track the South Dekalb route.
Broadening Horizons
Did you know Emory Students are allowed to take classes at colleges within the AUC and have them count on their Emory transcript? Speak to an admissions counselor and your academic advisor to learn more!Must provide your own transportation.
Need a break?
Even though we are in Druid Hills, there is nothing stopping Emory Students from interacting with the Greater Atlanta Area!
Here are a few ways to get out of the Emory bubble:
FREE Emory Experience Shuttles: Usually happening at least twice a month, the Emory Experience shuttles give Emory Students access to other areas in Atlanta not directly accessible though the Emory Shuttle System such as the Lenox Mall, Ponce City Market, Piedmont Park, and more! Just keep track of your email and the Emory transportation department often sends out where the experience shuttles are heading each weekend.
FREE First Year Experience Events: Through their many partners throughout Atlanta, Emory has connections with the biggest attractions. This is to the benefit of Emory Students by being offered free admission to many things within Atlanta, such as: Atlanta Hawks Basketball Games with on-court experiences, Atlanta Falcons Football Games, the Georgia Aquarium, Main Event Entertainment Space, or even specialty holiday experiences such as the Netherworld Haunted House during Halloween or the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Christmas Light Show. Just check your email often enough to be notified when tickets are dropped, they go quite fast.
FREE Emory Shuttle Services: By using the Passio-GO app, you can track the wide 13 route system of the Emory shuttle service that can reach from Downtown Atlanta to Panthersville. All of which meet in Woodruff Circle, a 2 minute walk away from the Freshman Quad.
Club Collaborations or Events: The black organizations of Emory University frequently collaborate with other colleges in the Atlanta area such as Georgia Tech, Agnes Scott College, or those within the Atlanta University Center (Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, Spelman).
Take a quick Uber or Lyft out: Though not in the middle of Atlanta, Emory still has close access to attractions such as Ponce City Market, Little Five points, and Piedmont Park. Close range destinations ride fees during not-very-active times can be as low as $9.
The Emory Marta Program: For a quick trip on Emory's dime, Emory offers $5 MARTA cards for students willing to pick one up on the 3rd floor of white hall. These cards can be used for any of Martas buses or trains and cost $2.50 for a one way trip. The closest Marta stop for Emory students is at Woodruff circle, a 2 minute walk from the Freshman Quad.
Resources
Know of a resource you want us to highlight? Fill out this form!
The Miseducation Of Black Emory GroupMe
900 members strong and growing, the Miseducation of Black Emory GroupMe is the primary channel for all of Black Emory to stay up to date on upcoming events, share resources, and reach out to a large community of fellow black students when needed.
Join here!
Black Woman's Initiative: Freshman Living Community
Residing in Eagle Hall, the Black women initiative is a space Emory University established to assist incoming first-year Black college women in there academic and social transition. The living community can consist of a group of about 25-30 black freshman woman living in double or suite style dorms. Incoming freshman can sign up to live on BWI on their housing portal.
Have Questions? Ask the director for BWI: Dr. Chanel Craft Tanner -> [email protected]
OR
Just use the "Contact Us" link on this website and we can connect you to current students with past experiences with BWI
Black Men's Initiative: Freshaman Living Community
Residing in Hamilton Hall on the Freshman Quad, the Black Men's Initiative at Emory University was established to assist incoming first-year Black college men in their academic and social transition. The program is a joint initiative between the Office for Racial and Cultural Engagement and the Office of Residence Life, and it provides opportunities for first-year Black men to network, learn about campus resources, and build relationships with faculty, staff, and alumni. The living community can consist of a group of about 20-25 black freshman men living in double or suite style dorms. Incoming freshman can sign up to live on BMI through their housing portal.
Have Questions? Follow them on Instagram! -> @bmi.emory
OR
Just use the "Contact Us" link on this website and we can connect you to current students with past experiences with BMI
Free Emergency Housing / Textbook Scholarship based on need
If you don’t have safe housing during Winter and/or Summer break you can apply for free emergency housing. If approved, you will stay on Clairmont Campus and will be given free Dooley Dollars to cover meals during your stay. Same form can be used for textbook scholarship at the beginning of each semester.Link: here!
Gabby's Gotcha Beads
Sells accessories specifically waistbeads but hoping to expand to bracelets soon.
Founder: Gabby Ogundare
@ggotbeads
Me & The Bees
Me & The Bees is a natural, honey-sweetened lemonade product made with flaxseed. There are four flavors: Mint, Black Cherry, Prickly Pear, and Classic. The mission is to save bees through donating a percentage of profits made from lemonade sales to organizations protecting bees.
Founder: Mikaila Ulmer
@mikailasbees
Foreign Styles
Offers various hairstyles services including : knotless/traditional braids, Soft/invisible locs, twists, cornrows, men's twists & braids, and wigs
Founder: Chimdindu Ejidike
@foreignstyles._
Enigma Trading Cooperative
A t-shirt company focused on bringing diversity and inclusion to the outdoors through hiking, cycling and a genuine love of all things outdoorsy.
Founder: Chanel Jonas
@enigmatradingetc
Atlanta Breakfast Club
Try Atlanta Breakfast Club for breakfast and Southern food, including fried chicken and waffles, breakfast tacos, peach cobbler french toast, fried green tomato BLT biscuit, shrimp po boy and more. This restaurant is owned by Anthony Sanders and O. Osiris Ballard
249 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Toast on Lenox
Toast on Lenox serves food made with love!" We are a proudly Black-owned, woman-owned, community-bolstered restaurant, with a menu full of our delicious homemade recipes. Stop by our brunch restaurant today for the best breakfast in Atlanta, and so much more.
2770 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Contact Us!
Want to be featured in the black book?
Have a question about any of the information in it?
Reach out to us!
The Miseducation Of Black Emory GroupMe
900 members strong and growing, the Miseducation of Black Emory GroupMe is the primary channel for all of Black Emory to stay up to date on upcoming events, share resources, and reach out to a large community of fellow black students when needed.
Join here!