Memphis HBCU’s roots date back to Civil War

Memphis is home to LeMoyne-Owen College, one of Tennessee’s five historically black colleges and universities. The college’s history dates back to the Civil War.

In 1862, the American Missionary Association opened an elementary school for free African-Americans and runaway slaves at Camp Shiloh, which would eventually become LOC. A year later, the school moved to Memphis, where it burned down in race riots.

After rebuilding and name changes, LeMoyne opened as a junior college in 1924. A merger with Owen College in 1968 created the LOC we know today, a four-year institution with more than 700 students.

– Amelia Ables, KQ Communications