The Atlanta University Center (AUC) holds significant importance in Black history as it is the largest and oldest consortium of historically Black colleges and universities in the United States. Established in 1929, the AUC initially consisted of four member institutions: Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and the Interdenominational Theological Center.

The AUC has played a crucial role in providing higher education opportunities to African American students, particularly during the era of segregation when Black individuals were systematically denied access to higher education at predominantly White institutions. The member institutions of the AUC have produced numerous prominent Black leaders, scholars, and activists who have made significant contributions to various fields, including civil rights, education, politics, and the arts.

Notable alumni of the Atlanta University Center include Civil Rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Morehouse College), author and activist Alice Walker (Spelman College), and historian and educator John Hope Franklin (Clark Atlanta University).

Today, the AUC continues to be a hub of academic excellence, social activism, and cultural enrichment for the Black community. The consortium's member institutions remain dedicated to fostering the intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth of their students and preparing them to become leaders and change-makers in their communities and beyond.