CALNS to Highlight AAMU’s 1890 Land-Grant Legacy Sept. 16–19

As Alabama A&M University continues its yearlong celebration of 150 years of service, it is also honoring another historic milestone – the 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890. President Benjamin Harrison signed the act into law on August 30, 1890, creating the framework that designated 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including AAMU, as 1890 Land-grant Universities.

The College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS) will mark the occasion with Ag Week, September 15–19. The weeklong celebration will showcase scholarship, innovation, and community engagement while reaffirming AAMU’s mission as an 1890 institution to expand access to education, research, and Extension for underserved communities.

Sponsored by Senator Justin Morrill of Vermont, the Second Morrill Act provided federal funding for Black students to study agriculture, the mechanical arts, and related disciplines at institutions established to ensure access to higher education. While the Morrill Act of 1862 created the nation’s first Land-grant Universities, it excluded many African Americans. The 1890 legislation required states to either admit Black students to existing institutions or establish separate Land-grant Institutions for them, laying the foundation for Alabama A&M’s enduring legacy of service.

Ag Week 2025 Events at Alabama A&M University

Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Shuford, Floyd, and Caples Motivational Lecture
Honoring CALNS trailblazers with a focus on leadership, innovation, and service in agriculture and life sciences. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dionne Toombs, Deputy Administrator, USDA Agricultural Research Service. 9:30 a.m., Dawson Auditorium

Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Student Research Presentations
Undergraduate and graduate scholars present research on sustainable agriculture, food safety, environmental stewardship, biotechnology, and more. 9:00 a.m., Dawson Auditorium

Thursday, Sept. 18 – 135th Anniversary Celebration of the Second Morrill Act
Walk/run begins at Louis Crews Stadium at 10 a.m., ending on the Quad with a celebration featuring remarks from university leadership, ROTC Color Guard, band and cheer team, exhibits, demonstrations, food, and giveaways

Friday, Sept. 19 – Fun Day at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station (WTARS)
Showcase of research and Extension in action, including field demonstrations, tours, and interactive exhibits. Begins at 9:30 a.m. at WTARS in Hazel Green. Transportation will be provided for students at the Dawson Building

Through Ag Week, Alabama A&M will not only celebrate its proud heritage but also shine a spotlight on the research, teaching, and outreach that continue to strengthen communities across Alabama and beyond.