Chloé Grinnell
Dorms serve as a student’s home away from home through the duration of their college matriculation. Dorms are where memories are generated, friendships facilitated and serve as a haven. Dorothy Shepard Manley Hall, built in 1964, and Howard-Harreld Hall (HH), built in 1969 are two historical dorms at Spelman College that hold significant memories and experiences for not only current students but for many alumni.
As a result of the potential eradication of these dorms, it is incumbent to collect and preserve the memories created in these dorms throughout the golden years. Residents of these halls can testify that within the walls of these dorms, they have found some of their forever friends, shared many laughs and debriefs and created a forum in which they feel a true connection and peace in their home away from home. Many students relished their respective residential experiences and were eager to relive and share the stories that shaped their journey.
“People always say that it is the liveliest dorm, and I think that is so true. My friends and I always leave our doors open because we love when people pop in and say hello,” freshman chemistry major Riley Cook said.
Through the eyes of Spelman sisters past and present, the essence of dorm life and sharing a collection of moments that continue to bring smiles long after graduation must be captured.
“Summer Walker’s last album came out and the day it dropped, everyone on my floor was playing it, you heard every song from the hall and to me it was super heartwarming because where else would you have that. It really made me appreciate Spelman and the sisterhood,” senior sociology major Zoe Purdy said.
These core memories stick with students and contribute to their overall Spelman experience.The vintage furniture initially appears outdated but, once skipping and singing in the halls, snuggling in the beds and studying at desks engraved with initials from women from decades ago, students realize that these very hallways, windowsills, closets and desks hold pieces of history and DNA from their predecessors.
“My room was the hangout room, and everyone would come, and we would have dance parties,” sophomore English major Kennedy Carter said. “My favorite parts were the gatherings that would happen, and the sisterhood that would occur from having movie nights and my Morehouse brother coming and building community within the room”.
Sisterhood is an important factor that many students strive to obtain to help build connections within the dorms and within the Spelman community. Students may never meet the people that previously resided in their dorm room, but knowing that an illustrious woman once made those same four walls her home, and connected with her roommate in similar ways, is comforting.
“It was the day our parents left, and we were both secretly a wreck and missed our parents but didn’t tell each other,” freshman economics major Tatum Francois said. “As we were lying in bed, we both started finding common ground, talking about our interests, pet peeves, and quirks we didn’t know about each other. This bonding moment is when I knew we would get along well, and I had picked the perfect roommate and met my best friend.”
Attending Spelman and living with other highly educated Black women is truly a gift that holds a special place in numerous students’ hearts.
“My best friend to date lived right across the hall from me. We met freshman week and have never had an argument. You will meet some of your best friends for life during your Spelman years. Cherish your time there and take advantage of all opportunities,” alumna Tracey Minter ‘91 said.
Alumni revisit the memories that countless students hold dear. These women celebrate the laughter, lessons and friendships that defined their first year at Spelman College.
“Staying up all night trying to play Prince records backwards because we heard there was a message built into each of his songs. We were weirded out so none of us could go to sleep. BTW, we didn’t hear a message,” Natalie Plumlee ‘88 and her Manley sisters via group chat said.
Moments such as dancing, listening to music, watching television together and grabbing a roommate to walk to the dining hall have made a substantial impact on these women’s lives.
“My roommate, Kim Ward, was the absolute best dancer. We would stay up all night listening to our jams and learning the latest dances. One of my fondest memories is of Kim teaching us how to do the dance called the ‘Fluke’,” alumna Sydney Stinson Ferguson ‘88 said.
Numerous women have shed tears when thinking of what will be lost as a result of the demolition of these buildings. Although the dorms will be missed, the laughter, tears and adventures that took place in these rooms will never be replaced nor forgotten.