Dr. John Hope, appointed Chairman of the University Advisory Board, traveled often to Washington to advocate for housing for low income families. He also provided invaluable assistance and mentorship to Charles F. Palmer who was spearheading University Home's sister project, Techwood Homes for white families.

Dr. John Hope was one of the most influential African American educators in Atlanta's history and a pivotal leader for the Civil Rights movement. He was steadfast in his support of public education, adequate housing, health care, and job opportunities for African Americans in Atlanta. Hope was born of a biracial union on June 2, 1868 in Augusta, Georgia. His father, Scottish-born James Hope, and his mother, Mary Frances Butts a freed African-American woman born in Hancock County, lived openly as husband and wife although Georgia law prohibited interracial marriages. Hope attended Worchester Academy in Massachusetts and graduated in 1890. He continued his studies at Brown University. After graduating in 1894, Hope spent four years teaching science at Roger Williams University in Nashville, Tennessee, before accepting a position at Atlanta Baptist College (later Morehouse University). In 1897 Hope married Lugenia Burns whom he had met in Chicago. Burns dovetailed his pursuits, herself a highly educated social leader and community activist.

In 1906 Hope became the first black President of Morehouse University and then the President of Atlanta University in 1929 when Morehouse merged with it. His presidency at each institution signaled a shift from white-led to black-led institutions. Hope remained President of Atlanta University until his death in 1936. Throughout his career, Hope was steadfast in his support of public education, adequate housing, health care, and job opportunities for African-Americans.

Sources:

• John and Lugenia Hope Papers, 1888-1947. Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library.