Two illustrious Atlanta-based HBCUs have made a strategic business decision in light of homecoming season.

According to a press release shared with AFROTECH™, two of the nation’s top HBCUs, Morehouse College and Spelman College, secured the trademark for “Spelhouse.” The trademark marks a celebration of the institutions’ combined homecoming festivities, which is taking place Oct. 12–19, according to Capital B News – Atlanta.

“…The ‘SpelHouse’ community represents more than neighborhood geography; it stands for shared community, history, traditions, and a legacy between two of the nation’s top ranking and most renowned historically Black colleges and universities,” the press release reads. “By trademarking the term, the Colleges are claiming ownership of their names, images, and likeness, while protecting both brands from dilution and misuse by external entities.”

To commemorate the trademark, the HBCUs will launch a limited-edition capsule collection in partnership with Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and ProStandard.

Looking ahead, the institutions will also host a design competition that will serve as the artwork for the “SpelHouse” logo. Students, alumni, and employees are welcome to participate, and for submissions, participants should consider the “history of SpelHouse while helping to define its future visual identity.”

The announcement of the trademark follows another highlight for Morehouse College and Spelman College. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, these and other HBCUs in Atlanta will benefit from a $50 million commitment from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to support gap scholarships.

“This investment affirms that every Spelman scholar deserves access to a world-class education. It expands our ability to bridge financial gaps and support students through to graduation,” Spelman College Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer said in the news release.

Morehouse College President Dr. F. DuBois Bowman commented:

“This monumental investment will empower our students to remain focused on their academic studies and ensure that their talent, ambition, hard work, and integrity, not financial hardship, will determine their futures.”