The Journalism and Sports Program at Morehouse College is one of the few journalism programs in the nation that emphasizes sports reporting. The program is uniquely designed to give students a critical look at the wide range of issues related to journalism and athletics through classroom instruction and exposure to award-winning reporters, authors, coaches and athletes. These experts will share their knowledge and discuss the challenges they have overcome in the newsroom and press box, or on the playing field.

In January 2007, the Journalism and Sports Program launched with its first course offerings. The program, initiated with seed money donated by alumnus and award-winning director Shelton “Spike” Lee ’79, provides students with a solid academic foundation in print journalism. It includes a multidisciplinary emphasis on political, sociological, economic and philosophical issues in general, and a one-of-a-kind “think tank” approach to sports. Through a series of lectures and conferences—such as the “Forum on the Black Athlete” held in May 2007 that featured some of the biggest names in sports, and the panel discussion “Power and Influence from the Sidelines: Is Sports Journalism for You?” in September 2009—students will participate in discussions about the under representation of African Americans in sports media as compared to those on the field and court.

The program is currently housed as a concentration (15 credit hours) within the English department, and will expand into a minor (five to seven journalism-related courses).