1. Historical Backdrop 2. Mythical Phoenix and the Ashes It Spreads 3. John Hope: Hallmark of the Truest Greatness 4. Layers of Complexity 5. Creating the Atlanta University System 6. Germinating a Black Intelligentsia 7. Conclusion Appendix 1: Other Strategic Locations for Cooperation Appendix 2: Letter: John Hope to Edwin Embree (Hope's Six-Year Plan) Appendix 3: Notable Atlanta University System/Center Alumnus(ae)