Latta University was founded by Rev. Morgan London Latta in 1892 in the Oberlin Village area of Raleigh, North Carolina. Latta was born enslaved on a Mordecai/Cameron plantation in Durham, yet persevered to support his twelve brothers and sisters and attend Shaw University. Latta University at its height was home to 26 buildings and hundreds of students, including orphaned children of formerly enslaved people. The university operated for thirty years.

Latta recounts the founding of the university in his memoir “The History of My Life and Work”; also documenting his life in slavery and the many challenges that followed. The book, available to view online, also features several photos of Latta, his family and students, and the university.

An original copy of the book and several Latta University artifacts excavated from the site was on display as part of the exhibit “Latta’s Living Legacy”  2014- 2016 at the City of Raleigh Museum (COR) at 220 Fayetteville Street.