This collection documents the Atlanta Student Movement during the Civil Rights Era. It highlights student activism in the Atlanta University Consortium (AUC); Clark College, Morris Brown, Morehouse College, Atlanta University, and Spelman College. The collection includes newspaper and journal articles, flyers, reports, photographs, and correspondence by and about students from the AUC schools. Of note are copies of An Appeal for Human Rights written by student leaders, which set forth the student's grievances, rights, and aspirations as well as their dissatisfaction with the status quo conditions of segregation and discrimination and the slow pace at which inherent human and civil rights were being meted out to African Americans. The Appeal was published as a full-page ad in the March 9, 1960 editions of the Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta Journal, and Atlanta Daily World. It was subsequently published in the New York Times, providing national awareness of student activism in the civil rights struggle in Atlanta. The issuance of the Appeal was followed by sit-ins and pickets at specifically targeted businesses, government and transportation facilities in Atlanta and Fulton County, Georgia, and kneel-ins at churches. The participants in the Atlanta student movement organized commemorative reunions, 1990 and 2000 to re-examine the civil rights movement and discuss current efforts and projections for the future. Programs, minutes, correspondence, and news articles from the reunions are included in the collection. 

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
Aug 24, 2023

Atlanta Student Movement Collection

This collection documents the Atlanta Student Movement during the Civil Rights Era. It highlights student activism in the Atlanta University Consortium (AUC); Clark College, Morris Brown, Morehouse College, Atlanta University, and Spelman College. The collection includes newspaper and journal articles, flyers, reports, photographs, and correspondence by and about students from the AUC schools. Of note are copies of An Appeal for Human Rights written by student leaders, which set forth the student's grievances, rights, and aspirations as well as their dissatisfaction with the status quo conditions of segregation and discrimination and the slow pace at which inherent human and civil rights were being meted out to African Americans. The Appeal was published as a full-page ad in the March 9, 1960 editions of the Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta Journal, and Atlanta Daily World. It was subsequently published in the New York Times, providing national awareness of student activism in the civil rights struggle in Atlanta. The issuance of the Appeal was followed by sit-ins and pickets at specifically targeted businesses, government and transportation facilities in Atlanta and Fulton County, Georgia, and kneel-ins at churches. The participants in the Atlanta student movement organized commemorative reunions, 1990 and 2000 to re-examine the civil rights movement and discuss current efforts and projections for the future. Programs, minutes, correspondence, and news articles from the reunions are included in the collection.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.

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  • Document Type = text
Atlanta Inquirer main article "Jail, No Bail Group in Jail, Cheerful, Confident", on Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., student leader Lonnie King, and fellow sit-in group members, confident in their cause, faced their arrest for violating trespass laws during a sit-in protest in Atlanta. After spending a night in Fulton County Jail, their spirit remained steadfast despite minor discomforts. The article reflects on the determination of the protesters and the prison conditions they endured, highlighting their commitment to challenging societal restrictions on human freedom and dignity. Other excerpts touch on topics such as civil rights, segregation, discrimination, education, and social issues prevalent during the 1960s. The newspaper highlights the struggles and challenges faced by African Americans in the segregated South and the efforts of civil rights activists and students to bring about change through nonviolent protest and activism. The excerpts also reflect on the role of education and the importance of breaking out of societal constraints and discriminatory practices. 4 pages.
This issue of "New South" delves into the ongoing student sit-in movement that began over a year ago in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has shown little sign of fading. The movement has evolved to include what is now known as the "Freedom Rides," which recently reached a climax with the Alabama riots. The magazine provides a brief overview of the movement's origins and its current forms of protest. 9 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Several students from the Atlanta University Center participated in a "Kneel-in" movement to challenge racial segregation in churches. Reflecting on their experiences, they emphasized the disparity between the teachings of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man and the reality of segregation within churches. Despite being denied admission to certain churches, they expressed their determination to promote integration through worship and spiritual education. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This press release highlights that despite intense pressures, the Atlanta student community remained steadfast in their peaceful march marking the anniversary of a significant Supreme Court decision, underscoring the conviction that nonviolent protest is aligned with African tradition and emphasizing the unity of both African American and white citizens against segregation, as shown by their heartening responses. The call for justice and equality is reinforced by the city's leaders and authorities who responded thoughtfully to the events. Included is a table tent advertising and assembly on student sit-in strikes with speakers John Mack and John Parham. 3 pages.
A placard for the All Tech Assembly on student sit-in strikes with speakers John mack and John Parham. 1 Page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This event program outlines the details of the Annual Meeting Dinner of the Allegheny County Council on Civil Rights. The event took place on Monday, May 16, 1960, at 6:30 P.M. in Rockwell Hall at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3 pages.
This document contains a letter addressed to Mr. Albert Paul Brinson from Curtis B. Gans, the National Affairs Vice President of the United States National Student Association. The letter expresses gratitude for Mr. Brinson's participation in the National Student Conference on the Sit-In Movement, held in Washington. Gans commends Brinson's courage and leadership in the civil rights movement, highlighting that his contribution inspires others. The letter emphasizes the importance of building a nation where all individuals can experience freedom. It concludes with appreciation for Brinson's efforts and encourages him to continue the fight for positive change. 1 page.
The "Immorality of Racial Segregation" document are reports, workshops, and essays from the Leadership Conference and Workshops sponsored by Greater Atlanta Council On Human Relations and Georgia Council On Human Relations from April 28th, 1960. The document's essays and reports are composed into packed. Each piece and report pertain to the racial issues and the impact of segregation in Georgia or the United States: social, psychological, religious, education, ethics, and morality. 20 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Dated April 12, 1960, this letter is addressed to Mr. James Felder, President of the Student Government Association at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. The letter is from Hugh Saussey, Jr., a native Georgian and Priest in the Episcopal Church. Saussey commends Felder for his article titled "An Appeal For Human Rights", published in March 1960, as well as for the peaceful demonstrations at public lunch counters. He expresses sadness about the role of churches in segregation and discrimination, stressing that these practices contradict the teachings of Christ and the true essence of the Church. 2 pages.
A letter dated April 12, 1960, from Peter G. Bourne, a member of Emory University's Division of Basic Health Sciences Department of Anatomy, addressed to Mr. Albert Brinson, Chairman of the Appeal for Human Rights Committee on Communications at Atlanta University. In the letter, Bourne mentions forwarding a copy of the "appeal" and related information to the National Council of Civil Liberties in Great Britain, an organization known for staging a successful boycott of South African products to protest racial inequality. Bourne also includes a $5.00 check to support those individuals risking their liberty to advocate for racial equality in the South. The document highlights international support and solidarity for the civil rights movement in the United States during that period. 1 page.
This letter is a heartfelt and supportive message addressed to recipients recently issuing a declaration of purpose. The author, Henry H. Crane, commends the recipients for their forthright, courageous, and timely declaration. He notes the wisdom of their decision to resist injustice without resorting to violence or revenge, drawing parallels to the approach of Christ, who overcame hate with love, symbolized by the Cross. 3 pages.
In this letter, Ward mentions his involvement with the Syracuse University chapter of Students for Democratic Action and their interest in writing letters to African American students participating in lunch counter demonstrations in the South. He congratulates the students at the Atlanta schools for sending a recent declaration of principles to Mayor Hartsfield, showing their discontent with the status quo. Ward also shares his academic challenges and encloses a letter to the student association president, requesting Dean Brazeal to forward it to him. He expresses hope to hear from Morehouse students soon. 1 page.
This document is a publication from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) titled "Support Southern Students", It discusses student actions and demonstrations against racial segregation and discrimination in the Southern United States. The publication calls for nonviolent resistance, urging students to participate in protests, demonstrations, and other forms of activism. It emphasizes the importance of solidarity and cooperation between students, religious groups, and civic organizations to achieve racial equality. The document also provides information about various student-led actions, including sit-ins and picketing of businesses that practiced segregation. It encourages support for students expelled or arrested for their involvement in the civil rights movement and highlights efforts to raise funds for their assistance. The publication emphasizes the significance of these actions in bringing attention to the civil rights struggle and promoting change in discriminatory practices. 8 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Two letters from Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, former president of Morehouse College. Both letters are to Albert Brinson at Atlanta University. The first letter is dated April 8th, 1960, about Dr. May's continuing to work to become a "Negro American" instead of an "American Negroes." The second letter, April 20th, 1960, was sent to Albert Brinson on Tanner Street. The letter discusses one of the Morehouse trustees, Dorothy Compton, meeting with the students who participated in the sit-down protest. Dr. Mays asks Brinson, with six other people, to meet with Compton in the Henderson Lounge in the Chemistry Building on Friday at 3:00 pm. 2 pages.
Published by the Atlanta University Student Committee in April 1960, this newsletter represents the inaugural edition of an informative organ. The bulletin is initiated by the Central Student Committee of the Atlanta University Center, aiming to inform students about actions taken and future plans to secure human dignity. Notably, the bulletin discusses including the "Appeal For Human Rights" in Congressional historical records, with Senator Jacob Javis confirming its serious consideration in the Senate. 1 page.
This document outlines the involvement of the United States National Student Association (USNSA) in the sit-in movement during the Civil Rights era. Established in 1947, USNSA represents over 375 colleges and universities across the United States through democratically elected student governing bodies, making it the largest National Union of Students globally. 68 pages.
This document pertains to the National Student Conference on the Sit-In Movement, providing a comprehensive event overview. The document encompasses crucial elements such as the conference agenda for April 22nd, conference rules, the layout of the main floor at All Souls Unitarian Church, general information, rule amendments, resolutions derived from the conference discussions, and transcripts of impactful speeches. Noteworthy speeches featured in the document include "Law and Order Must Be Maintained", delivered by Mahendra Widjesinghe, an address by James Alrut, President of the Methodist Student Movement, a compelling speech by Mr. Allard Lowenstein, President of USNSA, on April 22nd, 1960, a poignant contribution by Bernard Lee, Former Student Body President of Alabama State, an inspiring talk by Al Rozier from North Carolina A&T, a thought-provoking perspective from Sam Bowles of Yale University, an address by Curtis Gans, Vice President of National Affairs at USNSA, and a significant speech by Rev. Wyatt Walker. 24 pages.
The document outlines the schedule and details for the "Youth Leadership Conference on Nonviolent Resistance" held at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, from April 15 to 17, 1960. The conference aimed to evaluate the progress and implications of the student sit-in movement for civil rights. The schedule includes various sessions and discussions focusing on the potential of mass demonstrations, the strategic use of sit-ins, the role of picketing and economic pressure, the legal approach to activism, and the philosophy and techniques of nonviolence. The conference incorporates committees such as the Steering Committee, Reporting Committee, Committee on Findings and Recommendations, Press Committee, and Devotions Committee. Participants are encouraged to engage in discussions, contribute to committee work, and provide insights for furthering the movement. The document details arrivals and emphasizes timely attendance, particularly for the press conference and opening meeting. 2 pages.
Johnny E. Parham Jr.'s card for the National Student Conference on Sit-In Movement in Washington D.C. from April 22nd to the 23rd. 1 page.
This letter expresses gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Benjamin Mays, President of Morehouse College, for his cooperative assistance in their struggle for equal rights. The committee acknowledges the crucial support provided by Morehouse College's administration and emphasizes their shared goal of eliminating discriminatory practices based on race. The committee members listed are Albert Brinson (Chairman), Norma Wilson (Secretary), Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker.