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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This "New South" issue 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
"New South", June 1961
Date Created
1961-06
Creator
Southern Regional Council
Description
This "New South" issue 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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The essay "Reflection on the Latest Reform of the South" discusses the sit-in demonstrations of the civil rights movement in the American South. The author explores various aspects of the movement, including its nature as a social movement, its principles of non-violence and desegregation, its origins in the Piedmont region, the role of educated Negroes, and the challenges of racial equality. The author highlights the significance of the movement's focus on lunch counter desegregation, the impact on Southern cities, and the emergence of new leaders. They also address potential challenges, such as organizational rivalry, and consider the broader implications of the movement for racial reform in the South and beyond. The essay underscores the importance of understanding the movement within the context of changing Southern dynamics and the complex problem of racial assimilation. It concludes by emphasizing the transformative role of the civil rights struggle amid a period of societal marking time, awaiting new meaningful causes. 5 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Reflection on the Latest Reform of the South" from Phylon, vol. XXII, 1961
Date Created
1961
Author
Dunbar, Leslie W.
Description
The essay "Reflection on the Latest Reform of the South" discusses the sit-in demonstrations of the civil rights movement in the American South. The author explores various aspects of the movement, including its nature as a social movement, its principles of non-violence and desegregation, its origins in the Piedmont region, the role of educated Negroes, and the challenges of racial equality. The author highlights the significance of the movement's focus on lunch counter desegregation, the impact on Southern cities, and the emergence of new leaders. They also address potential challenges, such as organizational rivalry, and consider the broader implications of the movement for racial reform in the South and beyond. The essay underscores the importance of understanding the movement within the context of changing Southern dynamics and the complex problem of racial assimilation. It concludes by emphasizing the transformative role of the civil rights struggle amid a period of societal marking time, awaiting new meaningful causes. 5 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"The Informer" no.1, Published by AUC Student Committee, April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Creator
Atlanta University Student Committee
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This document provides a detailed chronological overview of key events and actions taken by the Atlanta Student Movement from 1960 to 1963. It outlines the progression of the movement, its strategies, challenges, and pivotal moments during the fight against racial segregation in public accommodations, particularly lunch counters. 8 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Time-Table for the Atlanta Student Movement from 1960-1963" draft, November 19, 2005
Date Created
2005-11-19
Author
King, Lonnie C., 1936-
Description
This document provides a detailed chronological overview of key events and actions taken by the Atlanta Student Movement from 1960 to 1963. It outlines the progression of the movement, its strategies, challenges, and pivotal moments during the fight against racial segregation in public accommodations, particularly lunch counters. 8 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
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
"New South", September 1960
Date Created
1960-09
Creator
Southern Regional Council
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This appeal is a collective statement from students representing six affiliated institutions forming the Atlanta University Center, including Clark College, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, Spelman College, Atlanta University, and the Interdenominational Theological Center. These students came together to demand the rights that inherently belong to them as human beings and citizens of the United States. The appeal expresses unwavering support for the broader movement to obtain long-awaited rights and privileges for African Americans. It highlights the dissatisfaction with existing racial conditions and the slow pace of change. The appeal emphasizes the universal desire for dignity and equal treatment, underscoring the meaning behind the nationwide sit-in protests. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"An Appeal for Human Rights", March 9, 1960
Date Created
1960-03-09
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
This appeal is a collective statement from students representing six affiliated institutions forming the Atlanta University Center, including Clark College, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, Spelman College, Atlanta University, and the Interdenominational Theological Center. These students came together to demand the rights that inherently belong to them as human beings and citizens of the United States. The appeal expresses unwavering support for the broader movement to obtain long-awaited rights and privileges for African Americans. It highlights the dissatisfaction with existing racial conditions and the slow pace of change. The appeal emphasizes the universal desire for dignity and equal treatment, underscoring the meaning behind the nationwide sit-in protests. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A series of collected newspaper clippings pertaining to the Civil Rights Movement and the Atlanta Student Movement from the Atlanta Inquirer, an African American publication. 24 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The Atlanta Inquirer, 1960, 1961
Date Created
1960/1961
Creator
The Atlanta Inquirer
Description
A series of collected newspaper clippings pertaining to the Civil Rights Movement and the Atlanta Student Movement from the Atlanta Inquirer, an African American publication. 24 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements, African American newspapers
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The first issue of the publication "Nitty Gritty", published in Atlanta, contains various articles discussing the paper's purpose, the conditions and challenges African American citizens face in Atlanta, and the need for political change. The paper aims to address the real issues affecting people in the "Nitty Gritty" areas of the city. It criticizes the city's politicians and government for not adequately addressing the needs of its citizens, particularly in terms of housing, education, and representation. The publication also highlights efforts by activists to address issues of slum housing, evictions, and poverty in Atlanta's marginalized communities. The paper calls for organized action and change to address the systemic inequalities faced by Black people in the city. 4 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The Nitty Gritty vol. I no.1, February 23, 1966
Date Created
1966-02-23
Creator
The Nitty Gritty
Description
The first issue of the publication "Nitty Gritty", published in Atlanta, contains various articles discussing the paper's purpose, the conditions and challenges African American citizens face in Atlanta, and the need for political change. The paper aims to address the real issues affecting people in the "Nitty Gritty" areas of the city. It criticizes the city's politicians and government for not adequately addressing the needs of its citizens, particularly in terms of housing, education, and representation. The publication also highlights efforts by activists to address issues of slum housing, evictions, and poverty in Atlanta's marginalized communities. The paper calls for organized action and change to address the systemic inequalities faced by Black people in the city. 4 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Social conditions, African Americans--Housing
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A collection of newspaper clipping about Civil Rights Protest: Negroes 'Sit In' Here At 10 Eating Places, 1960; Rev. King Is Arrested Here in Montgomery Periury; Pastor Brinson with Dr. MLK and Rev A.D King, 1960; Hope and Archer Memorialized, February 1960; Albert Brinson Intern At Ebenezer, March 15, 1960; Negroes Demonstrate The Atlanta Journal, 1960. 6 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Albert Brinson, 1960
Date Created
1960
Description
A collection of newspaper clipping about Civil Rights Protest: Negroes 'Sit In' Here At 10 Eating Places, 1960; Rev. King Is Arrested Here in Montgomery Periury; Pastor Brinson with Dr. MLK and Rev A.D King, 1960; Hope and Archer Memorialized, February 1960; Albert Brinson Intern At Ebenezer, March 15, 1960; Negroes Demonstrate The Atlanta Journal, 1960. 6 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
In "Broken by Love", Robert E. Jones Felder explores the maturing determination of the African-American community for freedom, tracing the evolution from passive acceptance to active engagement through the contrasting lenses of Christianity and the emerging Black Muslim movement, emphasizing the importance of love and nonviolence in dismantling deeply rooted traditions of segregation and discrimination. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Broken by Love", January 15, 1962
Date Created
1962-01-15
Author
Felder, Robert E. Jones
Description
In "Broken by Love", Robert E. Jones Felder explores the maturing determination of the African-American community for freedom, tracing the evolution from passive acceptance to active engagement through the contrasting lenses of Christianity and the emerging Black Muslim movement, emphasizing the importance of love and nonviolence in dismantling deeply rooted traditions of segregation and discrimination. 2 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African Americans--Religion, African American Muslims
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
These articles are interconnected through their focus on the civil rights movement and the efforts of young activists in the 1960s to achieve equal rights and social justice. The articles highlight different aspects of the movement, including the "sit-in" protests, the challenges faced by students advocating for integration and equal rights, and the legal implications of their actions. 3 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
News Clippings, circa 1960
Date Created
1960/1963
Description
These articles are interconnected through their focus on the civil rights movement and the efforts of young activists in the 1960s to achieve equal rights and social justice. The articles highlight different aspects of the movement, including the "sit-in" protests, the challenges faced by students advocating for integration and equal rights, and the legal implications of their actions. 3 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
These are three political cartoons by Maurice Pennington about segregation and the civil rights protest. The first picture, "Needs A Size 45.1 percent", depicts an Atlanta Black student with a sign attached to his leg saying, " 'Suit' of Inadequate School Facilities". The second picture, "Fire Fighter?", shows a fireman with a label saying, "Some of Us", trying to out a house fire with gasoline. The gas pump is saying, "Gasoline. Pump of 'Still Buying' ", while simultaneously two students (one woman and one man) are putting out the fire with water and attached to them is a sign saying, "Students". Lastly, the third picture, "It's All Right to Seat Them. They're Not Americans", illustrates a hostess uncertain about seating two patrons of color and her manager explaining it's all right to seat them. 3 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Maurice Pennington Political Cartoons, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Author
Pennington, Maurice
Creator
The Atlanta Inquirer
Description
These are three political cartoons by Maurice Pennington about segregation and the civil rights protest. The first picture, "Needs A Size 45.1 percent", depicts an Atlanta Black student with a sign attached to his leg saying, " 'Suit' of Inadequate School Facilities". The second picture, "Fire Fighter?", shows a fireman with a label saying, "Some of Us", trying to out a house fire with gasoline. The gas pump is saying, "Gasoline. Pump of 'Still Buying' ", while simultaneously two students (one woman and one man) are putting out the fire with water and attached to them is a sign saying, "Students". Lastly, the third picture, "It's All Right to Seat Them. They're Not Americans", illustrates a hostess uncertain about seating two patrons of color and her manager explaining it's all right to seat them. 3 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements, Political cartoons
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Biography of Marian Wright Edelman, who participated in sit-ins in Atlanta. Atty. Edelman, a pioneering civil rights lawyer, founded the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and played a key role in advocating for the rights and needs of marginalized children, further underscored by her leadership in related initiatives and organizations. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Marian Wright Edelman Biography, 1981
Date Created
1981
Description
Biography of Marian Wright Edelman, who participated in sit-ins in Atlanta. Atty. Edelman, a pioneering civil rights lawyer, founded the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and played a key role in advocating for the rights and needs of marginalized children, further underscored by her leadership in related initiatives and organizations. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The correspondence was addressed to the Transfer Board of Local Board No. 5 of the Selective Service System in New York. Parham reports his compliance with their directive to appear for an examination which concluded on May 24, 1962. He acknowledges omitting information that he was recently arrested on April 21, 1962, for trespassing in Charles County, Maryland, and is currently released on bail. The letter is a belated notification of his legal situation. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence to Local Board from Johnny E. Parham , May 24, 1962
Date Created
1962-05-24
Author
Parham, Johnny
Description
The correspondence was addressed to the Transfer Board of Local Board No. 5 of the Selective Service System in New York. Parham reports his compliance with their directive to appear for an examination which concluded on May 24, 1962. He acknowledges omitting information that he was recently arrested on April 21, 1962, for trespassing in Charles County, Maryland, and is currently released on bail. The letter is a belated notification of his legal situation. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American pioneers, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Johnny Parham on March 31st, 2000, by the Atlanta City Council. The certificate was rewarded to Johnny Parham in honor of the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of "An Appeal for Human Rights" and the Atlanta Student Movement. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Johnny Parham's Certificate of Appreciation, March 31,2000
Date Created
2000-03-31
Description
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Johnny Parham on March 31st, 2000, by the Atlanta City Council. The certificate was rewarded to Johnny Parham in honor of the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of "An Appeal for Human Rights" and the Atlanta Student Movement. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American pioneers, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A series of collected newspaper clippings about the Civil Rights Movement. 211 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
News Clippings, circa 1960
Date Created
1960/1963
Creator
The Student Voices, Brown Daily Herald, The Atlanta Inquirer, The Spelman Spotlight
Description
A series of collected newspaper clippings about the Civil Rights Movement. 211 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Press Release Regarding May 17 Demonstration and Table Tent, May 17, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-17
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African Americans--Segregation
Collection
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Allegheny County Council on Civil Rights Dinner, May 16, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-16
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
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
"Support Southern Students", April 8, 1960
Date Created
1960-04-08
Creator
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This is a handwritten letter to the Atlanta Inquirer from Johnny Parham. The letter is about a proposed agreement about ceasing the non-violent protest to desegregate schools. Parham describes his apprehensive sentiments about the agreement and its integrity. He is concerned that the movement would be in vain if the agreement was signed. The agreement is a compromise invalidating African Americans' legal entitlement to equal rights. Parham mentions the student movement, and African Americans have moved passed compromises but are in a stage of demanding their equal rights. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence to the Atlanta Inquirer from Johnny Parham, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Author
Parham, Johnny
Description
This is a handwritten letter to the Atlanta Inquirer from Johnny Parham. The letter is about a proposed agreement about ceasing the non-violent protest to desegregate schools. Parham describes his apprehensive sentiments about the agreement and its integrity. He is concerned that the movement would be in vain if the agreement was signed. The agreement is a compromise invalidating African Americans' legal entitlement to equal rights. Parham mentions the student movement, and African Americans have moved passed compromises but are in a stage of demanding their equal rights. 2 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American pioneers, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection