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.

This letter from the Committee on Communications at Atlanta University in Georgia appeals for moral and financial support for their cause of human rights. The letter describes the publication of their policy statement, "The Appeal For Human Rights," and the initiation of a "request for service" in Atlanta. As a result, 76 students were arrested and are awaiting trial, prompting the establishment of a defense fund to support these students in their legal battle. The letter urges recipients to send their communications and contributions to the Appeal For Human Rights and the Student Defense Fund at Atlanta University. The committee sincerely appreciates any sentiments offered to support their efforts. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This document is a civil action complaint filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of the State of Georgia, Atlanta Division. The plaintiffs, members of the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights, including Benjamin M. Brown, Miss Herschelle S. Sullivan, Charles F. Lyles, and Lonnie C. King Jr.., are taking legal action against the City of Atlanta, Georgia, and other individuals involved in the city's management. The plaintiffs allege that under color of law, the defendants have engaged in racial segregation and discrimination in public facilities owned, operated, maintained, or subsidized by the City of Atlanta. The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to abolish racial segregation and discrimination in various public facilities, including parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and other buildings. 8 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A group of COAHR students in a living room.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The document is the constitution and articles of incorporation of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights, Incorporated. It outlines the purpose, membership, officers, executive committee, meetings, and the process for amending the organization's by-laws. The committee's purpose is to promote human and civil rights globally. Membership is open to individuals who actively participated in the civil rights movement in Atlanta, GA, between 1960 and 1965 and others who have shown an interest in promoting human and civil rights. The organization's officers include a chairperson, president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. An executive committee, comprising all officers and at least three other members in good standing, can conduct business between meetings. The constitution provides meeting guidelines and how amendments to the by-laws can be made. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Letter referencing how the arrested students have been released on bond and awaiting trial, prompting the establishment of a defense fund to support them in their legal battle. The letter sincerely pleads for moral and financial support, providing contact information for communications and contributions. The Committee members listed are Albert Brinson (Chairman), Norma Wilson (Secretary), Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This letter announces the initiation of a selective buying campaign against the A & P (Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company) grocery store chain to express discontent against segregation and discriminatory hiring practices. The committee seeks support for their cause and aims to spread the campaign nationwide to end discriminatory practices globally. The committee members listed are Albert P. Brinson (Chairman), Norma Wilson (Secretary), Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A note mentioning an enclosed statement. The committee requests serious consideration and support for their plea for human rights and invites the recipient to provide their comments. The committee members are Albert Brinson, Norma Wilson, Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence from COAHR to a "friend" and an NAACP member mentioning the need for funds to support the defense fund for the 76 jailed students. 2 pages.
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.
These letters express deep gratitude for the sentiments received from the recipient and emphasize that securing full human rights for all requires decisive thought and action from individuals like them. They inform the recipient about establishing a defense fund for the 76 students arrested in Atlanta, and any contributions to support them should be directed to "The Student Defense Fund" at the given address. The Committee expresses sincere appreciation for all communications and encourages continued correspondence. The listed members of the Committee are Albert Brinson (Chairman), Norma Wilson (Secretary), Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The "Appeal For Human Rights" is a letter from the "Committee on Communications" based at Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. The letter is addressed to the Ebenezer Baptist Church, care of Dr. M. L. King Jr.., expressing deep gratitude and sincere appreciation for the financial and moral assistance provided in their struggle for equal rights. The Committee acknowledges the importance of support from individuals like those at the church in advancing their cause. The letter concludes by reiterating their commitment to their ultimate goal of eradicating discriminatory practices based on race. The listed members of the Committee are Albert P. Brinson (Chairman), Norma Wilson, Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker. 1 page.
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 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 letter is addressed to college student body presidents, urging them to consider the discriminatory conditions faced by one-tenth of the nation's population. It emphasizes that a nation dedicated to the Judeo-Christian ethic should not tolerate discrimination or segregation. The letter calls upon all leaders on college campuses and citizens in public and private sectors to join in eliminating discrimination from America. It requests to disseminate the letter to interested parties and provides contact information for the Atlanta University, Georgia, Committee on Communications. 1 page.
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 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.
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.
In this letter, Julian Bond addresses Johnny Parham as Chair of the Documentation project. He mentions a missed opportunity to document the Atlanta Student Movement during a reunion. He suggests convening an AUC-wide committee of historians led by Vincent Fort to solicit funds and begin the documentation process. Bond emphasizes the importance of interviewing movement participants and collecting memorabilia and photographs to deposit in the AUC Library. He further states that trained, "objective" historians should be involved in the project. The letter is also addressed to Fort, urging him to consider the same suggestion. The letter concludes with holiday greetings. 2 pages.
In this letter dated January 5th, 1990, Julian Bond writes to Johnny Parham, sharing various topics. He mentions receiving Johnny's call during the holidays and his unsuccessful attempts to get a response from Vincent Fort. He discusses the King Papers Project and proposes the Atlanta Project, which could involve academic research on the Atlanta Student Movement, depositing collected documents and interviews in an archive at the Woodruff Library. Julian speculates about potential financial support for the project and its impact on encouraging students, especially history and political science majors, to explore the relevance of this history. He advises Johnny, likely the chair, to maintain pressure for a more scholarly tone in their efforts. Julian also shares his experience attending a similar 30th-year reunion in Nashville, where memories were recorded and artifacts collected, suggesting that such an approach could benefit CAU and other Black colleges in distinguishing themselves from their white competitors. 2 pages.
This document comprises two correspondences (one to Johnny Parham and one to the Members of the 40th Anniversary Commemoration Planning Committee from Lonnie C. King), the minutes and agenda for the Committee On Appeal For Human Rights (COAHR), and the articles of incorporation for the COAHR. The minutes and correspondence are about planning the 40th Anniversary of COAHR and the Atlanta Student Movement. Lonnie C. King discusses the need to expand resources with economic aid for African Americans and a mandatory African American history class for freshmen at the Atlanta University Center Institutions for the fall of 2001. 12 pages.