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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  • Subjects = African American universities and colleges
  • Subjects = Race discrimination
"A Second Appeal for Human Rights" reflects on the legacy of the Atlanta Student Movement's initial "Appeal for Human Rights", published in 1960 by students from Atlanta University Center institutions. The second appeal, issued at the dawn of the 21st century, acknowledges progress since the civil rights movement but emphasizes persistent challenges in achieving economic and social justice, eradicating systemic racial disparities, and promoting equal access. This document also invites individuals to participate in the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of the historic "An Appeal for Human Rights" and the Atlanta Student Movement (1960-2000). The commemorative event is scheduled at the Atlanta University Center from March 31 to April 2, 2000. 3 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A Second Appeal For Human Rights, 2000
Date Created
1999/2001
Description
"A Second Appeal for Human Rights" reflects on the legacy of the Atlanta Student Movement's initial "Appeal for Human Rights", published in 1960 by students from Atlanta University Center institutions. The second appeal, issued at the dawn of the 21st century, acknowledges progress since the civil rights movement but emphasizes persistent challenges in achieving economic and social justice, eradicating systemic racial disparities, and promoting equal access. This document also invites individuals to participate in the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of the historic "An Appeal for Human Rights" and the Atlanta Student Movement (1960-2000). The commemorative event is scheduled at the Atlanta University Center from March 31 to April 2, 2000. 3 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, Race discrimination
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The document "An Appeal For Human Rights" is a historic manifesto written by students from the Atlanta University Center, including Clark, Morehouse, Morris Brown, Spelman Colleges, Atlanta University, and the Interdenominational Theological Center. The appeal represents their united effort to demand the recognition of their inherent human rights and equal treatment as citizens of the United States. They express their support for the larger civil rights movement and sit-down protests, emphasizing their dissatisfaction with the slow progress of desegregation and equality. The students highlight critical areas of discrimination in Atlanta, such as education, jobs, housing, voting, healthcare, public accommodations, and law enforcement, and assert that racial segregation goes against the principles of democracy and Christianity. They call for an end to discriminatory practices and pledge to use legal and non-violent means to secure their full citizenship rights. (2 pages)
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Appeal For Human Rights, circa 2000
Date Created
1988/1992
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
The document "An Appeal For Human Rights" is a historic manifesto written by students from the Atlanta University Center, including Clark, Morehouse, Morris Brown, Spelman Colleges, Atlanta University, and the Interdenominational Theological Center. The appeal represents their united effort to demand the recognition of their inherent human rights and equal treatment as citizens of the United States. They express their support for the larger civil rights movement and sit-down protests, emphasizing their dissatisfaction with the slow progress of desegregation and equality. The students highlight critical areas of discrimination in Atlanta, such as education, jobs, housing, voting, healthcare, public accommodations, and law enforcement, and assert that racial segregation goes against the principles of democracy and Christianity. They call for an end to discriminatory practices and pledge to use legal and non-violent means to secure their full citizenship rights. (2 pages)
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, Race discrimination
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"The Young Negro Rebels" provides an in-depth exploration of the thoughts, motivations, and actions of young African American students involved in the Southern civil rights movement. The author, Charlotte Devree, reflects on her experiences traveling with these students on Freedom Rides and interacting with them during sit-ins and protests. The students' approach to rebellion and social change challenges conventional notions of political action. Devree emphasizes the students' Christian revolutionary spirit, restraint in the face of adversity, and rejection of hatred. Despite diverse backgrounds and limited education, these students are driven by a purpose to end segregation and attain personal identity and pride. The narrative reveals the complexity of their attitudes toward rebellion, challenges stereotypes, and highlights their unique forms of resistance and determination. 6 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"The Young Negro Rebels", October 1961
Date Created
1961-10
Author
Devree, Charlotte
Description
"The Young Negro Rebels" provides an in-depth exploration of the thoughts, motivations, and actions of young African American students involved in the Southern civil rights movement. The author, Charlotte Devree, reflects on her experiences traveling with these students on Freedom Rides and interacting with them during sit-ins and protests. The students' approach to rebellion and social change challenges conventional notions of political action. Devree emphasizes the students' Christian revolutionary spirit, restraint in the face of adversity, and rejection of hatred. Despite diverse backgrounds and limited education, these students are driven by a purpose to end segregation and attain personal identity and pride. The narrative reveals the complexity of their attitudes toward rebellion, challenges stereotypes, and highlights their unique forms of resistance and determination. 6 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Race discrimination
Collection
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
COAHR Members Vs. City of Atlanta, May 16, 1961
Date Created
1961-05-16
Creator
The City of Atlanta, Georgia
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, Race relations, African American neighborhoods
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
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 account describes a sit-in protest in the Sprayberry Cafeteria, where a group of individuals demanded service but were denied due to their race. Despite an attempt by the cafeteria's owner to have them leave, the protesters insisted on staying. Police were eventually called, leading to their arrest for trespassing. The account reflects the determination and resilience of the protesters in their pursuit of equal rights. 3 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"The Sit-In at Sprayberry's Cafeteria", circa 1960
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
This account describes a sit-in protest in the Sprayberry Cafeteria, where a group of individuals demanded service but were denied due to their race. Despite an attempt by the cafeteria's owner to have them leave, the protesters insisted on staying. Police were eventually called, leading to their arrest for trespassing. The account reflects the determination and resilience of the protesters in their pursuit of equal rights. 3 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American pioneers, African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination
Collection
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence to James Felder from Hugh Saussy, Jr., April 12,1960
Date Created
1960-04-12
Author
Saussy, Hugh Jr.
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, African American churches, Race discrimination
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 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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"A Survey of the Southern Student Sit-In Movement and Nationwide Student Activity", April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A booklet titled "A Second Look. The Negro Citizen In Atlanta" by the Atlanta Committee for Cooperative Action. The booklet targets the socio-economic issues targeting the Black community in Atlanta. The committee aims to promote awareness and discussion rather than mere fault-finding. It expresses the hope that fellow Atlantans will read and consider the contents of the upcoming pages, even if perspectives on certain issues may differ. Ultimately, the foreword calls for a collective effort to address Atlanta's problems and maximize the use of all its human resources to become a truly great American metropolis. 11 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A Second Look, The Negro Citizen in Atlanta, 1960
Date Created
1960
Creator
Atlanta Committee for Cooperative Action
Description
A booklet titled "A Second Look. The Negro Citizen In Atlanta" by the Atlanta Committee for Cooperative Action. The booklet targets the socio-economic issues targeting the Black community in Atlanta. The committee aims to promote awareness and discussion rather than mere fault-finding. It expresses the hope that fellow Atlantans will read and consider the contents of the upcoming pages, even if perspectives on certain issues may differ. Ultimately, the foreword calls for a collective effort to address Atlanta's problems and maximize the use of all its human resources to become a truly great American metropolis. 11 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination, Race relations, African American neighborhoods
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A handwritten letter from the Committee on Communication and the Appeal For Human Rights to College presidents. The letter describes how the committee is grateful for the college presidents' support against racial discrimination. The committee recognizes that the presidents' administration had significantly improved their movement's progress and would be stagnant without them. The committee further thanks the college presidents and expresses their desire to continue supporting their goal. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
COAHR Communication Letter to Atlanta University Presidents from Appeal For Human Rights, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
A handwritten letter from the Committee on Communication and the Appeal For Human Rights to College presidents. The letter describes how the committee is grateful for the college presidents' support against racial discrimination. The committee recognizes that the presidents' administration had significantly improved their movement's progress and would be stagnant without them. The committee further thanks the college presidents and expresses their desire to continue supporting their goal. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, College presidents, Race discrimination
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence to College Student Body Presidents from COAHR, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, Race discrimination
Collection
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
Correspondence, Against A and P Grocery, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, Race discrimination
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This personal account details the March 15, 1960 sit-in at Sprayberry Cafeteria in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of a well-planned student movement against segregation. The movement involved coordination with various community representatives, including the police chief, to ensure a peaceful and strategic protest. The author recounts entering the cafeteria to desegregate it, with some students lining up for service and others at the deli counter. A conversation with a friend of the cafeteria owners ensued, and despite being asked to leave, the students remained. The cafeteria employees removed food from the hot tables, but the students managed to place food on their trays. When attempting to pay, the cashier refused, claiming they were giving away food for the day. Reporters arrived, seeking statements, which the students declined to provide. After an hour-long standoff, police officers arrived, and negotiations led to a decision not to arrest the students. The narrative highlights the students' commitment to being served in a federal building despite the challenges they faced. The aftermath of the protest included political repercussions, including a governor's heart attack and legal action taken against the students based on an obscure statute. Despite these challenges, the students' persistence contributed to advancing civil rights in Atlanta. 3 pages
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"A Personal Account of the March 15, 1960 Sit-In at Sprayberry Cafeteria in Atlanta, Georgia", circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Author
Parham, Johnny
Description
This personal account details the March 15, 1960 sit-in at Sprayberry Cafeteria in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of a well-planned student movement against segregation. The movement involved coordination with various community representatives, including the police chief, to ensure a peaceful and strategic protest. The author recounts entering the cafeteria to desegregate it, with some students lining up for service and others at the deli counter. A conversation with a friend of the cafeteria owners ensued, and despite being asked to leave, the students remained. The cafeteria employees removed food from the hot tables, but the students managed to place food on their trays. When attempting to pay, the cashier refused, claiming they were giving away food for the day. Reporters arrived, seeking statements, which the students declined to provide. After an hour-long standoff, police officers arrived, and negotiations led to a decision not to arrest the students. The narrative highlights the students' commitment to being served in a federal building despite the challenges they faced. The aftermath of the protest included political repercussions, including a governor's heart attack and legal action taken against the students based on an obscure statute. Despite these challenges, the students' persistence contributed to advancing civil rights in Atlanta. 3 pages
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American pioneers, African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection