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.

For:
  • Subjects = African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Title Date Created Author Creator Description Subject Collection
Maynard Jackson, Julian Bond, Carolyn Long Banks, circa 1975 1972/1977 Maynard Jackson, Julian Bond, an unidentified woman, and Carolyn Long Banks talk at a reception. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Special events, African American mayors, African American civic leaders Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The Nitty Gritty vol. I no.1, February 23, 1966 1966-02-23 The Nitty Gritty 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. African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Social conditions, African Americans--Housing Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Lonnie King, Marilyn Price, Martin Luther King, Jr., October 19, 1960 1960-10-19 Lonnie King, Marilyn Price, Martin Luther King, Jr.., and others were arrested after being denied service at Rich's Department Store, in downtown Atlanta. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Detention of persons, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Dr. Martin Luther King Arrested With Students, October 19, 1960 1960-10-19 Dr. Martin Luther King arrested with students. Left (partially visible) Morehouse student Lonnie King, (behind) Spelman students Marilyn Price, Blondean Orbert, followed by police. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Detention of persons, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Students Marching to Capitol, May 17, 1960 1960-05-17 Students march down the street past Morris Brown College to the Georgia State Capitol. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Special events, Political participation Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Gathering at the Capitol, May 17, 1960 1960-05-17 A state trooper holds a megaphone and keeps student marchers and others away from the state capitol building. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Special events Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Students After State Capitol March, May 17, 1960 1960-05-17 Students rest after the march to the state capitol. Left to right: Harold Middlebrooks, [unidentified], [unidentified], [unidentified], Ruby Doris Smith, Frank Holloway. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Special events, Political participation Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Threat of Arrests at Sprayberry Cafeteria, March 15, 1960 1960-03-15 A police officer takes the names of protesters as a threat against protests at Sprayberry Cafeteria. These threats were noted to be rescinded at a later time. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Detention of persons Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Student Protest, March 15, 1960 1960-03-15 Students were arrested by police for protesting a segregated cafeteria. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, African American men, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Detention of persons Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Students Arrested, March 15, 1960 1960-03-15 Students enter an Atlanta police car after being arrested for protesting a segregated cafeteria. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Detention of persons Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta University Center Students, March 15, 1960 1960-03-15 Atlanta University Center students at a hearing. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Protest and Negotiation: A Case Study of Negro Leadership in Atlanta", Georgia, circa 1960 1958/1962 Walker, Jack L. This article explores the emergence of a new form of leadership among American Negroes in the context of the civil rights movement. The author examines the changing leadership dynamics among African Americans following the wave of sit-ins, freedom rides, and demonstrations by Negro college students in 1960 and 1961. The study focuses on Atlanta, Georgia, and delves into the political attitudes, goals, and tactics of a group of Negro civic leaders in the city. 12 pages. African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Entering House Gallery, circa 1960 1957/1963 Students enter the House Gallery. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Dr. Mary Ann Sumerall, circa 1960 1957/1963 Portrait of Dr. Mary Ann Sumerall. African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American women Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Man on Couch, circa 1960 1957/1963 A man relaxes on a couch and reads a newspaper next to his suitcase. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American men Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Morris Brown Stadium, circa 1960 1957/1963 A crowd gathers in the rain at Morris Brown College Stadium. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Special events Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Students Picketing Stores, circa 1960 1957/1963 Students protest discriminatory hiring practices outside of an Atlanta grocery store. One student holds a sign that reads: "If We Can't Work There, Why Trade? Selective Buying Makes for Better Employment". African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Students March, circa 1960 1957/1963 Students march in the rain in downtown Atlanta. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Students at the Governor's Office, circa 1960 1957/1963 Students stand at the receptionists desk in the office of the governor. African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Julian Bond, circa 1960 1957/1963 Julian Bond speaks to reporters. African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American civil rights workers Atlanta Student Movement Collection