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.
97 Objects displayed
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  2. Archival Collections
  3. Atlanta Student Movement Collection
For:
  • Geographic Location = Georgia--Atlanta
  • Decade = 1960-1969
This analysis focuses on the voting trend of African Americans in Los Angeles during the 1960 presidential election, discussing factors influencing their choices. The majority favored John F. Kennedy due to his stance on civil rights and concern for their community, while Richard Nixon's experience and anti-communist stance attracted some support. The impact of vice presidential candidates and issues like civil rights legislation are considered, with predictions indicating a close margin but a Kennedy victory in California. 3 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Recent Trends Among Negro Voters in Los Angeles", November 5, 1960
Date Created
1960-11-05
Description
This analysis focuses on the voting trend of African Americans in Los Angeles during the 1960 presidential election, discussing factors influencing their choices. The majority favored John F. Kennedy due to his stance on civil rights and concern for their community, while Richard Nixon's experience and anti-communist stance attracted some support. The impact of vice presidential candidates and issues like civil rights legislation are considered, with predictions indicating a close margin but a Kennedy victory in California. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Civil rights movements, Voting
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This document describes a special meeting attended by prominent individuals, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. and Samuel W. Williams. The attendees discussed the coordination of student and adult leadership in the context of protest demonstrations. They explored the formation and function of a committee to address this issue. The meeting concluded with the decision that the committee would serve as an advisory body, and another meeting was scheduled for the following Monday to discuss the matter further. The document provides a glimpse into the discussions and decision-making process related to civil rights activism and leadership coordination. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Special Meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., November 2, 1960
Date Created
1960-11-02
Description
This document describes a special meeting attended by prominent individuals, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. and Samuel W. Williams. The attendees discussed the coordination of student and adult leadership in the context of protest demonstrations. They explored the formation and function of a committee to address this issue. The meeting concluded with the decision that the committee would serve as an advisory body, and another meeting was scheduled for the following Monday to discuss the matter further. The document provides a glimpse into the discussions and decision-making process related to civil rights activism and leadership coordination. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This telegram, sent by M. Carl Holman, the editor of the Atlanta Inquirer, urgently requests Johnny Parham Jr., to provide a concise overview of pre-election issues and trends among Negro voters in Los Angeles. The information is sought from various sources, including newspapers, polls, experts, and public opinions. The information is intended for publication in the Atlanta Inquirer's press on Wednesday morning, October 30th, 190. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence to Johnny Parham from M. Carl Holman, October 30, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-30
Author
Holman, M. Carl, 1918-1988
Description
This telegram, sent by M. Carl Holman, the editor of the Atlanta Inquirer, urgently requests Johnny Parham Jr., to provide a concise overview of pre-election issues and trends among Negro voters in Los Angeles. The information is sought from various sources, including newspapers, polls, experts, and public opinions. The information is intended for publication in the Atlanta Inquirer's press on Wednesday morning, October 30th, 190. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Civil rights movements, Voting
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Jail, No Bail Group in Jail, Cheerful, Confident", October 24, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-24
Creator
The Atlanta Inquirer
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Lonnie King, Marilyn Price, Martin Luther King, Jr.., and others were arrested after being denied service at Rich's Department Store, in downtown Atlanta.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Lonnie King, Marilyn Price, Martin Luther King, Jr., October 19, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-19
Description
Lonnie King, Marilyn Price, Martin Luther King, Jr.., and others were arrested after being denied service at Rich's Department Store, in downtown Atlanta.
Subject
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
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Dr. Martin Luther King arrested with students. Left (partially visible) Morehouse student Lonnie King, (behind) Spelman students Marilyn Price, Blondean Orbert, followed by police.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Dr. Martin Luther King Arrested With Students, October 19, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-19
Description
Dr. Martin Luther King arrested with students. Left (partially visible) Morehouse student Lonnie King, (behind) Spelman students Marilyn Price, Blondean Orbert, followed by police.
Subject
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
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
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
"Why We Began the 'Kneel-Ins'", August 14, 1960
Date Created
1960-08-14
Creator
The Atlanta Inquirer
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African Americans--Religion, Protest movements
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
Students march down the street past Morris Brown College to the Georgia State Capitol.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Students Marching to Capitol, May 17, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-17
Description
Students march down the street past Morris Brown College to the Georgia State Capitol.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Special events, Political participation
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A state trooper holds a megaphone and keeps student marchers and others away from the state capitol building.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Gathering at the Capitol, May 17, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-17
Description
A state trooper holds a megaphone and keeps student marchers and others away from the state capitol building.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Special events
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Students rest after the march to the state capitol. Left to right: Harold Middlebrooks, [unidentified], [unidentified], [unidentified], Ruby Doris Smith, Frank Holloway.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Students After State Capitol March, May 17, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-17
Description
Students rest after the march to the state capitol. Left to right: Harold Middlebrooks, [unidentified], [unidentified], [unidentified], Ruby Doris Smith, Frank Holloway.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Special events, Political participation
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
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
All Tech Assembly Table Tent, May 17, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-17
Description
A placard for the All Tech Assembly on student sit-in strikes with speakers John mack and John Parham. 1 Page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements
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
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
"The Immorality of Racial Segregation", April 19, 1960
Date Created
1960-04-16
Author
Dabbs, James McBride, 1896-1970, Vinson, Edward M., Crank, Suejette
Creator
Greater Atlanta Council on Human Relations, Georgia Council On Human Relations
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements
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
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence to Albert Brinson from Peter G. Bourne , April 12, 1960
Date Created
1960-04-12
Author
Bourne, Peter G.
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence from Morehouse President Benjamin E. Mays, April, 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Author
Mays, Benjamin E. (Benjamin Elijah), 1894-1984
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, College presidents
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
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Youth Leadership Conference at Shaw University, April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection