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:
  • Decade = 1960-1969
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 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
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.
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.
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.
This document pertains to the National Student Conference on the Sit-In Movement, providing a comprehensive event overview. The document encompasses crucial elements such as the conference agenda for April 22nd, conference rules, the layout of the main floor at All Souls Unitarian Church, general information, rule amendments, resolutions derived from the conference discussions, and transcripts of impactful speeches. Noteworthy speeches featured in the document include "Law and Order Must Be Maintained", delivered by Mahendra Widjesinghe, an address by James Alrut, President of the Methodist Student Movement, a compelling speech by Mr. Allard Lowenstein, President of USNSA, on April 22nd, 1960, a poignant contribution by Bernard Lee, Former Student Body President of Alabama State, an inspiring talk by Al Rozier from North Carolina A&T, a thought-provoking perspective from Sam Bowles of Yale University, an address by Curtis Gans, Vice President of National Affairs at USNSA, and a significant speech by Rev. Wyatt Walker. 24 pages.
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.
Johnny E. Parham Jr.'s card for the National Student Conference on Sit-In Movement in Washington D.C. from April 22nd to the 23rd. 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.
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Students were arrested by police for protesting a segregated cafeteria.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Students enter an Atlanta police car after being arrested for protesting a segregated cafeteria.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta University Center students at a hearing.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This is the front two pages of the Atlanta Journal Newspaper dated March 15th, 1960 with the headline "Segregation Sentiment Leads At School Student Midway Mark".  Most of the articles show that the issue of segregation was a hot topic in Georgia in 1960. The sit-in movement was a major challenge to the segregationist status quo, and the state school study commission's findings showed that there was strong support for segregation among the Georgians who testified. The articles also show the different ways that people were responding to the issue of segregation. The state school study commission was trying to find a way to keep the public schools segregated, while the sit-in movement was demanding desegregation. The articles show that the issue of segregation was complex and divisive and that there was no easy solution. 2 pages.
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
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
This "New South" booklet was published by the South Regional Council in Atlanta, Georgia, and authored by John Constable, the Director of Information Southern Regional Council. This issue focuses on the protest movement against segregated lunch counters in North Carolina during the Civil Rights era. The issue highlights the initial surprise and uncertainty experienced by white leaders in response to the "sit-down" protests in the state. The Director presents findings from his visit to the cities involved in the protests, reflecting leaders' confusion and lack of direction. 9 pages.
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 flier issued by the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights, addressing the Student Movement's efforts and urging Atlantans to participate in their campaign against racial segregation and discrimination in the city's establishments. The flier highlights the response to the Committee's previous circulation and the eagerness of progressive Atlantans to support the Student Movement's fight for human dignity. The document emphasizes the success achieved in other cities through similar movements and questions why Atlanta, a supposed leader among southern cities, hasn't joined this list of successes. The main focus of the flier is on urging citizens to stop buying at Rich's, a department store until all customers can access facilities and services without racial restrictions. The students have initiated sit-ins at Rich's to protest racial segregation, and the flier explains why the students took this action despite existing court cases on similar matters. It stresses that the fight against segregation is a community movement and calls for united action to bring about practical gains in the struggle for equality and human dignity. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This newsletter, "The Student Movement and You", is a Committee on Appeal for Human Rights publication. It highlights the success of the Student Movement in Nashville, Tennessee, in achieving desegregation of downtown lunch counters and employment of Negro white-collar workers through a boycott. The document emphasizes that the boycott proved a powerful tool in the struggle for immediate recognition of civil rights. The flier narrates how sit-in demonstrations by Negro students led to arrests and negotiations with merchants. It outlines the boycott's impact on Nashville's economy, highlighting the loss of business and the subsequent changes in merchant attitudes towards desegregation. The document calls for a similar united effort in Atlanta and announces upcoming events and programs related to the Student Movement. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection