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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A group stands onstage holding awards at the Atlanta Student Movement 20th anniversary event.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement 20th Anniversary, 1980
Date Created
1980
Description
A group stands onstage holding awards at the Atlanta Student Movement 20th anniversary event.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A group sits at a banquet table at the Atlanta Student Movement 20th anniversary event.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement 20th Anniversary, 1980
Date Created
1980
Description
A group sits at a banquet table at the Atlanta Student Movement 20th anniversary event.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A group sits at a banquet table at the Atlanta Student Movement 20th anniversary event.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement 20th Anniversary, 1980
Date Created
1980
Description
A group sits at a banquet table at the Atlanta Student Movement 20th anniversary event.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A group of women sing at the Atlanta Student Movement 20th anniversary event.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement 20th Anniversary, 1980
Date Created
1980
Description
A group of women sing at the Atlanta Student Movement 20th anniversary event.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A choir sings at the Atlanta Student Movement 20th anniversary event.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement 20th Anniversary, 1980
Date Created
1980
Description
A choir sings at the Atlanta Student Movement 20th anniversary event.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A partial list of students and supporters who demonstrated in the struggle for civil rights in Atlanta. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Scroll of Honor", COAHR, circa 1980
Date Created
1977/1985
Description
A partial list of students and supporters who demonstrated in the struggle for civil rights in Atlanta. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Maynard Jackson, Julian Bond, an unidentified woman, and Carolyn Long Banks talk at a reception.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Maynard Jackson, Julian Bond, Carolyn Long Banks, circa 1975
Date Created
1972/1977
Description
Maynard Jackson, Julian Bond, an unidentified woman, and Carolyn Long Banks talk at a reception.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Special events, African American mayors, African American civic leaders
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The Nitty Gritty vol. I no.1, February 23, 1966
Date Created
1966-02-23
Creator
The Nitty Gritty
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Social conditions, African Americans--Housing
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Various news clippings, including articles by Julian Bond and Ben Brown on student sit-ins and racial equality. 4 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Newspaper Clippings, 1965
Date Created
1965
Author
Bond, Julian, 1940-2015, Brown, Ben
Description
Various news clippings, including articles by Julian Bond and Ben Brown on student sit-ins and racial equality. 4 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The essay highlights the significance of passive resistance and non-violence as potent strategies in the struggle against racial segregation and discrimination in the South, emphasizing the effectiveness of withstanding violence without retaliation and understanding the motivations behind the oppressors' actions to subdue their attacks, ultimately countering the emotional-driven violence resulting from racial hatred and discrimination. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"How It Feels To Undergo Training To Repress the Desire To Strike", May 26, 1960
Date Created
1962-05-26
Author
Parham, Johnny
Description
The essay highlights the significance of passive resistance and non-violence as potent strategies in the struggle against racial segregation and discrimination in the South, emphasizing the effectiveness of withstanding violence without retaliation and understanding the motivations behind the oppressors' actions to subdue their attacks, ultimately countering the emotional-driven violence resulting from racial hatred and discrimination. 2 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Race discrimination, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The correspondence was addressed to the Transfer Board of Local Board No. 5 of the Selective Service System in New York. Parham reports his compliance with their directive to appear for an examination which concluded on May 24, 1962. He acknowledges omitting information that he was recently arrested on April 21, 1962, for trespassing in Charles County, Maryland, and is currently released on bail. The letter is a belated notification of his legal situation. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence to Local Board from Johnny E. Parham , May 24, 1962
Date Created
1962-05-24
Author
Parham, Johnny
Description
The correspondence was addressed to the Transfer Board of Local Board No. 5 of the Selective Service System in New York. Parham reports his compliance with their directive to appear for an examination which concluded on May 24, 1962. He acknowledges omitting information that he was recently arrested on April 21, 1962, for trespassing in Charles County, Maryland, and is currently released on bail. The letter is a belated notification of his legal situation. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American pioneers, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
In "Broken by Love", Robert E. Jones Felder explores the maturing determination of the African-American community for freedom, tracing the evolution from passive acceptance to active engagement through the contrasting lenses of Christianity and the emerging Black Muslim movement, emphasizing the importance of love and nonviolence in dismantling deeply rooted traditions of segregation and discrimination. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Broken by Love", January 15, 1962
Date Created
1962-01-15
Author
Felder, Robert E. Jones
Description
In "Broken by Love", Robert E. Jones Felder explores the maturing determination of the African-American community for freedom, tracing the evolution from passive acceptance to active engagement through the contrasting lenses of Christianity and the emerging Black Muslim movement, emphasizing the importance of love and nonviolence in dismantling deeply rooted traditions of segregation and discrimination. 2 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African Americans--Religion, African American Muslims
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This report provides an overview of various organizations that supported the student protest movement in the United States. The first sit-in in February 1960 sparked the movement at Greensboro, N.C., involving Black college students. The report highlights the widespread endorsement and backing of local and national organizations. The summary concludes by underscoring that the extent of support from these diverse organizations, in terms of active participation, financial aid, public statements, and resolutions, reflects the significant impact of the sit-in protests on the collective American conscience during that period. 4 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Organizations Supporting the Student Protest Movement", November 30, 1961
Date Created
1961-11-30
Description
This report provides an overview of various organizations that supported the student protest movement in the United States. The first sit-in in February 1960 sparked the movement at Greensboro, N.C., involving Black college students. The report highlights the widespread endorsement and backing of local and national organizations. The summary concludes by underscoring that the extent of support from these diverse organizations, in terms of active participation, financial aid, public statements, and resolutions, reflects the significant impact of the sit-in protests on the collective American conscience during that period. 4 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Groups and organizations
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
"The Atlanta Story", an excerpt from The Courier, discussing Sweet Auburn Avenue and Herman E. Perry. Perry, a pioneer in Atlanta's development, played a significant role in shaping the city's growth by sparking progress in various fields. His contributions to Atlanta's development and his dedication to progress have left an enduring impact on the city's history. 4 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"The Atlanta Story", July 15, 1961
Date Created
1961-07-15
Author
Anderson, Trezzvant W.
Creator
The Courier
Description
"The Atlanta Story", an excerpt from The Courier, discussing Sweet Auburn Avenue and Herman E. Perry. Perry, a pioneer in Atlanta's development, played a significant role in shaping the city's growth by sparking progress in various fields. His contributions to Atlanta's development and his dedication to progress have left an enduring impact on the city's history. 4 pages.
Subject
African American newspapers, African American businesspeople
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This "New South" issue 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", June 1961
Date Created
1961-06
Creator
Southern Regional Council
Description
This "New South" issue 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
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
This document offers an in-depth analysis of the changing dynamics of Negro leadership during the civil rights movement's desegregation crisis in Little Rock, Arkansas. It explores the emergence and interactions of various types of leaders within the racially charged environment, specifically focusing on the shift from traditional "accommodation-type" leadership to more assertive "protest leadership." The study examines the roles played by ministers, businessmen, educators, and other professionals within the Negro community, investigating their responses to the crisis, connections with white leaders, and resulting shifts in race relations. The analysis emphasizes the rise of protest leaders who challenged segregation and mobilized the community. Despite personal rivalries, unity among Negro leaders remained vital during the crisis. The document also highlights the impact of the crisis on interracial communication, noting strained contacts between white and Negro leaders. Overall, the study offers insights into the evolving leadership dynamics and the transformative effects on race relations, contributing to our understanding of the civil rights movement's influence on leadership paradigms. 11 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Negro Leadership in a Crisis Situation" from Phylon vol. XXII no. 2, 1961
Date Created
1961
Author
Cothran, Tilman C. 1918-, Phillips, William
Description
This document offers an in-depth analysis of the changing dynamics of Negro leadership during the civil rights movement's desegregation crisis in Little Rock, Arkansas. It explores the emergence and interactions of various types of leaders within the racially charged environment, specifically focusing on the shift from traditional "accommodation-type" leadership to more assertive "protest leadership." The study examines the roles played by ministers, businessmen, educators, and other professionals within the Negro community, investigating their responses to the crisis, connections with white leaders, and resulting shifts in race relations. The analysis emphasizes the rise of protest leaders who challenged segregation and mobilized the community. Despite personal rivalries, unity among Negro leaders remained vital during the crisis. The document also highlights the impact of the crisis on interracial communication, noting strained contacts between white and Negro leaders. Overall, the study offers insights into the evolving leadership dynamics and the transformative effects on race relations, contributing to our understanding of the civil rights movement's influence on leadership paradigms. 11 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, Race relations
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The essay "Reflection on the Latest Reform of the South" discusses the sit-in demonstrations of the civil rights movement in the American South. The author explores various aspects of the movement, including its nature as a social movement, its principles of non-violence and desegregation, its origins in the Piedmont region, the role of educated Negroes, and the challenges of racial equality. The author highlights the significance of the movement's focus on lunch counter desegregation, the impact on Southern cities, and the emergence of new leaders. They also address potential challenges, such as organizational rivalry, and consider the broader implications of the movement for racial reform in the South and beyond. The essay underscores the importance of understanding the movement within the context of changing Southern dynamics and the complex problem of racial assimilation. It concludes by emphasizing the transformative role of the civil rights struggle amid a period of societal marking time, awaiting new meaningful causes. 5 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Reflection on the Latest Reform of the South" from Phylon, vol. XXII, 1961
Date Created
1961
Author
Dunbar, Leslie W.
Description
The essay "Reflection on the Latest Reform of the South" discusses the sit-in demonstrations of the civil rights movement in the American South. The author explores various aspects of the movement, including its nature as a social movement, its principles of non-violence and desegregation, its origins in the Piedmont region, the role of educated Negroes, and the challenges of racial equality. The author highlights the significance of the movement's focus on lunch counter desegregation, the impact on Southern cities, and the emergence of new leaders. They also address potential challenges, such as organizational rivalry, and consider the broader implications of the movement for racial reform in the South and beyond. The essay underscores the importance of understanding the movement within the context of changing Southern dynamics and the complex problem of racial assimilation. It concludes by emphasizing the transformative role of the civil rights struggle amid a period of societal marking time, awaiting new meaningful causes. 5 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
A group of COAHR students in a living room.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
COAHR Students, 1961
Date Created
1961
Description
A group of COAHR students in a living room.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection