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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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 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
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 handwritten document is a letter to the Atlanta Inquirer accounting for prejudicial practices and how prejudice strikes minority settings and communities. Parham describes the nature of prejudice as being unpredictable, and that it cannot be singularly directed. The letter begins with a reference to an incident of anti-Semitism and the bombing of a synagogue by Neo-Nazis and describes the prohibition of the entry of a young Jewish man into a social invite because he was Jewish. The author connects it to the plight of negroes and establishes that there is ineffective legislation to protect others from such prejudiced acts against African Americans and other minorities. 4 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence to the Atlanta Inquirer from Johnny Parham on Prejudice, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Author
Parham, Johnny
Description
The handwritten document is a letter to the Atlanta Inquirer accounting for prejudicial practices and how prejudice strikes minority settings and communities. Parham describes the nature of prejudice as being unpredictable, and that it cannot be singularly directed. The letter begins with a reference to an incident of anti-Semitism and the bombing of a synagogue by Neo-Nazis and describes the prohibition of the entry of a young Jewish man into a social invite because he was Jewish. The author connects it to the plight of negroes and establishes that there is ineffective legislation to protect others from such prejudiced acts against African Americans and other minorities. 4 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African Americans--Civil rights, Race discrimination
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This telegram, sent by M. Carl Holman, the editor of the Atlanta Inquirer, expresses gratitude for previous assistance and mentions a need for a follow-up. Holman requests a concise wire as soon as the results are clear regarding the Negro vote in Los Angeles. He seeks information about the impact on the overall outcome, whether the voting pattern was similar across local, state, and national races, and how decisive issues influenced the vote. The telegram concludes by instructing Parham to have the response sent to the office of the Atlanta Inquirer on Hunter Street. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence to Johnny Parham from M. Carl Holman, November 8, 1960
Date Created
1960-11-08
Author
Holman, M. Carl, 1918-1988
Description
This telegram, sent by M. Carl Holman, the editor of the Atlanta Inquirer, expresses gratitude for previous assistance and mentions a need for a follow-up. Holman requests a concise wire as soon as the results are clear regarding the Negro vote in Los Angeles. He seeks information about the impact on the overall outcome, whether the voting pattern was similar across local, state, and national races, and how decisive issues influenced the vote. The telegram concludes by instructing Parham to have the response sent to the office of the Atlanta Inquirer on Hunter Street. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American pioneers, African Americans--Civil rights
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
A printed webpage from the Civil Rights Digital Library with background information on the Sit-in protest at Greensboro, North Carolina. The background given by the Digital Library says that in 1960, four North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College students initiated a sit-in protest at a segregated lunch counter in a Woolworth's store in Greensboro, North Carolina. Despite being denied service, the students remained seated at the "whites-only" counter. Their peaceful defiance sparked a movement, leading to more students joining the sit-in. Within days, the movement spread to over thirty cities across seven states, becoming a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement as it inspired similar protests nationwide. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Sit-Ins at Greensboro N.C on Civil Rights Digital Library's Webpage , 2011
Date Created
2011
Creator
Civil Rights Digital Library
Description
A printed webpage from the Civil Rights Digital Library with background information on the Sit-in protest at Greensboro, North Carolina. The background given by the Digital Library says that in 1960, four North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College students initiated a sit-in protest at a segregated lunch counter in a Woolworth's store in Greensboro, North Carolina. Despite being denied service, the students remained seated at the "whites-only" counter. Their peaceful defiance sparked a movement, leading to more students joining the sit-in. Within days, the movement spread to over thirty cities across seven states, becoming a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement as it inspired similar protests nationwide. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, Protest movements, African Americans--Civil rights
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
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Protest and Negotiation: A Case Study of Negro Leadership in Atlanta", Georgia, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Author
Walker, Jack L.
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Agenda For National Student Conference On Sit-In Movement", April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements
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
Written on recto: Atlanta, January 10, 1957. Ministers Hauled to Jail in Paddy Wagon. Five Negro ministers leave the paddy wagon at police station today after being hauled to jail on charges that they violated Georgia segregation laws in occupying public bus seats up front which are normally reserved for white passengers. Second from left is their leader, the Rev. William Holmes Borders. They were jailed temporarily until they posted $1,000 bond each.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Ministers Hauled to Jail", 1957
Date Created
1957
Description
Written on recto: Atlanta, January 10, 1957. Ministers Hauled to Jail in Paddy Wagon. Five Negro ministers leave the paddy wagon at police station today after being hauled to jail on charges that they violated Georgia segregation laws in occupying public bus seats up front which are normally reserved for white passengers. Second from left is their leader, the Rev. William Holmes Borders. They were jailed temporarily until they posted $1,000 bond each.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, African American men, African American clergy, Detention of persons
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
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.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
John Parham's National Student Conference on Sit-In Movement Card, April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Description
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.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, Events and programs
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
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
A woman and man get placed in a police paddy wagon.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Woman and Man Detained, circa 1960
Date Created
1957/1963
Description
A woman and man get placed in a police paddy wagon.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, Detention of persons, African American student movements
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 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
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