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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  • Subjects = African Americans--Segregation
This document provides a detailed chronological overview of key events and actions taken by the Atlanta Student Movement from 1960 to 1963. It outlines the progression of the movement, its strategies, challenges, and pivotal moments during the fight against racial segregation in public accommodations, particularly lunch counters. 8 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Time-Table for the Atlanta Student Movement from 1960-1963" draft, November 19, 2005
Date Created
2005-11-19
Author
King, Lonnie C., 1936-
Description
This document provides a detailed chronological overview of key events and actions taken by the Atlanta Student Movement from 1960 to 1963. It outlines the progression of the movement, its strategies, challenges, and pivotal moments during the fight against racial segregation in public accommodations, particularly lunch counters. 8 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 journal article, titled "The University and Politics in Atlanta: A Case Study of the Atlanta University Center", authored by Robert A. Holmes, discusses the engagement of black colleges and universities in the social, economic, and political struggles of their communities. It addresses the criticism that these institutions remain detached from community issues by focusing on the Atlanta University Center (AUC) example. The article primarily examines the involvement of AUC's administrators, faculty, and students in the political life of Atlanta's black community during the post-World War II era. It highlights the need for practical engagement in addition to scholarly research and explores the dynamics of AUC's interaction with the local political landscape. The article acknowledges the limitations of a comprehensive analysis due to space constraints and focuses on the specified historical period. 18 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"The University and Politics in Atlanta: A Case Study of the AUC", 1981
Date Created
1981
Author
Holmes, Robert A., 1943-
Description
This journal article, titled "The University and Politics in Atlanta: A Case Study of the Atlanta University Center", authored by Robert A. Holmes, discusses the engagement of black colleges and universities in the social, economic, and political struggles of their communities. It addresses the criticism that these institutions remain detached from community issues by focusing on the Atlanta University Center (AUC) example. The article primarily examines the involvement of AUC's administrators, faculty, and students in the political life of Atlanta's black community during the post-World War II era. It highlights the need for practical engagement in addition to scholarly research and explores the dynamics of AUC's interaction with the local political landscape. The article acknowledges the limitations of a comprehensive analysis due to space constraints and focuses on the specified historical period. 18 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
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 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
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
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
Due to their segregation policies, this flier urges people to boycott several stores, including Woolworth's, McLellan's, Walgreens, Efird's, Kress', and Hudson-Belk's. The flier explains that these stores do not allow African Americans to sit at lunch counters while accepting their money elsewhere. It highlights that peaceful student demonstrators face violence and embarrassment and have even been jailed and convicted. The flier encourages readers to take action by refusing to buy from these stores, signing petitions against discrimination, supporting protesting students, and joining picket lines manned by students from St. Augustine�s College, Shaw University, and the Raleigh Citizens� Association. The message emphasizes that collective support is crucial for ending segregation and winning the fight for equality. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Don't Buy at These Stores", circa 1965
Date Created
1961
Creator
Raleigh Citizens Association Shaw University-St. Augustine's Student Movement
Description
Due to their segregation policies, this flier urges people to boycott several stores, including Woolworth's, McLellan's, Walgreens, Efird's, Kress', and Hudson-Belk's. The flier explains that these stores do not allow African Americans to sit at lunch counters while accepting their money elsewhere. It highlights that peaceful student demonstrators face violence and embarrassment and have even been jailed and convicted. The flier encourages readers to take action by refusing to buy from these stores, signing petitions against discrimination, supporting protesting students, and joining picket lines manned by students from St. Augustine�s College, Shaw University, and the Raleigh Citizens� Association. The message emphasizes that collective support is crucial for ending segregation and winning the fight for equality. 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
A series of collected newspaper clippings pertaining to the Civil Rights Movement and the Atlanta Student Movement from the Atlanta Inquirer, an African American publication. 24 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The Atlanta Inquirer, 1960, 1961
Date Created
1960/1961
Creator
The Atlanta Inquirer
Description
A series of collected newspaper clippings pertaining to the Civil Rights Movement and the Atlanta Student Movement from the Atlanta Inquirer, an African American publication. 24 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements, African American newspapers
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
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
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
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
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
"An Appeal for Human Rights", March 9, 1960
Date Created
1960-03-09
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
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.
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 "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
"New South", March 1960
Date Created
1960-03
Creator
Southern Regional Council
Description
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.
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 collection of newspaper clipping about Civil Rights Protest: Negroes 'Sit In' Here At 10 Eating Places, 1960; Rev. King Is Arrested Here in Montgomery Periury; Pastor Brinson with Dr. MLK and Rev A.D King, 1960; Hope and Archer Memorialized, February 1960; Albert Brinson Intern At Ebenezer, March 15, 1960; Negroes Demonstrate The Atlanta Journal, 1960. 6 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Albert Brinson, 1960
Date Created
1960
Description
A collection of newspaper clipping about Civil Rights Protest: Negroes 'Sit In' Here At 10 Eating Places, 1960; Rev. King Is Arrested Here in Montgomery Periury; Pastor Brinson with Dr. MLK and Rev A.D King, 1960; Hope and Archer Memorialized, February 1960; Albert Brinson Intern At Ebenezer, March 15, 1960; Negroes Demonstrate The Atlanta Journal, 1960. 6 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
These are three political cartoons by Maurice Pennington about segregation and the civil rights protest. The first picture, "Needs A Size 45.1 percent", depicts an Atlanta Black student with a sign attached to his leg saying, " 'Suit' of Inadequate School Facilities". The second picture, "Fire Fighter?", shows a fireman with a label saying, "Some of Us", trying to out a house fire with gasoline. The gas pump is saying, "Gasoline. Pump of 'Still Buying' ", while simultaneously two students (one woman and one man) are putting out the fire with water and attached to them is a sign saying, "Students". Lastly, the third picture, "It's All Right to Seat Them. They're Not Americans", illustrates a hostess uncertain about seating two patrons of color and her manager explaining it's all right to seat them. 3 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Maurice Pennington Political Cartoons, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Author
Pennington, Maurice
Creator
The Atlanta Inquirer
Description
These are three political cartoons by Maurice Pennington about segregation and the civil rights protest. The first picture, "Needs A Size 45.1 percent", depicts an Atlanta Black student with a sign attached to his leg saying, " 'Suit' of Inadequate School Facilities". The second picture, "Fire Fighter?", shows a fireman with a label saying, "Some of Us", trying to out a house fire with gasoline. The gas pump is saying, "Gasoline. Pump of 'Still Buying' ", while simultaneously two students (one woman and one man) are putting out the fire with water and attached to them is a sign saying, "Students". Lastly, the third picture, "It's All Right to Seat Them. They're Not Americans", illustrates a hostess uncertain about seating two patrons of color and her manager explaining it's all right to seat them. 3 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements, Political cartoons
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Written on recto: Riders still segregated. Whites and Negroes are still segregated on this Atlanta Transit Co. trolley today following the Supreme Court's decision outlawing segregation on all public buses. State officials said that Georgia was not a party to the South Carolina Legal Action and hence would not be immediately affected. City Attny.. Jack Savage said Atlanta has no ordinance actually requiring segregation but does have an ordnance requiring those in charge of buses and trolley to obey the st[?]e segregation laws.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Riders Still Segregated", April 23, 1956
Date Created
1956-04-23
Description
Written on recto: Riders still segregated. Whites and Negroes are still segregated on this Atlanta Transit Co. trolley today following the Supreme Court's decision outlawing segregation on all public buses. State officials said that Georgia was not a party to the South Carolina Legal Action and hence would not be immediately affected. City Attny.. Jack Savage said Atlanta has no ordinance actually requiring segregation but does have an ordnance requiring those in charge of buses and trolley to obey the st[?]e segregation laws.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Segregation, Race discrimination
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection