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 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 is a two-page newspaper article titled "An Appeal for Human Rights:1960-2010", from March 20th, 2010 in the Atlanta Inquirer. The Committee (COAHR) jointly wrote the article On the Appeal for Human Rights. The article summarizes the history of the 1960s' Appeal For Human Rights and recontextualizes the manifesto of the Atlanta Student Movement for 2010. The article also addresses progress made since the 1960s, including advancements in desegregation, voting rights, and representation of African Americans in various fields. However, it points out ongoing education, employment, housing, voting, healthcare, and law enforcement challenges. The persisting achievement gap, unequal access to quality education, economic disparities, de facto segregation, and racial bias in the criminal justice system are highlighted as issues that demand continued attention and action. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"An Appeal for Human Rights: 1960-2010", March 20, 2010
Date Created
2010-03-20
Creator
The Atlanta Inquirer
Description
This is a two-page newspaper article titled "An Appeal for Human Rights:1960-2010", from March 20th, 2010 in the Atlanta Inquirer. The Committee (COAHR) jointly wrote the article On the Appeal for Human Rights. The article summarizes the history of the 1960s' Appeal For Human Rights and recontextualizes the manifesto of the Atlanta Student Movement for 2010. The article also addresses progress made since the 1960s, including advancements in desegregation, voting rights, and representation of African Americans in various fields. However, it points out ongoing education, employment, housing, voting, healthcare, and law enforcement challenges. The persisting achievement gap, unequal access to quality education, economic disparities, de facto segregation, and racial bias in the criminal justice system are highlighted as issues that demand continued attention and action. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
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
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
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
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 "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
These articles are interconnected through their focus on the civil rights movement and the efforts of young activists in the 1960s to achieve equal rights and social justice. The articles highlight different aspects of the movement, including the "sit-in" protests, the challenges faced by students advocating for integration and equal rights, and the legal implications of their actions. 3 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
News Clippings, circa 1960
Date Created
1960/1963
Description
These articles are interconnected through their focus on the civil rights movement and the efforts of young activists in the 1960s to achieve equal rights and social justice. The articles highlight different aspects of the movement, including the "sit-in" protests, the challenges faced by students advocating for integration and equal rights, and the legal implications of their actions. 3 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A series of collected newspaper clippings about the Civil Rights Movement. 211 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
News Clippings, circa 1960
Date Created
1960/1963
Creator
The Student Voices, Brown Daily Herald, The Atlanta Inquirer, The Spelman Spotlight
Description
A series of collected newspaper clippings about the Civil Rights Movement. 211 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African Americans--Civil rights
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 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
Atlanta Inquirer main article "Jail, No Bail Group in Jail, Cheerful, Confident", on Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., student leader Lonnie King, and fellow sit-in group members, confident in their cause, faced their arrest for violating trespass laws during a sit-in protest in Atlanta. After spending a night in Fulton County Jail, their spirit remained steadfast despite minor discomforts. The article reflects on the determination of the protesters and the prison conditions they endured, highlighting their commitment to challenging societal restrictions on human freedom and dignity. Other excerpts touch on topics such as civil rights, segregation, discrimination, education, and social issues prevalent during the 1960s. The newspaper highlights the struggles and challenges faced by African Americans in the segregated South and the efforts of civil rights activists and students to bring about change through nonviolent protest and activism. The excerpts also reflect on the role of education and the importance of breaking out of societal constraints and discriminatory practices. 4 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Jail, No Bail Group in Jail, Cheerful, Confident", October 24, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-24
Creator
The Atlanta Inquirer
Description
Atlanta Inquirer main article "Jail, No Bail Group in Jail, Cheerful, Confident", on Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., student leader Lonnie King, and fellow sit-in group members, confident in their cause, faced their arrest for violating trespass laws during a sit-in protest in Atlanta. After spending a night in Fulton County Jail, their spirit remained steadfast despite minor discomforts. The article reflects on the determination of the protesters and the prison conditions they endured, highlighting their commitment to challenging societal restrictions on human freedom and dignity. Other excerpts touch on topics such as civil rights, segregation, discrimination, education, and social issues prevalent during the 1960s. The newspaper highlights the struggles and challenges faced by African Americans in the segregated South and the efforts of civil rights activists and students to bring about change through nonviolent protest and activism. The excerpts also reflect on the role of education and the importance of breaking out of societal constraints and discriminatory practices. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Lonnie King, Marilyn Price, Martin Luther King, Jr.., and others were arrested after being denied service at Rich's Department Store, in downtown Atlanta.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Lonnie King, Marilyn Price, Martin Luther King, Jr., October 19, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-19
Description
Lonnie King, Marilyn Price, Martin Luther King, Jr.., and others were arrested after being denied service at Rich's Department Store, in downtown Atlanta.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Detention of persons, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Dr. Martin Luther King arrested with students. Left (partially visible) Morehouse student Lonnie King, (behind) Spelman students Marilyn Price, Blondean Orbert, followed by police.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Dr. Martin Luther King Arrested With Students, October 19, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-19
Description
Dr. Martin Luther King arrested with students. Left (partially visible) Morehouse student Lonnie King, (behind) Spelman students Marilyn Price, Blondean Orbert, followed by police.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, Detention of persons, African American civic leaders, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This issue of "New South" delves into the ongoing student sit-in movement that began over a year ago in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has shown little sign of fading. The movement has evolved to include what is now known as the "Freedom Rides," which recently reached a climax with the Alabama riots. The magazine provides a brief overview of the movement's origins and its current forms of protest. 9 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"New South", September 1960
Date Created
1960-09
Creator
Southern Regional Council
Description
This issue of "New South" delves into the ongoing student sit-in movement that began over a year ago in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has shown little sign of fading. The movement has evolved to include what is now known as the "Freedom Rides," which recently reached a climax with the Alabama riots. The magazine provides a brief overview of the movement's origins and its current forms of protest. 9 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection