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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  • Decade = 1960-1969
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
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 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
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
A placard for the All Tech Assembly on student sit-in strikes with speakers John mack and John Parham. 1 Page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
All Tech Assembly Table Tent, May 17, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-17
Description
A placard for the All Tech Assembly on student sit-in strikes with speakers John mack and John Parham. 1 Page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This event program outlines the details of the Annual Meeting Dinner of the Allegheny County Council on Civil Rights. The event took place on Monday, May 16, 1960, at 6:30 P.M. in Rockwell Hall at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Allegheny County Council on Civil Rights Dinner, May 16, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-16
Description
This event program outlines the details of the Annual Meeting Dinner of the Allegheny County Council on Civil Rights. The event took place on Monday, May 16, 1960, at 6:30 P.M. in Rockwell Hall at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights
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
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 University Center students at a hearing.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta University Center Students, March 15, 1960
Date Created
1960-03-15
Description
Atlanta University Center students at a hearing.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
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
Written on accompanying slide: From Atlanta. Negroes Leave Bus After Mixed Ride. Negro clergymen stand around the front door of a public bus in Atlanta just after riding it with disregard for segregated seating regulations. When they began getting off, the driver asked them to leave by rear door. They declined and alighted through the front door. during their ride of about 36 blocks, some occupied seats up front with white passengers seated behind them. That's contrary to transit company regulations.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Clergymen Leaving Bus Ride, circa 1960
Date Created
1957/1963
Description
Written on accompanying slide: From Atlanta. Negroes Leave Bus After Mixed Ride. Negro clergymen stand around the front door of a public bus in Atlanta just after riding it with disregard for segregated seating regulations. When they began getting off, the driver asked them to leave by rear door. They declined and alighted through the front door. during their ride of about 36 blocks, some occupied seats up front with white passengers seated behind them. That's contrary to transit company regulations.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination, African American men, African American clergy
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A handwritten letter from the Committee on Communication and the Appeal For Human Rights to College presidents. The letter describes how the committee is grateful for the college presidents' support against racial discrimination. The committee recognizes that the presidents' administration had significantly improved their movement's progress and would be stagnant without them. The committee further thanks the college presidents and expresses their desire to continue supporting their goal. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
COAHR Communication Letter to Atlanta University Presidents from Appeal For Human Rights, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
A handwritten letter from the Committee on Communication and the Appeal For Human Rights to College presidents. The letter describes how the committee is grateful for the college presidents' support against racial discrimination. The committee recognizes that the presidents' administration had significantly improved their movement's progress and would be stagnant without them. The committee further thanks the college presidents and expresses their desire to continue supporting their goal. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, College presidents, Race discrimination
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This letter from the Committee on Communications at Atlanta University in Georgia appeals for moral and financial support for their cause of human rights. The letter describes the publication of their policy statement, "The Appeal For Human Rights," and the initiation of a "request for service" in Atlanta. As a result, 76 students were arrested and are awaiting trial, prompting the establishment of a defense fund to support these students in their legal battle. The letter urges recipients to send their communications and contributions to the Appeal For Human Rights and the Student Defense Fund at Atlanta University. The committee sincerely appreciates any sentiments offered to support their efforts. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
COAHR Correspondence, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
This letter from the Committee on Communications at Atlanta University in Georgia appeals for moral and financial support for their cause of human rights. The letter describes the publication of their policy statement, "The Appeal For Human Rights," and the initiation of a "request for service" in Atlanta. As a result, 76 students were arrested and are awaiting trial, prompting the establishment of a defense fund to support these students in their legal battle. The letter urges recipients to send their communications and contributions to the Appeal For Human Rights and the Student Defense Fund at Atlanta University. The committee sincerely appreciates any sentiments offered to support their efforts. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students
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
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
Letter referencing how the arrested students have been released on bond and awaiting trial, prompting the establishment of a defense fund to support them in their legal battle. The letter sincerely pleads for moral and financial support, providing contact information for communications and contributions. The Committee members listed are Albert Brinson (Chairman), Norma Wilson (Secretary), Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence About Arrested Students, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
Letter referencing how the arrested students have been released on bond and awaiting trial, prompting the establishment of a defense fund to support them in their legal battle. The letter sincerely pleads for moral and financial support, providing contact information for communications and contributions. The Committee members listed are Albert Brinson (Chairman), Norma Wilson (Secretary), Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This letter announces the initiation of a selective buying campaign against the A & P (Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company) grocery store chain to express discontent against segregation and discriminatory hiring practices. The committee seeks support for their cause and aims to spread the campaign nationwide to end discriminatory practices globally. The committee members listed are Albert P. Brinson (Chairman), Norma Wilson (Secretary), Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence, Against A and P Grocery, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
This letter announces the initiation of a selective buying campaign against the A & P (Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company) grocery store chain to express discontent against segregation and discriminatory hiring practices. The committee seeks support for their cause and aims to spread the campaign nationwide to end discriminatory practices globally. The committee members listed are Albert P. Brinson (Chairman), Norma Wilson (Secretary), Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, Race discrimination
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A note mentioning an enclosed statement. The committee requests serious consideration and support for their plea for human rights and invites the recipient to provide their comments. The committee members are Albert Brinson, Norma Wilson, Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence from COAHR, March 10, 1960
Date Created
1960-03-10
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
A note mentioning an enclosed statement. The committee requests serious consideration and support for their plea for human rights and invites the recipient to provide their comments. The committee members are Albert Brinson, Norma Wilson, Julian Bond, and Lydia Tucker. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence from COAHR to a "friend" and an NAACP member mentioning the need for funds to support the defense fund for the 76 jailed students. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence from Committee on Communication, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee On the Appeal For Human Rights
Description
Correspondence from COAHR to a "friend" and an NAACP member mentioning the need for funds to support the defense fund for the 76 jailed students. 2 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Two letters from Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, former president of Morehouse College. Both letters are to Albert Brinson at Atlanta University. The first letter is dated April 8th, 1960, about Dr. May's continuing to work to become a "Negro American" instead of an "American Negroes." The second letter, April 20th, 1960, was sent to Albert Brinson on Tanner Street. The letter discusses one of the Morehouse trustees, Dorothy Compton, meeting with the students who participated in the sit-down protest. Dr. Mays asks Brinson, with six other people, to meet with Compton in the Henderson Lounge in the Chemistry Building on Friday at 3:00 pm. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence from Morehouse President Benjamin E. Mays, April, 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Author
Mays, Benjamin E. (Benjamin Elijah), 1894-1984
Description
Two letters from Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, former president of Morehouse College. Both letters are to Albert Brinson at Atlanta University. The first letter is dated April 8th, 1960, about Dr. May's continuing to work to become a "Negro American" instead of an "American Negroes." The second letter, April 20th, 1960, was sent to Albert Brinson on Tanner Street. The letter discusses one of the Morehouse trustees, Dorothy Compton, meeting with the students who participated in the sit-down protest. Dr. Mays asks Brinson, with six other people, to meet with Compton in the Henderson Lounge in the Chemistry Building on Friday at 3:00 pm. 2 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, College presidents
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection