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 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 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 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
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
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
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
Students enter the House Gallery.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Entering House Gallery, circa 1960
Date Created
1957/1963
Description
Students enter the House Gallery.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Two men turn on a fire hydrant with state troopers in the background.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Fire Hydrant, circa 1960
Date Created
1957/1963
Description
Two men turn on a fire hydrant with state troopers in the background.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, Race discrimination
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
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
Frank Smith and other students stand inside the Governor's office by the receptionist desk.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
In Governor's Office, circa 1960
Date Created
1957/1963
Description
Frank Smith and other students stand inside the Governor's office by the receptionist desk.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
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
James Foreman talks to the receptionist in the Office of Lieutenant Governor.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
James Foreman, circa 1960
Date Created
1957/1963
Description
James Foreman talks to the receptionist in the Office of Lieutenant Governor.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
James Foreman gets shoved by an unidentified man.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
James Foreman, circa 1960
Date Created
1957/1963
Description
James Foreman gets shoved by an unidentified man.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Protest movements, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection