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
A group celebrates at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard Celebration, November 2010
Date Created
2010-11
Creator
Fowler, Rhonda
Description
A group celebrates at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A group of young men stand under the Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard sign during the dedication celebration.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard Celebration, November 2010
Date Created
2010-11
Creator
Fowler, Rhonda
Description
A group of young men stand under the Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard sign during the dedication celebration.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Clark Atlanta University students hold a parade banner at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard Celebration, November 2010
Date Created
2010-11
Creator
Fowler, Rhonda
Description
Clark Atlanta University students hold a parade banner at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Thomas Cole and Brenda Cole celebrate with students at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard Celebration, November 2010
Date Created
2010-11
Creator
Fowler, Rhonda
Description
Thomas Cole and Brenda Cole celebrate with students at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A group celebrates at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard Celebration, November 2010
Date Created
2010-11
Creator
Fowler, Rhonda
Description
A group celebrates at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A group celebrates at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard Celebration, November 2010
Date Created
2010-11
Creator
Fowler, Rhonda
Description
A group celebrates at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A group celebrates at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard Celebration, November 2010
Date Created
2010-11
Creator
Fowler, Rhonda
Description
A group celebrates at the dedication of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Events and programs
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 document comprises two correspondences (one to Johnny Parham and one to the Members of the 40th Anniversary Commemoration Planning Committee from Lonnie C. King), the minutes and agenda for the Committee On Appeal For Human Rights (COAHR), and the articles of incorporation for the COAHR. The minutes and correspondence are about planning the 40th Anniversary of COAHR and the Atlanta Student Movement. Lonnie C. King discusses the need to expand resources with economic aid for African Americans and a mandatory African American history class for freshmen at the Atlanta University Center Institutions for the fall of 2001. 12 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Correspondence to Johnny Parham from Lonnie C. King, November 6, 2000
Date Created
2000-11-06
Author
King, Lonnie C., 1936-
Description
This document comprises two correspondences (one to Johnny Parham and one to the Members of the 40th Anniversary Commemoration Planning Committee from Lonnie C. King), the minutes and agenda for the Committee On Appeal For Human Rights (COAHR), and the articles of incorporation for the COAHR. The minutes and correspondence are about planning the 40th Anniversary of COAHR and the Atlanta Student Movement. Lonnie C. King discusses the need to expand resources with economic aid for African Americans and a mandatory African American history class for freshmen at the Atlanta University Center Institutions for the fall of 2001. 12 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Civil rights veterans expressed concern over college students' lack of interest and participation in the civil rights movement. The 40th anniversary of the black student rights movement in Atlanta and the 32nd anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination witnessed low attendance at significant commemorations. Seasoned activists acknowledged that activism has typically been limited to high-profile events and that there has always been a shortage of activists on the day-to-day grind. Some students in attendance expressed their desire to become involved in social issues, seeking guidance from their elders on contributing to change in a world seemingly less focused on activism. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Few Students Join in Rally For Civil Rights", April 13, 2000
Date Created
2000-04-13
Description
Civil rights veterans expressed concern over college students' lack of interest and participation in the civil rights movement. The 40th anniversary of the black student rights movement in Atlanta and the 32nd anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination witnessed low attendance at significant commemorations. Seasoned activists acknowledged that activism has typically been limited to high-profile events and that there has always been a shortage of activists on the day-to-day grind. Some students in attendance expressed their desire to become involved in social issues, seeking guidance from their elders on contributing to change in a world seemingly less focused on activism. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Photograph of the groundbreaking ceremony for the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement and the Appeal for Human Rights. Featured in this photo: Mary Ann Smith, Lonnie. C King, Walter E. Massey, and Thomas W. Cole Jr.. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Groundbreaking Ceremony, April 10,2000
Date Created
2000-04-10
Description
Photograph of the groundbreaking ceremony for the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement and the Appeal for Human Rights. Featured in this photo: Mary Ann Smith, Lonnie. C King, Walter E. Massey, and Thomas W. Cole Jr.. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A photograph and text showing the 40th historic reunion of the Atlanta University Center 1960 Student Civil Rights movement. The picture was taken in front of the Trevor Arnett Library on the Clark Atlanta University Campus. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Historic Reunion", April 2, 2000
Date Created
2000-04-02
Creator
Atlanta Daily World
Description
A photograph and text showing the 40th historic reunion of the Atlanta University Center 1960 Student Civil Rights movement. The picture was taken in front of the Trevor Arnett Library on the Clark Atlanta University Campus. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This document is a reprint of the first edition of "The Atlanta Inquirer" newspaper, dated August 7, 1960. The front page highlights three legal suits filed by students seeking an end to racial bias in a cafeteria located on tax-supported premises. The document also features an appreciation letter from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, expressing their support for establishing "The Atlanta Inquirer" as a means of open communication and appeals within the African American community. Additionally, the document announces a historical marker dedication event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Student Movement for Civil Rights and the Appeal for Human Rights, scheduled for March 31, 2000. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"Three Suits Filed Here", April 1, 2000
Date Created
2000-04-01
Creator
The Atlanta Inquirer
Description
This document is a reprint of the first edition of "The Atlanta Inquirer" newspaper, dated August 7, 1960. The front page highlights three legal suits filed by students seeking an end to racial bias in a cafeteria located on tax-supported premises. The document also features an appreciation letter from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, expressing their support for establishing "The Atlanta Inquirer" as a means of open communication and appeals within the African American community. Additionally, the document announces a historical marker dedication event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Student Movement for Civil Rights and the Appeal for Human Rights, scheduled for March 31, 2000. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Invitation and schedule include a groundbreaking ceremony for a commemorative marker and special recognition for participants of the 1960s movement, workshops, and strategy sessions conducted by national facilitators and speakers, and an ecumenical service at Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, Morehouse College. The public is invited to join and celebrate the contributions of institutional, religious, student, and community activists involved in the student movement. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
40th Anniversary COAHR Invitation, April 1, 2000
Date Created
2000-04-01
Description
Invitation and schedule include a groundbreaking ceremony for a commemorative marker and special recognition for participants of the 1960s movement, workshops, and strategy sessions conducted by national facilitators and speakers, and an ecumenical service at Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, Morehouse College. The public is invited to join and celebrate the contributions of institutional, religious, student, and community activists involved in the student movement. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The Atlanta University Center hosts commemorative events to mark the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta student movement, including a news conference and groundbreaking ceremony for a marker recalling the student group's "Appeal for Human Rights" against segregation. Workshops on race relations are conducted, followed by an ecumenical service at Martin Luther King Jr. Chapel. Concurrently, the Morehouse School of Medicine celebrates its 25th anniversary by opening a new wing and groundbreaking for a National Center for Primary Care, focusing on research, analysis, and training for effective primary health care. The weekend activities also include a concert, convocation, and awards banquet. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
"1960s Student Rights Crusade, Morehouse Onset Celebrated", March 31, 2000
Date Created
2000-03-31
Description
The Atlanta University Center hosts commemorative events to mark the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta student movement, including a news conference and groundbreaking ceremony for a marker recalling the student group's "Appeal for Human Rights" against segregation. Workshops on race relations are conducted, followed by an ecumenical service at Martin Luther King Jr. Chapel. Concurrently, the Morehouse School of Medicine celebrates its 25th anniversary by opening a new wing and groundbreaking for a National Center for Primary Care, focusing on research, analysis, and training for effective primary health care. The weekend activities also include a concert, convocation, and awards banquet. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
This document outlines the details of the 40th anniversary commemoration held from March 31 to May 12, 2000, at the Atlanta University Center's Robert W. Woodruff Library in the Virginia Lacy Jones Exhibition Hall. The event featured various activities, including a press conference, dedication of a historical marker at CAU Trevor Arnett Quadrangle on March 31 at 3:00 pm, a workshop at Virginia Lacy Jones Exhibition Hall on April 1 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and an ecumenical service at King Chapel, Morehouse College on April 2 at 10:30 am. The commemoration honored the significant role of students from Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Clark, Morehouse, Morris Brown, and Spelman Colleges in the civil rights movement. Their actions, including sit-ins, kneel-ins, picket lines, and "freedom rides", contributed to the acceleration of racial desegregation and brought about essential changes in Atlanta, the South, and the nation. The event aimed to inspire the present generation of students and community leaders to reflect on current issues and take action for positive change, echoing the spirit of the historical Appeal for Human Rights. 2 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
40th Anniversary Commemoration, March 31, 2000
Date Created
2000-03-31
Description
This document outlines the details of the 40th anniversary commemoration held from March 31 to May 12, 2000, at the Atlanta University Center's Robert W. Woodruff Library in the Virginia Lacy Jones Exhibition Hall. The event featured various activities, including a press conference, dedication of a historical marker at CAU Trevor Arnett Quadrangle on March 31 at 3:00 pm, a workshop at Virginia Lacy Jones Exhibition Hall on April 1 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and an ecumenical service at King Chapel, Morehouse College on April 2 at 10:30 am. The commemoration honored the significant role of students from Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Clark, Morehouse, Morris Brown, and Spelman Colleges in the civil rights movement. Their actions, including sit-ins, kneel-ins, picket lines, and "freedom rides", contributed to the acceleration of racial desegregation and brought about essential changes in Atlanta, the South, and the nation. The event aimed to inspire the present generation of students and community leaders to reflect on current issues and take action for positive change, echoing the spirit of the historical Appeal for Human Rights. 2 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Johnny Parham on March 31st, 2000, by the Atlanta City Council. The certificate was rewarded to Johnny Parham in honor of the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of "An Appeal for Human Rights" and the Atlanta Student Movement. 1 page.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
Johnny Parham's Certificate of Appreciation, March 31,2000
Date Created
2000-03-31
Description
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Johnny Parham on March 31st, 2000, by the Atlanta City Council. The certificate was rewarded to Johnny Parham in honor of the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of "An Appeal for Human Rights" and the Atlanta Student Movement. 1 page.
Subject
African American student movements, African American pioneers, African Americans--Civil rights
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
The planning committee, consisting of former students and community activists, organizes a proposed program for the 40th anniversary commemoration. The program includes a press conference, plenary sessions, workshops, a march, and discussions on various themes, such as economic security, education, health care, and more. The agenda also lists committee members' names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails for communication and coordination purposes. 5 pages.
Atlanta Student Movement Collection
40th Anniversary Planning Committee, March 30, 2000
Date Created
2000-03-30
Description
The planning committee, consisting of former students and community activists, organizes a proposed program for the 40th anniversary commemoration. The program includes a press conference, plenary sessions, workshops, a march, and discussions on various themes, such as economic security, education, health care, and more. The agenda also lists committee members' names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails for communication and coordination purposes. 5 pages.
Subject
African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, Events and programs
Collection
Atlanta Student Movement Collection