An Appeal for Human Rights

An Appeal for Human Rights

An Appeal for Human Rights is a significant document in the history of the American civil rights movement. It was written by students from the Atlanta University Center and published on March 9, 1960, in the Atlanta Constitution. This document marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States.

Historical Context

The late 1950s and early 1960s were a time of intense social change in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, with African Americans and their allies fighting against segregation and discrimination. The Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954 had declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, yet many areas in the South resisted integration.

The Atlanta Student Movement

The Atlanta Student Movement was a coalition of students from the Atlanta University Center, which included Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark College, Morris Brown College, Interdenominational Theological Center, and Atlanta University. These students were inspired by the sit-in movement that began in Greensboro, North Carolina, in February 1960.

Content of the Appeal

An Appeal for Human Rights was a manifesto that outlined the grievances and demands of African American students in Atlanta. It called for the end of racial segregation in public facilities, equal access to education, and the right to vote without discrimination. The document was a powerful statement against the injustices faced by African Americans and a call to action for change.

Impact and Legacy

The publication of An Appeal for Human Rights had a profound impact on the civil rights movement. It drew national attention to the issues of segregation and discrimination in Atlanta and inspired similar movements across the country. The document also led to the formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which played a crucial role in the civil rights movement.

Conclusion

An Appeal for Human Rights remains a landmark document in the history of civil rights in the United States. It exemplifies the courage and determination of young African Americans who stood up against injustice and demanded equality and human rights for all.

References

• "An Appeal for Human Rights," Atlanta Constitution, March 9, 1960.
• Martin Luther King Jr., "Letter from Birmingham Jail."
• Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee