Atlanta Student Movement

Atlanta Student Movement

The Atlanta Student Movement was a significant part of the broader Civil Rights Movement in the United States, particularly during the early 1960s. It was primarily led by students from the Atlanta University Center, a consortium of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta, Georgia. This movement played a crucial role in challenging racial segregation and discrimination in Atlanta and the South.

Historical Context

The Atlanta Student Movement emerged in the context of the growing momentum of the Civil Rights Movement across the United States. Inspired by the Greensboro sit-ins in 1960, students in Atlanta sought to address the pervasive racial segregation and inequality in their own city. At the time, Atlanta was a city deeply divided by race, with African Americans facing discrimination in education, employment, and public accommodations.

Formation and Key Figures

The movement was initiated by students from the Atlanta University Center, which includes Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Morris Brown College, Interdenominational Theological Center, and Morehouse School of Medicine. Key figures in the movement included Lonnie King, Julian Bond, Roslyn Pope, and Joseph E. Lowery.

In March 1960, the students formed the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights (COAHR), which became the organizational backbone of the movement. The committee drafted "An Appeal for Human Rights," a manifesto that outlined the grievances and demands of the students. This document was published in several newspapers, including the Atlanta Constitution and the New York Times.

Major Actions and Impact

The Atlanta Student Movement organized a series of sit-ins, boycotts, and marches to protest segregation in public facilities such as restaurants, theaters, and parks. One of the most notable actions was the sit-in at Rich's Department Store in downtown Atlanta, which drew national attention.

The movement also worked to desegregate public schools and universities in Atlanta. Their efforts contributed to the eventual desegregation of Georgia State University and other institutions.

Legacy

The Atlanta Student Movement was instrumental in advancing civil rights in Atlanta and served as a model for student activism across the country. It demonstrated the power of organized, nonviolent protest and the critical role of young people in the struggle for social justice.

The movement's leaders went on to have significant careers in civil rights, politics, and education. For example, Julian Bond became a prominent civil rights leader and politician, serving as chairman of the NAACP.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Sit-in movement
• Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee

References

• King, Lonnie. The Atlanta Student Movement: A Legacy of Courage and Change. Atlanta: Atlanta University Center, 2010.
• Bond, Julian. Civil Rights: Then and Now. New York: Random House, 2005.

External Links

• Atlanta University Center Consortium
• NAACP Official Website