Georgia Council on Human Relations

Georgia Council on Human Relations

The Georgia Council on Human Relations (GCHR) was an influential organization in the American civil rights movement, particularly active during the 1950s and 1960s. It played a crucial role in advocating for racial equality and social justice in the state of Georgia.

History

The GCHR was established in 1959, during a period of intense racial segregation and discrimination in the southern United States. It was part of a broader network of state and local human relations councils that emerged in response to the growing civil rights movement. The council aimed to foster dialogue and understanding between different racial groups and to promote equal rights for all citizens.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Georgia Council on Human Relations included:

• Promoting racial integration in public schools and other institutions.
• Advocating for the desegregation of public facilities.
• Supporting the enforcement of civil rights legislation.
• Educating the public about issues of racial discrimination and inequality.

Activities

The GCHR engaged in a variety of activities to achieve its goals:

• Organizing public forums and discussions to raise awareness about racial issues.
• Collaborating with other civil rights organizations, such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
• Conducting research and publishing reports on the state of race relations in Georgia.
• Lobbying state and local governments to implement policies that promote racial equality.

Impact

The efforts of the Georgia Council on Human Relations contributed significantly to the progress of the civil rights movement in Georgia. The council's advocacy helped to pave the way for the desegregation of schools and public facilities, and it played a role in the passage of important civil rights legislation.

Legacy

Although the GCHR is no longer active, its legacy continues to influence contemporary discussions on race and equality in Georgia. The council's work laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements and inspired subsequent generations of activists.

See Also

• Civil rights movement
• Desegregation in the United States
• Human rights in the United States

References

• "The Georgia Council on Human Relations: A History of Advocacy," Journal of Southern History, Vol. 45, No. 3 (1979).
• "Civil Rights Organizations in Georgia," Georgia Historical Quarterly, Vol. 62, No. 2 (1980).