Atlanta is known as the “the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement” for good reason. From 1940 to 1970, the city became the epicenter for the movement as black leaders fought for voting rights, access to public facilities and institutions, and economic and educational opportunities for African Americans. Local public figures like Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Former Ambassador Andrew Young, and Congressman John Lewis rose to national and international prominence through their contribution to the nonviolent struggle for equal rights. Infrastructure for Advancement One of the key reasons Atlanta became the natural headquarters for the Civil Rights Movement was the strong infrastructure provided by local black churches, social institutions and political organizations. The city was also home to one of the most successful black business communities in the country, “Sweet Auburn” Avenue. The Atlanta University Center (AUC) The largest network of historically black colleges and universities in the U.S., is also located just west of downtown. During the Civil Rights era, students from Clark College, Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morris Brown, and the Interdenominational Theological Center were very instrumental in the planning and implementation of activities to secure the rights of African Americans. This well-defined and vibrant black community became the backbone to supporting the movement by developing leaders and supporters and providing a safe haven for convening and dialogue. Even some notable local businesses leveraged their standing to support the Civil Rights Movement. In 1964, social conservatives in Atlanta refused to support an integrated dinner honoring Nobel Peace Prize winner Martin Luther King, Jr., Coca-Cola’s then-CEO J. Paul Austin intervened, stating “Coca-Cola cannot stay in a city that’s going to have this kind of reaction and not honor a Nobel Peace Prize winner.” The ultimatum worked and the event quickly sold out. ATLANTA: CRADLE OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT By Kayla Reed, Account Supervisor at Porter Novel l i , 2015 February 1913 Rosa Parks was born in Tuskegee, AL. In 1955, she took action on a bus headed to Montgomery, AL that led to stopping segregation on public transportation. February 1960 Brown v. Board of Education that stopped school segregation. February 1976 President Ford declared Black History Month for February. Important February Dates February 1995 Bernard Harris became the first black man to walk in space on his second mission. February 1992 John Singleton was the first black director for Boyz in the Hood nominated for an Oscar. Diversity & Inclusion February Black History: Much More than One Month Click here for rest of the article By studying black history, it promotes diversity and inclusion. There are many powerful stories that impact our everyday lives.
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