Civil Rights

Learn more about the stories of those that lived and labored in north Georgia, including the fourteen enslaved persons who labored on the Smith Farm.

In 1971, Betty Byrom and John Sanford’s interracial love faced Georgia’s outdated anti-miscegenation laws — despite their unconstitutionality. Refusing to back down, they enlisted the U.S. Justice Department, leading to legal intervention that helped force Georgia’s compliance with federal law. Their story reshaped state policy and redefined what love and courage could achieve.

Atlanta History Center, in collaboration with the Christine King Farris Legacy Foundation, Inc. and members of the King Family, is proud to have the Hats of the King Family Women Exhibit on display.

Explore our Civil Rights reading list as recommended by our own Director of Community Collaborations, Dr. La’Neice Littleton.

Atlanta Negro Voters League: Strength in Unity explores the history and legacy of the grassroots voting rights organization that influenced Atlanta elections from 1949 to 1965.

We created a guide to help Georgians prepare to exercise their right to vote, select the method by which they vote, and to identify and report instances of voter intimidation.

Explore Elizabeth McDuffie’s journey from personal cook and maid for the Inman family and President Franklin Roosevelt to a civil rights advocate. Known for her ambition, she was considered for the role of Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.”

Join La’Neice Littleton, Ph.D., historian and Director of Community Collaborations, for an exploration of people, places, and events in Atlanta’s Black history.

Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., passed away after battling prostate cancer. A dedicated civil rights activist, he carried on his family’s legacy, advocating for nonviolence, social justice, and animal rights. King’s life work emphasized compassion and equality, reflecting his deep commitment to his parents’ vision.

Black churches played a crucial role in community building, social justice, and the civil rights movement in the Black community. Beyond being spiritual havens, Black churches were also pivotal in nurturing the growth of gospel music.

Rabbi Jacob M. Rothschild, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, used his position at Atlanta’s The Temple to champion racial integration and nonviolent resistance. Ordained in 1936, he became a vocal advocate against segregation and for school desegregation. His close associations with civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his response to the 1958 bombing of The Temple, reinforced his commitment to social justice. His legacy continues through The Temple’s ongoing efforts in social justice and interfaith collaboration.

George “Ed” Merritt’s life encapsulates a journey from the racial violence of early 20th century Georgia to becoming a local civil rights champion in Buford. Born in 1913, after his family fled racial terror in Forsyth County, Merritt served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later became a community leader. His political career peaked when he was elected to the Buford School Board in 1973, reflecting the broader struggle for civil rights in Georgia. Merritt’s legacy, highlighted by his advocacy for voting and education, endures in Buford, where a street now bears his name.

Explore the Civil Rights era and connect it to social movements throughout time in this virtual experience.