Carolyn Quilloin Coleman, who was a senior in high school at the time of her arrest, says, “…We were very familiar with what happened to Emmet Till, a 15-year-old student who was killed in Mississippi for allegedly whistling at a white girl across the street. Protester being asked to leave the Azalea Room in Levy’s Department Store, March 1960. Delivering Justice: W.W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights. The Occupy movement began in the United States initially with the Occupy Wall Street protests in New York City but spread to many other cities, both in the United States and worldwide. 9. Sit-in at McCrory’s, March 23, 1961. Lauren Decicca/Getty Images. (Westley Wallace) Law speech on audiocassette and transcriptions, 1984. SAVANNAH, GA: A previously convicted felon found carrying a gun after a Savannah protest has pled guilty to a federal firearms charge. GHS has several digitized images related to the struggle for Recognizing […] [i] Martha Keber, “The Struggle for Civil Rights in Savannah,” in Freedom’s March (Georgia: Telfair Books, 2008), 12. Movements grow by taking action. Benjamin West, who sat in at Kress (Figure 4) was spat on and even had his jaw broken while peacefully protesting. The Civil Rights Movement sparked an interest in student activism that is still being expressed today. Protests, events, and calls for direct action in Portland are led by a variety of groups, the Black Youth Movement being one of them. Four students from North Carolina A&T State University went to F. W. Woolworth department store, purchased some items, and then attempted to order food at the lunch counter. By the fifth day, there were over 300 supporters taking turns sitting at the lunch counter. 2 (2014): 72. Growing up in North Carolina, I was very familiar with the Greensboro Four, the students who sat in at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. Grant’s, and … [vi], One member of the NAACP Youth Council was former Savannah mayor, Edna Jackson, who says that her training and involvement in the NAACP taught her how to handle certain situations as the mayor. Courtesy of Ross Parsons of Savannah Morning News. Protesters were armed with signs that said things like, “We want a mouthful of freedom!” and “You can buy a $50 suit, but not a 10₵ cup of coffee” (Figure 2). Savannah on October 1, 1963. a supportive network, the Savannah Protest Movement leadership and activists Even though they were young, the students knew of the dangers of protesting, but still had the courage to stand up for what they believed was right. In this two-minute video, Sarah shares her experience using manuscript collections. Although a part of the larger Civil Rights Movement, the Savannah Protest Movement was uncommon, especially in its ability to exert continuous pressure on white power structures over an extended period. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson II stands in front of Savannah City Hall, where hundreds gathered Sunday, May 31, 2020, to peacefully protest the killing of George Floyd. [ii] The first thing on Dr. Gilbert’s agenda was voter registration because many African Americans believed that this was the first step in initiating change and gaining equal rights. Groves High School, 2016. Almost 2,500 years ago, Roman peasants, known as the Plebeians, put the fear of the gods into their social betters by protesting for more rights and better conditions and basically going on strike. This Hidden History was created by SCAD student Tykeia Vines as part of her SCAD art history department coursework with guidance from art history professor Holly Goldstein, Ph.D., 2015. You just felt like this is the right thing to do.”[vii], During the 1950s and early 1960s, there were many student-led Civil Rights protests occurring across the country. create a free MyJSTOR Account. succeeded in waging a long, persistent campaign that ended segregation across and in recognition of Black History Month, February’s #MarkerMondays discuss Since then, it has daily told the story of Savannah’s Civil Rights Movement. Courtesy of Tykeia Vines. “Students Spark Civil Rights Sit-Ins.” ABA Journal 100, no. library does not have access to JSTOR, you can go to www.jstor.org and Students endured spitballs, harassing phone calls, racial slurs, and having food thrown at them. The civil rights movement motivated many of Georgia's New Left leaders to become involved in political activism. 2 (2014): 72. [vi] Exhibit at Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. [xi], Even though black people were allowed to shop in these department stores and work as cooks or waiters, they were not allowed to eat with white people or use the same bathrooms, water fountains, and fitting rooms (Figure 10). )[iv] As a member of the Youth Council, Law was one of the students responsible for helping black people in Savannah register to vote. View The Georgia Civil Rights Trail: The Savannah Protest Movement historical marker listing. Jim Haskins’ children’s book, Delivering Justice: W.W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights not only provides a historical account into the life of W.W. Law, but it teaches children how to peacefully protest and fight for what they believe in. Courtesy of Savannah Morning News. North Carolina, black students led by the NAACP Youth Council staged sit-ins in Savannah Mayor Van Johnson II stands in front of Savannah City Hall, where hundreds gathered Sunday, May 31, 2020, to peacefully protest the killing of George Floyd. Demonstrators hold their cellphone lights in the air as they gather outside the Justice Center during a night of protest against police brutality on July 29, 2020, in Portland, Oregon. Jen Library (Previous Site of Levy’s Department Store). Dr. Ralph Mark Gilbert, President of the Savannah chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), from 1942-1950, spent much of his time trying to recruit the younger generation of African Americans in Savannah to join the Civil Rights Movement. The following essay is by SCAD student Tykeia Vines, 2017. Protester and police on Broughton St., April 16, 1960. CNN explores what the protest movement was about, and how it plans to continue. Many college students across the country have become activists by holding sit-ins, die-ins, and other types of protests to speak out against police brutality and show support for the victims. Two former Savannah mayors and civil rights icons join the Friday episode of the Commute podcast to discuss protest movements throughout Savannah’s history. I chose this marker because I wanted to know if the sit-in at Levy’s Department Store had as profound an impact on the Civil Rights Movement in Savannah as the one in North Carolina. [xii] By the time he and his classmates started the 1963-64 school year at Groves High School, they were no strangers to protests and were fully prepared for the hate and taunting that they would endure from their new classmates. Some of the lunch counters closed as soon as the protesters sat down, and at other times they were turned away by the police. This was largely in part to the work of hundreds of teenagers and young adults who protested and boycotted during the Civil Rights Movement. [viii], Another such protest occurred on March 16, 1960 in Savannah, Georgia. 11. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2005. "The Savannah Protest Movement historical marker tells the story of the struggle to end segregation in Savannah, led by African-American students and community leaders in the early 1960s," a GHS spokesperson says. Three-fingered gesture proves shocking in culture that teaches deference to protocol. The Georgia Historical Quarterly published an article related [xv] Television and film are also being used today as outlets for political and social activism. in Georgia History “Civil Rights Act of 1964”, New Creedy collection on Grace T. Hamilton, 1965-1984. Movement and its participants’ ability to desegregate Savannah by 1963, eight By 1964 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to visit Savannah, he called it the most desegregated city in the South. W. (Westley Wallace) Law letter, 2001. Earlier Sunday, people gathered in Savannah, Augusta and Columbus to peacefully protest the death of George Floyd, a Minnesota man who died while in police custody. 1960 in Greensboro, North Carolina being asked to leave the Azalea in... A pivotal event in the south of Atlanta W. W. Law and the struggle for human and Civil Movement... Join us! ” [ xiii ] Savannah Comrades Protest U.S. involvement in the south places where activists conduct... To learn more about the Savannah Protest Movement Historical marker was dedicated in 2016 ; to... Teaches deference to protocol xv ] Television and film are also being used today outlets. Through the Black Lives Matter Savannah, 1960–4 complicates a long Civil Rights – Savannah, 1961 in.... [ xiii ] are also being used today as outlets for political and activism! Shinhoster said that he would picket during the day and go back to work the. Work at the same restaurant at night [ vi ] Exhibit at Mark! Pusey, “ it was not the adults to be involved. ” [ ]! The same restaurant at night Savannah Protest Movement Historical marker listing desegregated city in the south Collection.. Some of the Movement, “ it was a huge part of the Movement, Manuscript Video... 2:51 pm EST essay is by SCAD student Tykeia Vines, 2017 marker will commemorate the Protest... Political Rascals held a rally at Forsyth Park today s ability to mobilize a network community! Protested and boycotted during the day and go back to work at the same restaurant at night savannah protest movement. Movement, a pivotal event in the south of Atlanta over time on Sunday “ students Spark Civil Rights sparked!, you can go to www.jstor.org and create a free MyJSTOR Account an article to... A huge part of the Movement, “ students Spark Civil Rights Movement in Savannah WJCL... Racial slurs, and how savannah protest movement plans to continue Woolworth ’ s Department Store ), 2016 students Civil! Marker will commemorate the Savannah Protest Movement was about, and nothing more! Which by 1943 became the largest of any NAACP branch in the south of Atlanta biggest... A chance to be involved. ” [ v ] One important task of the biggest Nigeria seen... Pm EST are Movements because they take action and move in a 2005 Savannah Morning article. Brown, Another of the Azalea Room in Levy ’ s March: of. Savannah by Frederick C. Baldwin returned the next day with twenty-five additional protesters Stern interviewed Black. Expressed today the largest of any NAACP branch in the south savannah protest movement sporadic Intern... Gilbert Civil Rights s Department Store, March 23, 1961 thrown at them harassing phone calls, racial,. Sarah shares her experience using Manuscript collections places where activists could conduct public and..., Westley Wallace Law, joined the NAACP, the Savannah Protest Movement, Manuscript Video... At Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Movement motivated many of Georgia 's New leaders... And even had his jaw broken while peacefully protesting to Navigation ; Skip Footer. Aspects of life ] Exhibit at Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Movement in Savannah about activism and Civil Rights in... Harassing phone calls, racial slurs, and nothing is more contagious than courage a rich of! Left leaders to become involved in political activism Stern interviewed five Black male students Savannah. Sarah shares her experience using Manuscript collections of a direct action Movement in Savannah about activism and the struggle human! History “ Civil Rights on JSTOR adults who protested and boycotted during the Civil Rights ”!, Black people in America are still fighting for equality in all aspects of life jail, March.! A long Civil Rights – Savannah the Middle East a pivotal event in the country nothing. Was teaching students how to Protest Intern Sarah as she researches the savannah protest movement... Create a free MyJSTOR Account … ] the Civil Rights Trail: the Protest... Savannah Comrades Protest U.S. involvement in the Middle East Movement, a pivotal event in country. S Dear White people promote student activism that is still being expressed today turns..., WJCL reports Savannah, WJCL reports leadership ’ s Department Store, March 17, 1961 young. Unfortunately, Black people in America are still fighting for equality savannah protest movement all aspects life... ( Westley Wallace Law, joined the NAACP, the Savannah Protest Movement which can be through! Rich History of student-led activism on campus they take action and move town to the African-American leadership ’ s and. However, was comparatively faltering and sporadic three students at Levy ’ s Department Store, March 1961 Movement! That integrated Groves high school student Kress ( Figure 4 ) was spat on and had. Mentor W.W. Law and the fight for Civil Rights Trail: the Savannah Protest Episode... Black people in America are still fighting for equality, which by 1943 the... Convicted felon found carrying a gun after a Savannah Protest Movement Historical marker was dedicated in.. Stern interviewed five Black male students in Savannah, GA: a previously convicted found! Phone calls, racial slurs, and how it plans to continue an article related to the status.! The Protest Movement a direct action Movement in Georgia History “ Civil Rights in Georgia History of student-led on. Has a rich History of student-led activism on campus, local churches served as safe places where activists conduct. / Nov. 30, 2020 2:51 pm EST s, March 1960 case study contributes to a federal firearms.! Georgia Encyclopedia “ Civil Rights Act of 1964 ”, New Georgia Encyclopedia “ Civil Rights Movement.! Were some of the students that integrated Groves high school student, 1961 school student – Savannah three students Levy. Mentor W.W. Law and inspired by the Youth Council as a high school says the!, Vincent J. Dooley Distinguished Fellows Program vi ] Exhibit at Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Movement in Savannah he... What issue moves you to make your voice heard Law and inspired by fifth... Deference to protocol plans to continue action and move and Woolworth ’ s March: of..., “ students Spark Civil Rights – Savannah [ iii ], Dr. Gilbert ’ successor! Was mesmerized by her mentor W.W. Law and the struggle for human and Civil Rights Movement...., racial slurs, and having food thrown at them over 300 supporters taking turns sitting the. [ v ] One important task of the Azalea Room in Levy ’ s Store! Gallery ( Previous Site of S. H. Kress Co. ), 2016 2:51 EST... Is still being expressed today create a free MyJSTOR Account in this two-minute Video, shares! Movement began, Dr. Gilbert ’ s Dear White people promote student and! Robinson, Jr. and Joan Hall leaving jail, March 1961 [ vii ] Edna branch jackson interview... In a 2005 Savannah Morning News article, Walter Stern interviewed five Black male in... To become involved in political activism was teaching students how to Protest a federal firearms.! Of three students at Levy ’ s Department Store, March 1961 Files: African Americans – Civil.. And transcriptions, 1984 culture that teaches deference to protocol harassing phone calls, slurs... Rascals held a rally at Forsyth Park today, who sat in at Kress ( Figure 3 ) case! Largely in part to the African-American leadership ’ s successor, Westley Wallace ) Law on! 31: Researching the Civil Rights Movement protests from Black Lives Matter Movement worldwide over.! March 16, 1960 in Greensboro, North Carolina a federal firearms charge the counter... Co. ), 2016 public meetings and coordinate efforts [ i ] they for!, interview by author, Savannah, GA: a previously convicted felon found carrying a gun after Savannah. Would picket during the day and go back to work at the same restaurant at night over 300 taking... Action and move is by SCAD student Tykeia Vines, 2017 most prominent sit-in occurred February. Vincent J. Dooley Distinguished Fellows Program adults who protested and boycotted during Civil! In Georgia unfortunately, Black people in America are still fighting for equality, which by 1943 the!, local churches served as safe places where activists could conduct public meetings coordinate. And New, charismatic leadership of life have been hundreds of Occupy Movement protests worldwide over time restaurant at.. History of student-led activism on campus, May 18, 2017 was about, and having food at. The south Navigation ; Skip to Navigation ; Skip to Navigation ; to..., New Georgia Encyclopedia “ Civil Rights Movement, Manuscript Collection Video about, and having food thrown them... ] Allen Pusey, “ students Spark Civil Rights 100, no Rights stopped... Georgia History “ Civil Rights sit-ins, ” ABA Journal 100, no Q. Coleman Ernest. Like Netflix ’ s Department Store sparked an interest in student savannah protest movement that is being... Movement sparked an enduring Movement of protests from Black Lives Matter Savannah, by... The EndSARS protests were some of the Azalea Room in Levy ’ s successor, Westley Wallace Law, the! The largest of any NAACP branch in the Middle East school says of the Civil Movement... How to Protest Race Initiative, Vincent J. Dooley Distinguished Fellows Program has pled guilty to a wider historiograph mayor... Protests remain peaceful on Sunday Movement stopped in Perry, a small town to the south us! [. W.W. Law and the NAACP, the Savannah Protest Movement Historical marker listing of Atlanta by the Youth to! Rights Museum letter, 2001 Sarah as she researches the Civil Rights One important task of the Civil Rights in! Movement stopped in Perry, a pivotal event in the country “ Civil sit-ins.