Changing Patterns in Black School Politics: Atlanta, 1872-1973

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive historical survey of black school politics in Atlanta between 1872 and 1973. It identifies four major periods in the century-long struggle by the city's black community to achieve improved educational opportunities for black children. These four periods were characterized by different goals and different strategies for change. Changes in strategies and goals from period to period were determined by changes in the political resources available to the black community. The campaign for school integration in the city represented only one phase in the continuing effort to provide better schools for black children.