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Dissertation Information for David Andrew Harmon

NAME:
- David Andrew Harmon

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- History

SCHOOL:
- Emory University (USA) (1993)

ADVISORS:
- Dan T. Carter

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- None

MPACT Status: Incomplete - Inspected

Title: Beneath the image: The Civil Rights Movement and race relations in Atlanta, Georgia, 1946-1981

Abstract: Between 1946 and 1981 the image of Atlanta that dominated the public's perception was that of a "New South" city, relatively free of the region's prejudices. Atlanta prided itself on this reputation for racial tolerance. The city's white leadership boasted of the racial cooperation that existed between white and African-American citizens and the achievements of Atlanta's black community.

Yet the city's image of racial progress coexisted with political, social, and economic realities that contradicted Atlanta's reputation. African-American citizens often had to use political pressure, litigation, and direct action to initiate racial reform. Residential segregation actually increased during this period. Perhaps the most glaring contradictions between Atlanta's image and reality were in regard to economic equality. Despite the presence of a sizable black middle-class, a large majority of African-American citizens lived near or below the poverty level. Thus, while Atlanta had a reputation for being racially progressive, social and economic realities for many black residents were profoundly different.

This dissertation is an examination of this paradox. Central to its understanding was the role played by the governing coalition which controlled the response to and pace of racial and social change in the city. The commitment of this biracial coalition to the economic growth of Atlanta and the maintenance of an image of racial progress often took priority over racial beliefs and attitudes. The major accomplishment of this coalition was its ability to adapt to changing racial relations, most noticeably the shift from white to black political power. The major weakness was that its policies favored the interests of the upper-economic strata of both communities. Black participation in this coalition produced few benefits for African-Americans of lesser economic means.

The first half of this dissertation examines the origins and development of the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta, the response of the white leadership, and the formation of the biracial coalition. The second part assesses the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on poor African-American communities and the policies and dynamics of the biracial coalition.

MPACT Scores for David Andrew Harmon

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calculated 2008-04-14 09:43:34

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Students under David Andrew Harmon

ADVISEES:
- None

COMMITTEESHIPS:
- None