WSB-TV newsfilm clip of an unidentified African American man commenting on the need for African American leaders to help the youth of Atlanta, Georgia, 1967 April 26

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@ Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection

WSB-TV (Television station : Atlanta, Ga.)

Description

In this WSB newsfilm clip from April 26, 1967, an unidentified African American man criticizes Atlanta civil rights leaders for seeking publicity at the expense of community responsibilities during the 1966 Summerhill riots, proposes that young African Americans appeal to Atlanta's wealthier African Americans instead of white employers for job opportunities, and criticizes members of the African American community for not working to earn first class citizenship.In the clip, an unidentified African American man remarks that he is "depressed with the type of situation that is going on today, especially in the Negro community." He blames African American civil rights leaders for entering communities and "starting trouble," for leaving once "trouble" begins, and for returning when news cameras cover the aftermath. Here, he may be referring to Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) chairman Stokely Carmichael, who, in September of 1966 was present during a neighborhood confrontation with Atlanta police that took place in the city's Summerhill section, though when the situation degenerated into street rioting, Carmichael had already left town. Despite expressing disapproval for Carmichael and SNCC, Atlanta's moderate African American leaders were disinclined to criticize either in the press by name. Next, the man blames Atlanta civil rights leaders for abdicating the responsibility of restoring order when demonstrations break down in African American neighborhoods. He refers specifically to the Summerhill riots as an example of failed African American leadership where, in his view, crowds were left to be appeased by Atlanta mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. He poses the question...

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Video

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http://crdl.usg.edu/id:ugabma_wsbn_wsbn51376