Atlanta Neighborhood Union facts for kids

The Atlanta Neighborhood Union was an important organization in Atlanta, Georgia. It was started in 1908 by Lugenia Burns Hope and officially recognized in 1911. This group was led by African-American women.

The Union was a great example of how people can help themselves and their community. It was one of the most important groups for social services in Atlanta. They also worked with white leaders in the city to make things better. The Women's Political Council in Montgomery, Alabama, was even inspired by their work. The Atlanta Neighborhood Union stopped its activities in the 1970s.

History of the Atlanta Neighborhood Union

How the Union Started

The Atlanta Neighborhood Union was founded by Lugenia Burns Hope. She was a social reformer. Her husband, John Hope, was the president of Morehouse College.

The organization began in June 1908. Lugenia Hope met with eight other middle-class women. At that time, Atlanta was a very segregated city. Black children had no safe places to play. There were no playgrounds or parks for them. The women convinced Morehouse College to let them use some land for a playground. This success encouraged them to keep going. Morehouse College, especially the president's house, was often their meeting spot.

Helping the Community

The Union wanted to help black families who needed support. They divided the city's neighborhoods into smaller areas. Each area had a group of leaders. These leaders looked into how people were living. They paid special attention to schools.

The Union collected information about families. This helped them figure out what programs were needed. They quickly started classes. These classes taught people about home care and personal hygiene. They also set up health clinics. After-school programs were also offered. In 1909, they started working on political issues. They asked the Atlanta city council to deal with a "house of questionable character."

In 1915, the Union opened a health clinic. This clinic checked the health of thousands of children. It also taught parents about health. The Union created clubs for boys and girls. They worked to make sure city streets were paved. They also pushed for good lighting and sewage systems. They even helped replace old, falling-apart houses.

Focus on Education

The Union cared a lot about education. Besides offering their own classes, they worked to improve public schools. In 1913, they asked the Atlanta Board of Education to build two new schools.

Organizers visited every school in their districts. They reported that schools were too small. They also said schools did not have enough fresh air or light. Many classrooms were too crowded. Because of these reports and their efforts, teachers' salaries were raised. A temporary school was also built in South Atlanta.

Becoming More Professional

In the 1920s, the Union wanted to become more professional. To do this, they started the Atlanta School of Social Work. During the Great Depression, they sought help for families. They asked the Fulton County Relief Center for aid. However, they faced problems because of racism from white city officials.

The Union heard that black families were not getting Christmas gifts. White families were receiving help. Lugenia Hope spoke to a city official about this. The official finally gave some gifts. But he said, "The problem of it is that you people do not contribute to these things." Hope explained that black people paid taxes just like white people.

In the 1930s, the Union's activities slowed down. This was partly because men's groups started doing similar social work. Groups like the Atlanta Urban League often hired professional workers. Still, in the early 1930s, the Union's health clinic added dental and maternal care. Each year, it examined over 4,000 people.

Later Scholarship

The Union and its founder, Lugenia Burns Hope, are the focus of a book. It is called Lugenia Burns Hope, Black Southern Reformer by Jacqueline Anne Rouse.

See also

• Atlanta neighborhoods