Atlanta Neighborhood Union facts for kids

The Atlanta Neighborhood Union was an important group in Atlanta, Georgia. It was started in 1908 by Lugenia Burns Hope, a strong African-American woman. This organization was led by women and focused on helping Black families in their neighborhoods. It was officially recognized in 1911. The Union was a great example of how people can help themselves and their community. It worked with some white leaders in the city to make things better. The group was active until the 1970s.

History of the Union

How the Union Started

The Atlanta Neighborhood Union was founded by Lugenia Burns Hope. She was a social reformer, which means she worked to improve society. Her husband, John Hope, was the president of Morehouse College. In June 1908, Lugenia Burns Hope met with eight other middle-class women. They wanted to make a difference in their city.

At that time, Atlanta was a very segregated city. This meant Black and white people were kept separate. There were no playgrounds or parks for Black children to play in. The women decided to do something about it. They convinced Morehouse College to let them use some of its land for a playground. This first success encouraged them to keep going. Morehouse College, especially the president's home, was often where they met in the early days.

Helping Families and Communities

The Union wanted to start projects to help Black families who needed support. They divided the city's neighborhoods into different areas. Each area had a group of leaders who checked on living conditions. They paid special attention to schools. The Union collected information to find out what programs would help people most.

They quickly started classes that taught useful skills. These included how to take care of your home and yourself. They also set up health clinics and after-school programs. In 1909, they began to get involved in city politics. They asked the Atlanta city council to deal with a problematic building in the community.

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

Focus on Education

The Union cared a lot about education. Besides offering their own classes, they asked the Atlanta Board of Education to build two new schools in 1913. People working for the Union visited every school. They reported that schools were too small, poorly ventilated, dark, and very crowded. Because of their reports and 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, many people struggled. The Union tried to get help from the Fulton County Relief Center. However, they faced unfair treatment from white city officials because of their race.

The Union had heard that Black families were not getting Christmas gifts, even though white families were. Lugenia Burns Hope spoke to a city official about this. The official finally agreed to give some gifts. But then 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 work slowed down a bit. This was partly because men's groups, like the Atlanta Urban League, also started doing social work. These groups often hired full-time 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.

See also

• Atlanta neighborhoods