covington_square

Proposed historic/interpretive marker for the center of the Covington square:

=Civil Rights Marches=

In spring 1970 students at R.L. Cousins High School organized a walkout demanding the preservation of the school’s identity and staff. The marches grew in size, demanding the integration of schools, the Sheriff’s Department and public facilities. Local activists worked closely with Rev. Hosea Williams and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Mass marches began at St. Paul’s African Methodist Episcopal Church on “Short Street” (Stone Mountain Street), continued through the city, and culminated in rallies in Covington Square. African-Americans throughout Newton County engaged in an economic boycott protest known as “Black Easter.” Hundreds of peaceful protestors were arrested. Following these protest actions, an African-American deputy sheriff was hired, the hospital was integrated and Africans-Americans attained employment in local businesses

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