Anniston in Calhoun County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

The Human Relations Council

— Anniston Civil Rights Trail —

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 5, 2017

1. The Human Relations Council Marker

Inscription. The Anniston City Commission, on May 16, 1963, established by resolution the Human Relations Council, consisting of five white men and four black men. The Council's purpose was to "make recommendations concerning human relations," and its members were to be "without outside influence." United States President John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) praised the council's formation as on that should "serve as a model" for other American cities.

Council Members:
Rev. J. Phillips Noble, Chair
Raleigh Byrd, Harold Edward Cosper, Wilfred Galbraith,
Marcus A. Howze, Rev. William B. McClain, Grant Oden,
Rev. Nimrod Q. Reynolds, Leonard Roberts

Erected 2016 by City of Anniston Historic Trails Program. (Marker Number 5.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Anniston Civil Rights Trail, Alabama, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #35 John F. Kennedy series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 16, 1963.

Location. 33° 39.559′ N, 85° 49.889′ W. Marker is in Anniston, Alabama, in Calhoun County. Marker is on Gurnee Avenue south of 12th Street, on the right when traveling south. Located at Anniston

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City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1128 Gurnee Avenue, Anniston AL 36201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Humble Beginnings (within shouting distance of this marker); Surrounding Development (within shouting distance of this marker); Civic Purpose (within shouting distance of this marker); The Murder of Willie Brewster (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1030 Gurnee Avenue (about 400 feet away); 1031 Gurnee Avenue (about 400 feet away); Greyhound Bus Station Protest, May 14, 1961 (about 500 feet away); 1118 Noble Street (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anniston.

Regarding The Human Relations Council. When Council members attempted to integrate the "whites-only" public library on Sunday afternoon, September 15, 1963 (the same day as the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham), violence ensued and two council members, Rev. Nimrod Reynolds and Rev. William McClain, were severely beaten by a mob.

The Human Relations Council Marker in front of City Hall. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 5, 2017

2. The Human Relations Council Marker in front of City Hall.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 677 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.