Civil Rights Centers in Atlanta: Where to Learn, Get Help, and Take Action

Atlanta has a long history as a center of the civil rights movement, and that legacy continues today through museums, research centers, legal clinics, and advocacy organizations across the city. If you’re searching for a civil rights center in Atlanta, you might be looking for:

• A place to learn about civil rights history
• A center that offers legal information or referrals
• A museum or educational exhibit
• A place to file a complaint about discrimination
• A community space for organizing or advocacy

This guide walks through the most important civil-rights-related centers and resources in Atlanta, what each one focuses on, and how they can help you.

Key Types of Civil Rights Centers in Atlanta

In Atlanta, “civil rights center” can mean several different things:

1. Historical and educational centers – Museums and institutes focused on the legacy of the civil rights movement.
2. Government civil rights offices – Agencies that receive and investigate discrimination complaints.
3. University-based and nonprofit centers – Research, advocacy, and community programs.
4. Legal and support centers – Organizations that help people understand and protect their rights.

Understanding which type you need can save time and help you go straight to the right place.

Atlanta’s Major Civil Rights & Human Rights Centers

The King Center (Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change)

Focus: History, education, nonviolence, community programs

Location:
449 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312

Situated in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, The King Center is one of Atlanta’s most important civil rights institutions. It serves as:

• A memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King
• A research and education center on nonviolence and civil rights
• A hub for programs on social justice, youth leadership, and community engagement

Visitors can typically explore exhibits on Dr. King’s life, view archives and artifacts, and participate in educational programs. Local residents often use The King Center as a starting point to learn more about civil rights organizing in Atlanta and beyond.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Focus: Museum, education, contemporary human rights issues

Location:
100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Near Centennial Olympic Park and downtown, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a major museum and cultural center connecting the American civil rights movement with global human rights issues.

You can expect:

• Interactive exhibits about the U.S. civil rights movement, including Atlanta’s role
• Galleries related to global human rights challenges
• Public programs, talks, and community conversations
• Educational resources for students, teachers, and groups

This is a good choice if you’re visiting Atlanta or want a comprehensive, experience-based overview of civil and human rights, rather than legal assistance.

Government Civil Rights Offices Serving Atlanta

If you’re looking for a civil rights center because you’ve experienced possible discrimination, government agencies are often the most important contact points. They are not “centers” in a tourist sense, but they investigate and enforce civil rights laws.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – Atlanta District Office

Focus: Workplace discrimination (employment)

Location (Atlanta District Office):
Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center
100 Alabama St SW, Suite 4R30
Atlanta, GA 30303

Typical issues handled:

• Discrimination at work based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity), national origin, age (40+), disability, or genetic information
• Harassment or hostile work environment
• Retaliation for reporting discrimination

Residents in the Atlanta area who believe they have been discriminated against at work can contact the EEOC to file a charge of discrimination or learn about their rights. Intake is often done by phone or online; in-person visits may require an appointment.

U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division (Services for Atlanta)

While the main Civil Rights Division office is in Washington, D.C., it handles cases nationwide, including Atlanta, through its sections and regional contacts.

They focus on areas such as:

• Police misconduct and law enforcement practices
• Hate crimes investigations and prosecutions
• Voting rights issues
• Discrimination in housing, education, and public accommodations under certain federal laws

If you believe there is a widespread or systemic civil rights violation in or around Atlanta, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division may be the relevant federal authority.

Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity (GCEO)

Focus: State-level fair employment and fair housing

Location (main office in Atlanta):
2 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SE
Suite 1002, West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334

Typical issues handled:

• Employment complaints involving state agencies and certain employers under state law
• Housing discrimination complaints (for example, denial of rental or housing opportunities based on protected characteristics)

For Atlanta residents dealing with discrimination in housing or in some state-related employment situations, the GCEO can be an important civil rights enforcement center at the state level.

Atlanta Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (City-Level)

Focus: Local equity, access, and inclusion efforts

The City of Atlanta maintains offices and initiatives focused on equity, non-discrimination, and equal access to city services. While not always labeled a “civil rights center,” this type of office:

• Works to ensure city programs and services are delivered fairly
• May offer channels for complaints related to city agencies
• Supports policies promoting equity and inclusion across Atlanta

If your concern is about how you were treated by a city department, service, or program, this is a place to look for information on local complaint or resolution processes.

University & Research-Based Civil Rights Centers in Atlanta

Atlanta’s universities host influential centers that combine research, education, policy, and community engagement.

Atlanta University Center Institutions

The Atlanta University Center (AUC)—which includes Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse School of Medicine—has played a major role in civil rights history and continues that work.

Relevant centers and programs often include:

• Civil and human rights research centers
• Archives on the civil rights and Black freedom movements
• Programs on social justice, race, and public policy

While these are primarily academic, many host public lectures, community forums, and outreach programs that people in Atlanta can attend.

Georgia State University & Other Area Colleges

Georgia State University and other Atlanta-area institutions often maintain:

• Law school clinics dealing with civil rights, prisoners’ rights, or constitutional law
• Centers focused on urban policy, equity, or human rights
• Student and faculty initiatives addressing voting rights, criminal justice, and housing justice

These are useful if you are:

• A student or researcher
• Looking for public programs, panels, or talks
• Interested in connecting with policy-focused civil rights work in Atlanta

Legal and Advocacy Centers for Civil Rights in Atlanta

Atlanta also has nonprofit legal centers and advocacy groups that help people understand and protect their civil rights. Many operate locally but may cover statewide or regional issues.

Common Types of Legal Civil Rights Resources

Below is a general summary of the kinds of organizations you may find in Atlanta:

Many of these organizations:

• Provide legal information or “know your rights” materials
• May offer direct representation in some cases (often limited by capacity and income guidelines)
• Host workshops, clinics, and community events in different parts of Atlanta

Since staffing and services can change, it is usually best to contact the organization directly or check recent materials to confirm eligibility, office hours, and case types.

If You Need Help with a Civil Rights Problem in Atlanta

When you’re trying to figure out which “civil rights center” is right for your situation, it helps to narrow down your main goal:

1. “I want to learn about civil rights history in Atlanta.”

Consider:

• The King Center (Sweet Auburn)
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights (downtown near Centennial Olympic Park)
• Historic neighborhoods like Sweet Auburn and locations associated with the civil rights movement

These give a strong foundation in both Atlanta’s civil rights legacy and broader national and global struggles.

2. “I think I’ve been discriminated against at work.”

Your core contacts may include:

• EEOC Atlanta District Office – for federal employment discrimination protections
• A local civil rights or employment law nonprofit – for information and possible referrals
• Private attorneys who handle employment and civil rights cases

Key steps usually include:

• Writing down dates, times, and details of what happened
• Saving relevant documents (emails, write-ups, letters, text messages, etc.)
• Contacting an appropriate agency as soon as reasonably possible, since employment discrimination claims often have deadlines.

3. “I am facing discrimination in housing in Atlanta.”

Consider reaching out to:

• Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity (for fair housing complaints)
• Local fair housing organizations or tenant advocacy groups
• Legal aid organizations working with renters and homeowners

Examples of housing discrimination may include being treated differently in renting, buying, or getting a mortgage because of a protected characteristic, or facing harassment in housing that is related to race, disability, religion, or another protected factor.

4. “I’m worried about police practices or a serious civil rights abuse.”

For concerns about serious or systemic issues, potential routes can include:

• Internal affairs or civilian review offices associated with the local police department
• Civil rights-oriented legal organizations in Atlanta
• The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, if the issue appears widespread or particularly severe

Documenting what happened, including names, badge numbers (if available), dates, locations, and witnesses, can be important if you decide to file a complaint or seek legal help.

5. “I want to get involved in civil rights advocacy in Atlanta.”

Atlanta has an active landscape of community organizations, student groups, faith-based coalitions, and neighborhood associations working on:

• Voting access and voter education
• Affordable housing and tenants’ rights
• Criminal legal reform and reentry support
• Immigrant rights and language access
• LGBTQ+ equality and anti-discrimination efforts

Practical ways to connect:

• Attend public events or forums at The King Center or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Look for “know your rights” workshops, volunteer orientations, or community meetings advertised by local nonprofits
• Check community boards, libraries, and university event calendars for civil rights–themed talks and gatherings

Tips for Using Civil Rights Centers Effectively in Atlanta

A few practical pointers can make your experience smoother:

• Clarify your goal first. Are you seeking information, education, legal help, or a place to file a complaint? This determines which “center” is best.
• Call ahead when possible. Some government offices and legal centers require appointments or have limited walk-in hours.
• Bring documentation. If you are meeting with a legal or government office, bring letters, emails, IDs, leases, pay stubs, or any paperwork related to your concern.
• Ask about eligibility. Some legal aid and nonprofit services have income or residency criteria, or focus on specific types of cases.
• Keep track of deadlines. Civil rights complaints, especially employment and housing matters, often have strict filing deadlines under federal and state law.

How “Civil Rights Centers” Fit Into Atlanta’s Larger Landscape

In Atlanta, there isn’t just one “Civil Rights Center.” Instead, the city offers a network of centers and offices, each playing a different role:

• Museums and memorial centers keep history alive and inspire new generations.
• Government enforcement offices handle complaints and enforce the law.
• Universities and research centers study long-term solutions and policy.
• Legal and advocacy organizations stand with residents facing real-time discrimination and civil rights issues.

Whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting, understanding this ecosystem helps you know where to go, what to expect, and how to take the next step—whether that’s learning, getting help, or getting involved.