Political Cartoons of the Civil Rights Movement
Through analyzing the political cartoons created by Maurice Pennington, students will see how Pennington used satire to critique society and push for civil rights in Atlanta.
Maurice Pennington at an art show, 1968.
Source: Atlanta University Bulletin, Atlanta University Center.
An artist, activist, and significant contributor to the civil rights movement during the 1960s, Maurice Pennington was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He received his education in Nashville, Tennessee and at the Atlanta College of Arts. Pennington was an artist, photographer, and political cartoonist. He was a founder and photographer of The Atlanta Inquirer and captured important moments during the civil rights movement, including boycotts, sit-ins, and student arrests.
In addition to his photography, Pennington created political cartoons that critiqued the political and social climate in Atlanta. He was known for his satire of local politicians and leaders with moderate and conservative views. Beyond his art, Pennington was also known for his actions. In 1960, Pennington joined a historic bus trip organized by the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights (COAHR) to test the Boynton v. Virginia case, which challenged interstate segregation on buses. This trip led to arrests, demonstrating his commitment to the civil rights cause. Pennington also served as a planning strategist for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and produced editorial cartoons highlighting the injustices faced by the Black community.
Outside of his art and activism, Pennington also played a role in local politics, supporting Maynard Jackson’s mayoral candidacy. He passed away on September 26, 2009, leaving a significant mark on the civil rights movement and local politics in Atlanta.
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