Overview
This lecture covers the origins, philosophy, actions, and legacy of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a key organization in the U.S. civil rights movement.
Founding and Purpose of SNCC
- SNCC stands for Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, founded in April 1960.
- It was created to unite young people participating in sit-ins across the southern United States.
- SNCC sought a more democratic society and advocated non-violent protest as a way of life.
Philosophy and Tactics
- Members accepted non-violence not only as a tactic but as a personal discipline.
- Training prepared activists to endure physical and verbal attacks without retaliation.
- SNCC focused on supporting local movements rather than imposing agendas.
Key Activities and Campaigns
- SNCC helped coordinate protests from Nashville through the Carolinas and Georgia.
- Major efforts included facilitating jail releases for arrested activists and supporting community initiatives.
- The organization launched a literacy project to help people of color overcome barriers to voter registration.
- Violence and intimidation were common, but SNCC persisted in registering voters.
Communication and Outreach
- The Student Voice newsletter was published to inform and organize communities.
- SNCC leaders organized demonstrations at segregated public facilities, often facing violent backlash.
Leadership and Major Events
- John Lewis became SNCC's third chair in May 1963 at age 23.
- SNCC leaders spoke at the 1963 March on Washington, highlighting the urgency for civil rights.
- External pressures sometimes led to changes in speeches and tactics.
Legacy and Impact
- The optimism after the March on Washington was dampened by ongoing violence, such as the 1963 Birmingham church bombing.
- SNCC pioneered building broad-based leadership, empowering diverse young people.
- The organization's legacy is collective action and fostering new leaders, not relying on a single charismatic figure.
Key Terms & Definitions
- SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) — Civil rights group founded in 1960 to organize student activism.
- Sit-in — Non-violent protest where participants occupy a segregated space to demand equal treatment.
- Non-violence — Refusal to use violence as a means of protest or resistance.
- Literacy test — Exam used to deny voting rights to people of color in the South.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the main SNCC campaigns and their outcomes.
- Study examples of non-violent protest tactics used by SNCC.
- Prepare notes on the impact of SNCC’s approach to leadership for discussion.