Southern Christian Leadership Conference: A Civil Rights Organizaiton

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC; originally called the Southern Leadership Conference) was a critical organization during the Civil Rights Movement. Its roots are in the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955. The SCLC galvanized many of the larger rallys that are so iconic to the Civil Rights Movement: Montgomery, the March on Washington, Selma and the Grenada (Mississippi) Freedom Movement. 


The SCLC attempted to reach out to southern minsters and congregations to support the end of segregation sighting different Biblical references about equality. Non-violence and widespread demonstrations were the cornerstone of this organization. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the first president of the SCLC and led the group into many a battle during the 1960s. 


The organization is still in existence today, but does not retain as clear of a vision as they once had. The president-elect is currently Bernice King, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's youngest child.


Source: SCLC History