![A black and white pin-back button with text. In two arcs around the top and bottom edges of the button face are black blocks with white text. In the middle, centered, is black text. The text reads: [STUDENT NONVIOLENT / WE / SHALL / OVERCOME / COORDINATING / COMMITTEE].](https://learn.civilandhumanrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LP13_Figure-9-600x599.jpg)
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was a prominent student-led civil rights organization whose focus was on non-violent direct action and local community organizing. Founding in 1960 by students brought together at a Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) event, the organization played a crucial role in organizing sit-ins, freedom rides, and voter registration drives to challenge segregation and racial injustice throughout the United States. The organization was intentional about fostering an environment where all leaders could step forward and help direct change and numerous icons of the movement emerged from its ranks. Ella Baker, the organization’s mentor, helped solidify its focus on grassroots organizing; Diane Nash’s total commitment to a non-violent political strategy guided its actions; John Lewis led some of its most impactful moments with courage and kindness; Kwame Ture, formerly Stokely Carmichael, channeled his passionate commitment to liberation to inspire and connect with voters and organizers throughout the South. SNCC members continue the work up to today as they lead the charge to preserve the history and expand the legacy through their digital archive, the SNCC Digital Gateway (https://snccdigital.org/).
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In this multi-part lesson, students will examine the connections between the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Panther Party for Self Defense (Black Panthers) and the impact of both organizations on civil rights. The first lesson focuses on the history of SNCC.
Learn how students were the driving force behind much of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s through music, interviews, and more.
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.
In this lesson, students will take a deep dive into the motivations of Americans who participate in non-violent protests throughout history.
In this multi-part lesson, students will examine the connections between the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Panther Party for Self Defense (Black Panthers) and the impact of both organizations on civil rights. The second lesson focuses on the Panthers and a cumulative exhibit creation project.
