Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

Definition

The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was a key civil rights organization founded in 1960 that played a pivotal role in the fight for racial equality in the United States, particularly in the South. The SNCC was composed mainly of young, college students who organized nonviolent protests, voter registration drives, and sit-ins to challenge segregation and disenfranchisement. Their grassroots efforts significantly impacted the Civil Rights Movement and helped shape the social and political landscape of Alabama during this critical time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The SNCC was established during a meeting at Shaw University in North Carolina, where student activists sought to coordinate nonviolent protests and encourage youth involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
2. The organization became famous for its involvement in sit-ins, particularly the Woolworth's lunch counter sit-in in Greensboro, North Carolina, which sparked similar protests across the country.
3. SNCC played a vital role in organizing the Freedom Summer campaign in 1964, which aimed to increase voter registration among African Americans in Mississippi and resulted in violence against activists.
4. The group's philosophy shifted over time from nonviolence to more radical approaches, reflecting the frustrations of young activists with the slow pace of change in America.
5. Key figures in SNCC included John Lewis and Diane Nash, who became prominent leaders advocating for civil rights and challenging systemic racism.

Review Questions

• How did the formation of SNCC influence the strategies used during the Civil Rights Movement?
  • The formation of SNCC brought a new wave of energy and innovation to the Civil Rights Movement by emphasizing youth activism and nonviolent direct action. Students organized sit-ins, protests, and voter registration drives that challenged segregation and disenfranchisement. Their grassroots approach helped to mobilize communities and draw national attention to civil rights issues, leading to significant legislative changes.
• Discuss the role of SNCC in major events such as the Freedom Rides and how these actions reflected the organization's mission.
  • SNCC was instrumental in organizing major events like the Freedom Rides, which sought to challenge segregation at bus terminals. These rides not only highlighted the pervasive racism in the South but also demonstrated SNCC's commitment to nonviolent protest. The bravery of young activists who faced violence during these rides showcased their determination to fight for civil rights, aligning with SNCC's mission to achieve racial equality through direct action.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of SNCC on American society and politics beyond its active years in the 1960s.
  • The long-term impact of SNCC on American society and politics is evident in its contributions to youth activism and grassroots organizing. The principles and tactics developed by SNCC influenced subsequent movements for social justice, including anti-war activism and campaigns for LGBTQ+ rights. Additionally, many former SNCC members went on to hold significant positions in politics and community organizations, continuing their advocacy for equity and justice. This legacy has shaped ongoing discussions about race relations and civic engagement in contemporary America.

Related terms

Civil Rights Act of 1964:

A landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and aimed to end segregation in public places and schools.

Freedom Rides: A series of bus trips undertaken by civil rights activists in 1961 to challenge segregation at interstate bus terminals across the South.

Voter Registration Drives: Efforts organized to increase voter registration among African Americans, aimed at combating systemic disenfranchisement in Southern states.