Ella Baker

About

Ella Josephine Baker was a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement. Born on December 13, 1903, in Norfolk, Virginia, she was raised in Littleton, North Carolina. Baker studied at Shaw University, graduating as valedictorian in 1927. She began her career in activism in the 1930s, joining organizations like the Young Negroes Cooperative League. In 1940, she started working with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where she became the director of branches, advocating for grassroots leadership and decentralization. Baker co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957 and played a crucial role in establishing the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1960. She supported SNCC's voter registration drives and encouraged a student-led approach. Known for her commitment to grassroots organizing and radical democracy, Baker mentored activists like Diane Nash and Stokely Carmichael. Her legacy extends beyond her contributions to civil rights, emphasizing community empowerment and social justice. Throughout her life, Baker remained dedicated to challenging systemic injustices and fostering a culture of activism.