2021/10/14 12:00:00
SNCC 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: A MULTI-GENERATIONAL CONFERENCE
Sixty years ago, young activists gathered at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 15, 1960, to begin planning their generation’s obligation to continue a struggle that began long before they were born: the freedom and empowerment of Black people. Following this initial gathering, students met again in October in Atlanta, Georgia, and formally named their new organization the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). SNCC was then the only youth-led national civil rights organization. Now, at this important time in our history, we invite you to join us, virtually, on October 14-16, 2021 to honor and carry this struggle forward. We plan to bring together not just SNCC veterans, but also a wide array of today’s young on-the-ground activists and organizers. It is not a gathering of reminiscence. It is a gathering of strength and will to face the future with determination, optimism… and continued organizing.
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Fannie Lou Hamer
Victoria Gray
Gloria Richardson
Now
Lowndes County, AL Voting Line
Agenda
Agenda Subject To Change
ORGANIZING FOR THE VOTE: POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC POWER
1:00pm – 2:15pm : Plenary Session
> The Power of the Past
Hard-won and hard-fought for gains in education and in political arenas are under assault as we view today’s voter suppression and voter nullification in a larger context. This has happened before and it informs our analysis as we pivot from the historical to an analysis of what is happening now.
2:25pm – 3:35pm : Concurrent Sessions
> The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP)
1961-1964 — Asserting our political place and power in Mississippi
> Lowndes County Alabama
1965-1969 — Putting Black Power into Practice
> Making Our Way Into Political Office to Make Change
1968 – Present
3:50pm – 5:00pm : Concurrent Sessions
> Organizing the Black Community to Get Out and Vote in 2022 and 2024: A Heavy Lift
> A Case Study: The Fight for the Educational Ballot Initiative in Mississippi
> Attorneys General and District Attorneys and Struggle to Make the Justice System Work
5:00pm – 6:00pm
> 60 Years Strong! A celebration honoring SNCC and its veterans
SEIZE THE MOMENT: MAKING CHANGE AT ALL LEVELS
1:00pm – 2:05pm
> SEIZE THE MOMENT – Effecting Change at City, County, State and Federal Levels
The Black community encounters policies and actions of government at the municipal, county and state levels daily. Change at these levels can immediately relieve some of the most fundamental problems faced by many, such as disparities related to food, water, land, shelter, education and security.
2:25pm – 3:35pm : Concurrent Sessions
> Policing and Changing the Mission of the Criminal Justice System
> Economic Power and Economic Security
A political presence alone does not guarantee the wellbeing of the Black community. How do we insure that we are politically and economically poised for dramatic improvements at all levels.
> Education for Self Determination and the Future Economy
What form of education is necessary to actually educate and insure a strong economic presence for the Black Community in the 21st Century?
3:50pm – 5:00pm : Concurrent Sessions
> Environmental Injustice, Health and Related Disparities
Across the country there are major problems with polluted water, outdated infrastructure and dangerous environmental hazards. Inadequate medical and health care resources exacerbate the problems.
> Affordable Housing
The issue of affordable housing and the creation of safe, stable neighborhoods needs to be addressed. Are there models that point towards a promising future?
> The Importance of Land and the Fight Against Food Insecurity
Thousands of people live in food deserts, are dependent on food handouts and spend their days without enough food to meet their basic nutritional needs, especially those of children. Innovative solutions and proposals for lasting change are coming from urban centers and rural areas fighting Black land loss.
5:00pm – 6:00pm
> A Cultural Celebration “SNCC and Black Culture – 60 Years of Change”
Join us for a joyful hour bearing witness to the powerful ways in which our lives have been transformed through the music and words of the Movement
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
1:00pm – 2:15pm : Plenary Session
> The Path Forward: A Look at the 21st Century Racial Environment
2:25pm – 3:35pm : Concurrent Sessions
> The Importance of the Narrative: HBCUs and Africana Studies Programs
Preserving our culture and passing the wealth of knowledge from generation to generation is essential. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Black Studies and Africana programs play an important role.
> Telling and Teaching the SNCC Story from the Inside Out and the Bottom Up
The SNCC Digital Gateway (SDG), the Civil Rights Movement Archive (CRMA) and Zinn Education Project offer three useful examples of framing the story from the inside out and the bottom up. However, these important resources will mean nothing if teachers are prevented from using them. Fortunately, educators continue to teach “hard history” and highlight the “ordinary” people — like those in their students’ own communities and the students themselves — who were/are activists in civil rights and human rights movements. Knowing this history helps students better understand the present… and their role in shaping the future.
> Building Institutional Memory
To preserve and share the narrative of our history and our present realities, we must go beyond the printed word and screens to places where our history is on display. We must preserve the objects and artifacts that speak volumes and help future generations understand the remarkable strength and endurance of those who came before us.
3:50pm – 5:00pm : Concurrent Sessions
> The Power to Decide: The Importance of Building Political Alliances and Strategic Coalitions
The assault on democracy affects us all. Coalescing around common issues is a source of strength.
> The Importance of Controlling Local, State and Federal Budgets
It’s in the budget! Politicians can say anything, but their actions are shown in budgets. Whether it’s policing, schools, or clean water, there are surprising answers to be found by looking in budgets that determine so much.
> Where Do We Go From Here?
As we look towards the future, what must we do to strengthen and protect the Black community? How will technological and demographic change affect Black struggle?
3:50pm – 5:00pm
> Book Event – “Hands on the Freedom Plow” features some of the women of SNCC in their own words
Meet the Authors – SNCC veterans talk about their writing, the story of SNCC it tells and they meet with participants
5:00pm – 6:00pm : Closing
> A Salute and Encouragement to the Upcoming Generations
Young organizers and activists of today join SNCC in looking at the years ahead with an eye on both the immediate challenges and those in the distant future.
- Thursday, October 14, 2021
-
ORGANIZING FOR THE VOTE: POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC POWER
1:00pm – 2:15pm : Plenary Session
> The Power of the Past
Hard-won and hard-fought for gains in education and in political arenas are under assault as we view today’s voter suppression and voter nullification in a larger context. This has happened before and it informs our analysis as we pivot from the historical to an analysis of what is happening now.
2:25pm – 3:35pm : Concurrent Sessions
> The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP)
1961-1964 — Asserting our political place and power in Mississippi
> Lowndes County Alabama
1965-1969 — Putting Black Power into Practice
> Making Our Way Into Political Office to Make Change
1968 – Present
3:50pm – 5:00pm : Concurrent Sessions
> Organizing the Black Community to Get Out and Vote in 2022 and 2024: A Heavy Lift
> A Case Study: The Fight for the Educational Ballot Initiative in Mississippi
> Attorneys General and District Attorneys and Struggle to Make the Justice System Work
5:00pm – 6:00pm
> 60 Years Strong! A celebration honoring SNCC and its veterans
- Friday, October 15, 2021
-
SEIZE THE MOMENT: MAKING CHANGE AT ALL LEVELS
1:00pm – 2:05pm
> SEIZE THE MOMENT – Effecting Change at City, County, State and Federal Levels
The Black community encounters policies and actions of government at the municipal, county and state levels daily. Change at these levels can immediately relieve some of the most fundamental problems faced by many, such as disparities related to food, water, land, shelter, education and security.
2:25pm – 3:35pm : Concurrent Sessions
> Policing and Changing the Mission of the Criminal Justice System
> Economic Power and Economic Security
A political presence alone does not guarantee the wellbeing of the Black community. How do we insure that we are politically and economically poised for dramatic improvements at all levels.
> Education for Self Determination and the Future Economy
What form of education is necessary to actually educate and insure a strong economic presence for the Black Community in the 21st Century?
3:50pm – 5:00pm : Concurrent Sessions
> Environmental Injustice, Health and Related Disparities
Across the country there are major problems with polluted water, outdated infrastructure and dangerous environmental hazards. Inadequate medical and health care resources exacerbate the problems.
> Affordable Housing
The issue of affordable housing and the creation of safe, stable neighborhoods needs to be addressed. Are there models that point towards a promising future?
> The Importance of Land and the Fight Against Food Insecurity
Thousands of people live in food deserts, are dependent on food handouts and spend their days without enough food to meet their basic nutritional needs, especially those of children. Innovative solutions and proposals for lasting change are coming from urban centers and rural areas fighting Black land loss.
5:00pm – 6:00pm
> A Cultural Celebration “SNCC and Black Culture – 60 Years of Change”
Join us for a joyful hour bearing witness to the powerful ways in which our lives have been transformed through the music and words of the Movement
- Saturday, October 16, 2021
-
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
1:00pm – 2:15pm : Plenary Session
> The Path Forward: A Look at the 21st Century Racial Environment
2:25pm – 3:35pm : Concurrent Sessions
> The Importance of the Narrative: HBCUs and Africana Studies Programs
Preserving our culture and passing the wealth of knowledge from generation to generation is essential. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Black Studies and Africana programs play an important role.
> Telling and Teaching the SNCC Story from the Inside Out and the Bottom Up
The SNCC Digital Gateway (SDG), the Civil Rights Movement Archive (CRMA) and Zinn Education Project offer three useful examples of framing the story from the inside out and the bottom up. However, these important resources will mean nothing if teachers are prevented from using them. Fortunately, educators continue to teach “hard history” and highlight the “ordinary” people — like those in their students’ own communities and the students themselves — who were/are activists in civil rights and human rights movements. Knowing this history helps students better understand the present… and their role in shaping the future.
> Building Institutional Memory
To preserve and share the narrative of our history and our present realities, we must go beyond the printed word and screens to places where our history is on display. We must preserve the objects and artifacts that speak volumes and help future generations understand the remarkable strength and endurance of those who came before us.
3:50pm – 5:00pm : Concurrent Sessions
> The Power to Decide: The Importance of Building Political Alliances and Strategic Coalitions
The assault on democracy affects us all. Coalescing around common issues is a source of strength.
> The Importance of Controlling Local, State and Federal Budgets
It’s in the budget! Politicians can say anything, but their actions are shown in budgets. Whether it’s policing, schools, or clean water, there are surprising answers to be found by looking in budgets that determine so much.
> Where Do We Go From Here?
As we look towards the future, what must we do to strengthen and protect the Black community? How will technological and demographic change affect Black struggle?
3:50pm – 5:00pm
> Book Event – “Hands on the Freedom Plow” features some of the women of SNCC in their own words
Meet the Authors – SNCC veterans talk about their writing, the story of SNCC it tells and they meet with participants
5:00pm – 6:00pm : Closing
> A Salute and Encouragement to the Upcoming Generations
Young organizers and activists of today join SNCC in looking at the years ahead with an eye on both the immediate challenges and those in the distant future.
If you are already registered and need to login click here
Leadership
HONORARY CO-CHAIRS
SNCC LEGACY PROJECT BOARD
PLANNING COMMITTEE
- Freddie Greene Biddle
- Charles Cobb
- Shirley Wright Cooks
- Courtland Cox
- Bruce Hartford
- Joshua M. Myers
- Kimberly Johnson
- Sharlene Kranz
- Joyce Ladner
- Jennifer Lawson
- Judy Richardson
- Larry Rubin
- Zoharah Simmons
- Karen Spellman
FAQ
What is the SNCC 60th Anniversary Virtual Conference?
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was a civil rights organization that was founded in April 1960 at Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C. Student leaders from colleges across the south who were involved in sit-ins and other direct action to protest segregation came together for a Southwide Youth Leadership Conference. Remember, in 1960 there was no Internet, no e-mail, no IM, no phone conferencing. So getting together in person was the best way for the disparate groups to meet each other and strategize together. Delegates came to the founding conference from colleges all across the South. (For a complete list of the colleges represented go to https://snccdigital.org/events/founding-of-sncc/)
The SNCC 60th Anniversary Conference in October celebrates the anniversary of the October 1960 conference that officially made SNCC an organization. SNCC the organization was active from 1960 to around 1970. While it is no longer in existence, its legacy continues through the SNCC Legacy Project. Our vision is that SNCC veterans from the 1960s and the leaders of today’s social justice movements will meet and share and plan for the future.
Who is organizing the Conference?
The SNCC Legacy Project came into being after the SNCC 50th Anniversary Conference in April 2010. The Legacy Project are SNCC veterans and a few younger allies who work to share the legacy of SNCC with today’s social justice activists, historians, and future researchers. To register for the Conference click HERE
Where and when will the Conference be held?
This is a virtual completely online Conference. While Covid-19 restrictions prevent us from meeting in person, we can be together on Zoom for a meaningful and joyous gathering.
What will the program look like?
Our program committee is actively planning an exciting, informative and inspiring program for the three days of the Conference. Programming will run from 1pm to 6pm (EDT) on October 14, 15, 16, 2021, and will include plenary sessions, workshops, breakout groups, a book fair, music and other cultural events.
What will the Conference cost?
Registration for adults is $100.
Registration for students is $50.
How can I be in touch with the Conference organizers?
Write us at info@SNCC60thAnniversary.org.
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SNCC 60th Anniversary Sponsors
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