“You didn't see me on television, you didn't see news stories about me. The kind of role that I tried to play was to pick up pieces or put together pieces out of which I hoped organization might come. My theory is, strong people don't need strong leaders.”
Happy birthday Ms. Ella
“The Negro and white students, North and South, are seeking to rid America of the scourge of racial seg-regation and discrimination—not only at lunch counters, but in every aspect of life. ~ Ella Baker, “ Bigger Than a Hamburger”
Dr. @BarbaraRansby has written the essential biography of Ella Baker. It deserves to be on every bookshelf.
uncpress.org/book/978080785…
#EllaBaker #BornOnThisDay
Born on December 13, 1903, she graduated from Shaw University and spent her life working for civil and human rights in dozens of organizations across the country. She advocated for a grassroots and collective approach to organizing rather than relying on a charismatic leader.
Although she faced discrimination from male civil rights leaders, Baker was a pivotal leader in the movement. She helped start the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and fought to ensure that students led the group without adults co-opting the vision and direction.
The spirit of Ella Baker lives on in any activist or organizer who believes in the power of the people to bring about positive change.
#EllaBaker #BornOnThisDay
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