SNCC Flashcards
What year were the Greensboro Sit-Ins and how did they begin?
February 1960. Four students (Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr. & David Richmond) went to Woolworth and were refused service at a segregated lunch counter. Inspired other blacks in Greensboro to do this, by the end of the week several hundred students participate, stores close, regional copycat demonstrations take place with support from organisations like CORE.
How did sit-ins contrast from the bus boycotts?
Boycott more passive, avoiding segregation. Sit-ins more direct/aggressive, putting themselves in segregated institutions, no legal protection, private companies can deny service.
Why were sit-ins so effective?
Protestors arrested for disorderly conduct after they were attacked, members of the black community begin to boycott stores, some chains in the North were also boycotted or picket-fenced, businesses susceptible to that kind of pressure. In Greensboro citizens marched to city hall, demanded the mayor give his opinion on the matter, he says its wrong to discriminate, weeks later black customers were served. Transforms segregation into a moral question and demands an immediate response.
What role did SNCC play in sit-ins?
Their students take part, organise a few of their own sit-ins. Other organisations such as CORE offered classes in non-violence to people participating in such demonstrations. SNCC formed due to the success of the sit-ins.
Before SNCC’s involvement, who was responsible for the Freedom Rides and why were they planned?
CORE (Congress of Racial Equality). In 1947 CORE had Journey of Reconciliation - to test the Morgan v. Virginia (1946) ruling that segregation on interstate transport was unconstitutional. Journey unsuccessful. Similar ruling in Boynton v. Virginia (1960) decide to retest the ruling. CORE tells the FBI of the proposed route. First Freedom Ride in 1961, interracial group, met by extreme violence, knew they were putting their lives at risk and wanted to test the commitment of the federal government. In the first ride a few members were from SNCC. Many of the members were arrested.
Apart from SNCC how did other Civil Rights organisations support the Freedom Rides?
CORE continued to sponsor all of the rides although its members did not participate in them all. King and SCLC churches held support for the Riders, and when violence escalated King contacted Robert Kennedy who forced the Governor of Alabama (Patterson) to protect the Freedom Riders. Kennedy also sent John Seigenthaler to assess the situation, and at one point threatened to send in federal officers. NAACP provided legal support for arrested Freedom Riders.
How did SNCC continue the Freedom Rides?
Students from across the country participate, continue to allow themselves to be arrested, beaten. Starts to attract widespread media coverage, becomes a crisis that forces the hand of the federal government. The Interstate Commerce Commission orders interstate transport to be desegregated. Robert Kennedy sends in federal officers to ensure compliance with Court rulings & the law.
Why was the Freedom Rides such an important event for the Civil Rights Movement?
First time the Civil Rights Coalition came together. CORE, SNCC, NAACP, SCLC. Interracial cooperation. Mass movement banishes the illusion of a passive Southern African American, don’t want gradual change. Southern confrontation.
Why did voter registration become an important issue in the 1960s?
Disproportionate number of African Americans registered to vote. Kennedy administration began voter education project to offer money for voter drive in the South, offered money to SNCC, CORE, SCLC, don’t want one organisation to control it. Divert organisations to one area of reform they could control. Some members of SNCC didn’t want to do it for this reason.
What was the McComb Project?
- McComb, Mississippi, deep south, NAACP member Herbert Lee was murdered after attempting to register to vote, his murderer was acquitted despite numerous witnesses. Bob Moses had convinced Lee to register and felt responsible. Moses taught non-violence workshops for SNCC etc., goes to SNCC for support.
Why was the McComb Project abandoned?
Extreme violence, people killed, severe beatings, bombings, losing jobs, intimidation, KKK involvement, Moses feels compelled to abandon the project due to risk. Decide to move slightly more northward where white opposition may be weaker. After the Voter Registration Act in 1965 SNCC and COFO returned to McComb to ensure the law was enforced.
What was the COFO?
Council of Federated Organisations. Coalition between major Civil Rights organisations including NAACP, SNCC, CORE and SCLC.
What was the Mississippi Freedom Summer?
Part of the campaign to secure African Americans in the South the right to vote. COFO focused on the Mississippi Delta. SNCC wanted to form new offices headed by locals, didn’t want them to become too dependent on them. Six murders in total during the Mississippi Freedom Summer. Violence creates a crisis which prompted federal intervention. Intimidation created greater commitment to the cause.
How did the disappearances of James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman effect SNCC?
Missing for 44 days, media focus on Goodman and Schwerner, local Mississippian’s and black activists unhappy with white activists, they get the main media attention, diverting attention away from the real issue. After Freedom Summer SNCC became an all-black organisation in 1966.
How did Stokely Carmichael’s creation of LCFO impact the later Black Power movement?
- LCFO (Lowndes County Freedom Organisation) founded by Carmichael, symbol of a black panther, start of black power.
