Vishal Patel and Krishna Mehta

Ebenezer Baptist Church Wayside Sign

Ebenezer Baptist Church was a central meeting place throughout the American Civil

Rights Movement. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), one of the most influential organizations of the movement, has its roots firmly established at Ebenezer Baptist

Church. The aim of the SCLC was to advance the cause of Civil Rights in America in a non- violent manner. Founded in 1957 by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Rev. Ralph

Abernathy, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, was created to highlight the leadership of the Baptist Church, which set the SCLC apart from the NAACP. In 1960, the

SCLC relocated to the Prince Hall Mason building further down at 334 Auburn Avenue

The Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy played an integral role at the SCLC in mentoring the young Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With Dr. King at the forefront of the SCLC as President,

Abernathy was elected as financial secretary/treasurer. After Dr. King’s assassination on April 4,

1968, Abernathy worked to keep King's spirit alive, later becoming president of the SCLC.

Another crucial contributor to the SCLC was the Reverend Cordy Tindell or, C.T. Vivian. After being named as director of the SCLC Affiliates in 1961, Rev. Vivian tirelessly worked as a strategist for branches throughout the nation. Under his leadership, the SCLC sponsored the foundation of the National Anti-Klan Network, which aimed to send political, legal, and against the .

Reverend Charles Kenzie Steele of West Virginia served as the first Vice President of the

SCLC. When the SCLC directed its efforts to Albany, Georgia in 1962, Rev. Steele took the lead of these demonstrations with Dr. King incarcerated at the time. Although primarily involved in his home-state of Alabama, Reverend Steele founded his own consulting firm, Charles Steele and Associates, headquartered in Atlanta and continued to work diligently in expanding the

SCLC. He is well known for breaking ground by raising over $10 million for the organization.

Dr. Steele serves as the current President and CEO of the National SCLC and continues to work to achieve his vision of a “national playing field” through the efforts of this organization.

In 2005 the SCLC relocated their headquarters with a brand new, refreshing building next to the Prince Hall Masons Building. This organization is still active as a national and international human rights organization. The SCLC is a now a nationwide organization made up of chapters and affiliates with programs that affect the lives of all Americans.

Above: Dr. King with Mr. Abernathy

Above: Prince Hall Mason Building in the 1960’s

Above: Meeting for the 16th annual convention of the SCLC

Above: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in front of SCLC Headquarters in Atlanta