Project Title: SNCC Legacy Project

 

Background

The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, particularly in organizing efforts that led to the Voting Rights Act. The SNCC Legacy Project aims to preserve and share its rich history while inspiring future generations through a digital movement platform.

 

My Role

I contributed to Social Impact Projects associated with the SNCC Legacy Project, focusing on the following initiatives:

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Projects

• Digital Archiving of SNCC Documents: Worked on the digitization of SNCC documents to ensure they are readily accessible for research and educational use including:

  • Documenting Interactions with Visiting Professors: archived transcripts of interactions between SNCC visiting professors, scholars, and students on campuses, including both formal lectures and informal discussions.

  • Creating an Archive on SNCC Organizing Efforts: Collaborated with SNCC veterans who visited campuses for extended periods to engage with students, faculty, and archivists in establishing a comprehensive archive that documents the grassroots organizing efforts that contributed to the Voting Rights Act.

 

Objectives

• Bridge Generations: The project strives to connect contemporary activists with the historical legacy of the civil rights movement, encouraging dialogue and learning across generations.

• Living Archive: The goal is to develop a dynamic, publicly accessible digital archive ensuring that young people learn about civil rights history and its implications for current social justice movements.

 

Outcomes

• Increased Access to Historical Documents: The digital archiving initiative allows researchers, educators, and the public to access important SNCC materials conveniently.

• Empowered Voices of Veterans: By highlighting the stories and perspectives of SNCC veterans, the media development project fosters a deeper understanding of the movement's significance and the nuances of its experiences.

• Educational Resources: The documented transcripts and archives serve as invaluable resources for educational purposes, reinforcing the importance of preserving and teaching civil rights history.

 

Conclusion

Through my work on these social impact projects associated with the SNCC Legacy Project, I was able to contribute to the preservation of a vital historical narrative while promoting engagement and learning in the contemporary context.