SCLC

In January 1957, King and other Black ministers met in Atlanta to establish the organisation that became the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The boycott’s success encouraged them to coordinate campaigns beyond one city. King became its leader.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was organised in 1957. Led by Martin Luther King, it brought national leadership and the support of church-based campaigners to non-violent direct action. This meant challenging segregation through activities such as sit-ins, pickets and marches rather than attacking opponents.