Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) – Susan Shannon

In Albany, GA I learned about the work of Charles Sherrod, Cordell Reagon, and Charles Jones with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). I’m including their names so I don’t forget them. Each played a role in supporting efforts that included registering people to vote and training students in non-violence.

Cordell was a freedom singer along with Rutha Harris. Songs gave members of the freedom movement strength when marching, when being arrested and when in jail. We were introduced to Rutha as she sang and marched with a freedom sign into the church we visited. It was all I could do to not jump out of the pew and march behind her. Rutha was amazing! She taught us songs and we ended our visit singing This Little Light of Mine together.

I’ve been offered opportunities to participate in direct non-violent action in the past few years and have not been brave enough to participate. I see a strength in the individuals we are meeting and learning about and wonder what will happen given my next opportunity.

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