Who is Ella Baker?Ella Josephine Baker was born December 13, 1903, in Norfok, Virginia, to Georgianna Ross Baker and Blake Baker. Both sets of her grandparents grew up under slavery. Baker, with the support and encouragement of her family, graduated in April 1927 from Shaw University in North Carolina and was valedictorian. She moved on to become one of this nation's greatest activists and worked tirelessly to better the living conditions and opportunities for those less fortunate. Baker was known for her sincere belief in the potential and dignity of every individual.
Ms. Baker was an educator, an activist, and a leader who worked with numerous organizations and touched the lives of many. Some of the most notable organizations are the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Ms. Baker passed away on December 13, 1986, in New York. She has been recognized by many as the mother of the Civil Rights Movement. (Source: Ransby, Barbara. Ella Baker & The Black Freedom Movement) Listen to an audio clip where Ella Baker speaks at the end... http://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip_28-125q814w5v |
Quick Facts FULL NAME: Ella Josephine Baker BORN: December 13, 1903 DIED: December 13, 1986 BIRTH PLACE: Norfolk, VA DIED IN: Harlem, NY Affiliated Organizations: MFDP, NAACP, SCLC, SNCC |
What is Ella Baker Day?Beyond recognizing the many contributions of this amazing individual, the Ella Baker Day campaign aims to draw greater attention to the ongoing value of community organizing and roles that women and people of color have played in the creation of our Commonwealth and this nation. In an effort to further the goals of the Support Ella Baker Day campaign and to further educate people on the legacy of Ella Baker, we ask you to consider hosting your own Ella Baker Day in your community during the month of April. Please see the Host Your Own EBD page for more information.
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