Civil Rights Organizer Bernard LaFayette Dies at 85

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Bernard LaFayette, a civil rights activist who played a key role in the Selma voting rights campaign that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, has died at the age of 85. LaFayette was described as a "global prophet of nonviolence" who traveled the world promoting non-violent civil disobedience. He was the advance man who laid the groundwork for the Selma campaign, convincing local Black residents that change was possible despite the dangers they faced.

Why it matters

LaFayette's work in Selma in the years before the famous "Bloody Sunday" march was crucial in building the leadership capacity and courage of the local Black community to stand up for their voting rights. His nonviolent approach and willingness to face violence without retaliation helped inspire the movement and ultimately led to the passage of landmark civil rights legislation.

The details

In 1963, LaFayette was named director of the Alabama Voter Registration Campaign and moved to Selma to begin organizing the local community. Despite facing an assassination attempt and other violence, LaFayette persisted in his efforts to convince Black residents that change was possible through non-violent action. His work laid the groundwork for the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches that galvanized the nation and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

• In 1960, LaFayette helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which organized civil rights campaigns across the South.
• In 1963, LaFayette was named director of the Alabama Voter Registration Campaign and moved to Selma.
• On March 7, 1965, the beating of future Congressman John Lewis and other marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, known as "Bloody Sunday", shocked the nation and pushed Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act later that year.

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