Rev. Bernard Lafayette Oral History Interview

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

An oral history consisting of a single digital video recording (2018.78.10.1). It was collected as part of the Poor People’s Campaign Interviews. In this interview, Dr. Bernard Lafayette, a veteran civil rights activist and nonviolence educator, discusses how he became involved in the Civil Rights Movement; his work with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC); and his lifelong commitment to social justice activism and nonviolent direct action. Dr. Lafayette begins the interview by reflecting on his upbringing and family life in Tampa, Florida, and the early experiences that led him toward his lifelong commitment to social activism. He then discusses his experiences in Nashville while at the American Baptist Theological Seminary and his work with SNCC. Dr. Lafayette explains how he became involved with the SCLC and discusses his role in the planning of the Poor People’s Campaign. He also recounts his final meetings with Dr.

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