SCLC Love and Light Drive

Vision
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Love and Light Drive is dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of the SCLC through the lens of two pivotal dates in American history: the founding of the SCLC and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our vision is to create an opportunity for individuals and organizations to commemorate this rich history by contributing to the ongoing work of the SCLC. This drive serves as a platform for enshrining the impact and importance of the SCLC with love and resources, ensuring that the organization’s mission continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

Mission
The mission of the SCLC Love and Light Drive is to enable individuals and organizations to contribute to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in a meaningful way, thereby solidifying their commitment to the principles of justice, equality, and nonviolence that the SCLC has championed since its inception. By doing so, contributors will play a critical role in preserving the legacy of the SCLC and supporting its ongoing efforts to “Save the Soul of America.” This drive will acknowledge and publicly recognize the contributions of those who choose to stand with the SCLC, highlighting their dedication to social justice and civil rights.

Summary
The SCLC Love and Light Drive is a commemorative initiative centered around two significant dates: February 14th and April 4th. These dates are essential for understanding and honoring the history and impact of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

February 14th marks the founding date of the SCLC, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on the organization’s origins during Black History Month. This date serves as a reminder of the collective efforts of pastors and community leaders who came together to establish the SCLC in 1957. Their mission was to address the pressing issues of racial inequality and social injustice that plagued the nation—a mission that remains as relevant today as it was over six decades ago. The SCLC Love and Light Drive on February 14th seeks to highlight this historical moment without detracting from the significance of Dr. King’s National Holiday in January. Instead, it reinforces the idea that the struggle for civil rights is an ongoing journey that requires continuous support and resources from the community.

April 4th is the day that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. While this date is a somber reminder of the loss of one of the greatest leaders in American history, it also symbolizes the enduring light that Dr. King represents. As Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Chairman of our National Borad of Directors and a key figure in the civil rights movement, reminds us, Dr. King was not killed in the sense that his work and his message continue to live on. The SCLC Love and Light Drive on April 4th celebrates the universal love and acknowledgment of Dr. King’s contributions to the world. It is a day to honor his life and legacy by supporting the very organization that he led with such profound vision and determination.

Through the SCLC Love and Light Drive, we seek to create a space for individuals and organizations to contribute to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in a way that is both meaningful and impactful. Contributors will be publicly acknowledged, ensuring that their commitment to the cause of justice and equality is recognized and celebrated. This drive not only commemorates the historical significance of the SCLC but also empowers the organization to continue its vital work in addressing the social and political challenges that persist in our society.

By anchoring the SCLC Love and Light Drive around February 14th and April 4th, we provide a structured and powerful way for the community to engage with the SCLC’s mission. These dates serve as touchstones for reflection, action, and support, reminding us all of the importance of sustaining the work of the SCLC in our collective efforts to build a more just and equitable society.