SCLC Poverty Tour 2025

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) has long been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights, social justice, and economic equity. In 2025, under the leadership of National President/CEO DMark Liggins, Sr., the SCLC will embark on a groundbreaking initiative—the SCLC Poverty Tour. This tour is a bold and necessary step in our ongoing mission to spotlight the issues surrounding poverty and disenfranchisement in America.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the SCLC Poverty Tour is simple yet profound: to bring national attention to the systemic issues that keep millions of Americans trapped in poverty. Through direct engagement with politicians, business leaders, and faith communities, President Liggins will use this tour to advocate for meaningful change and inspire action that addresses the root causes of poverty. The tour is not just about identifying problems; it’s about fostering solutions that can uplift communities and create pathways to economic opportunity and social justice.

A Journey Across America

The SCLC Poverty Tour will take President Liggins to six major metropolitan areas and four rural regions, each selected for their unique economic challenges and potential for impactful change. This year’s tour is particularly significant as it focuses on cities and regions that do not currently have an SCLC chapter. By visiting these areas, President Liggins aims to not only highlight the issues faced by the poor but also to expand the SCLC’s presence in communities that can benefit from its mission.

Key Focus Areas

While each stop on the SCLC Poverty Tour will be tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities of the local area, several key issues will be at the forefront of every discussion:

1. Wages and Employment:
   Economic disparity begins with wages. The tour will examine the state of wages in each region, including the impact of minimum wage laws, the availability of living-wage jobs, and the barriers that prevent workers from accessing better-paying employment. Discussions will focus on how businesses and policymakers can work together to create more equitable employment opportunities that lift workers out of poverty.
2. Housing:
   Access to affordable housing is a critical component of economic stability. In many cities and rural areas, the lack of affordable housing exacerbates poverty and limits economic mobility. The tour will highlight the need for policies that increase the availability of affordable housing, prevent displacement, and support homeownership among low-income families.
3. Education and Training:
   Education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty. However, disparities in access to quality education and vocational training continue to hinder economic progress for many Americans. The tour will explore innovative approaches to education and training that can provide individuals with the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy, with a particular focus on underserved communities.
4. Wealth Disparity:
   The growing gap between the wealthy and the poor is a major driver of economic inequality. The SCLC Poverty Tour will address the systemic issues that contribute to wealth disparity, including tax policies, access to capital, and the concentration of wealth in certain demographics. By engaging with local leaders, the tour will advocate for policies that promote wealth-building opportunities for all, particularly in marginalized communities.
5. Access to Capital:
   Access to capital is essential for economic growth and entrepreneurship. Yet, many low-income individuals and communities struggle to obtain the financial resources they need to start businesses, buy homes, or invest in education. The tour will discuss the barriers to accessing capital and explore solutions that can make financial resources more accessible to those who need them most.

Engaging Local Communities

At each stop, President Liggins will meet with a diverse group of stakeholders, including politicians, business leaders, and members of the faith community. These meetings will be an opportunity to discuss the unique challenges facing each area and to collaborate on strategies that can address poverty at its roots. By bringing together leaders from different sectors, the SCLC Poverty Tour aims to foster a holistic approach to economic justice that considers the interconnectedness of wages, housing, education, and access to capital.

In addition to these high-level meetings, the tour will also include public forums and town hall meetings where local residents can share their experiences and ideas. These events will be a crucial component of the tour, ensuring that the voices of those directly affected by poverty are heard and considered in the development of solutions.

Expanding the SCLC’s Reach

One of the central goals of the 2025 SCLC Poverty Tour is to expand the organization’s reach by establishing new chapters in the cities and regions visited. President Liggins is committed to growing the number of SCLC chapters so that more communities can benefit from the organization’s advocacy, resources, and support. By establishing a presence in these areas, the SCLC will be better positioned to continue its work in fighting poverty and promoting social justice long after the tour has ended.

Conclusion

The SCLC Poverty Tour is more than a series of visits—it is a movement to confront the realities of poverty in America and to demand change. As we travel across the nation, we will shine a light on the challenges faced by the poor and disenfranchised, while also advocating for the policies and practices that can lead to a more just and equitable society.

We invite all Americans to join us on this journey—whether by attending a tour event, advocating for change in your own community, or supporting the SCLC’s efforts to expand its reach and impact. Together, we can create a future where poverty is not a defining feature of life in America, but a challenge we have overcome.