Answers Quote by Ella Baker
![“I don't know, except that the only simple answer, I think, is that SCLC [Southern Christian Leadership Conference] had never really developed an organizing technique. I've always characterized the difference in saying that they went in for mobilization. And, to be honest, in terms of the…” quote by Ella Baker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fbb/ella-baker-10989_answers_i-don-t-know-except-that-the-only-simple_1944591.jpg)
“I don't know, except that the only simple answer, I think, is that SCLC [Southern Christian Leadership Conference] had never really developed an organizing technique. I've always characterized the difference in saying that they went in for mobilization. And, to be honest, in terms of the historical facts, their mobilization usually was predicated upon some effort at organizing by someone else. And, at this stage, it was largely SNCC.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Civil Rights Strategy, 1965
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference lacked its own organizing method, relying on others like SNCC for mobilization.
In simple terms: SCLC depended on external organizers rather than its own tactics.
Key Takeaway
Develop independent organizing skills.
Themes
civil rights
organizing
leadership
movement dynamics
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
historical
strategic
When to use this quote
- community organizing
- political campaigns
- social movements
Key Concepts
grassroots mobilization
strategic autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can movements build their own organizing capacity?
- What are the risks of dependence on external groups?
A Different Perspective
Relying on others limits sustainable impact.
![“My association with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is sort of predated by an effort that we were a part of here in New York City regarding the reaction to this 1954 Supreme Court [Brown v Board of Education] decision.” quote by Ella Baker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e2b/ella-baker-10989_association_my-association-with-the-southern-christi_1054645.jpg)
![“I didn't have any close relationship with him because, although [William Edward Burghardt] DuBois may not have been as egocentric - I don't know - he certainly was not the easiest person to approach. I think, certainly, those of us who were younger sort of respected that in terms of his…” quote by Ella Baker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/926/ella-baker-10989_approach_i-didn-t-have-any-close-relationship-wit_697287.jpg)
![“[Walter White] was also one of the best lobbyist of the period.” quote by Ella Baker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/900/ella-baker-10989_lobbyists_walter-white-was-also-one-of-the-best-lo_712092.jpg)
