Ella Baker Pronunciation: /ˈɛl.ə ˈbeɪ.kər/ (EL-uh BAY-kur) Part of Speech: Proper noun
Definition: (1903–1986) A prominent African American civil rights activist, strategist, and organizer. Known for her behind-the-scenes leadership, Baker played major roles in the NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and was a founding advisor of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). She championed grassroots organizing, participatory democracy, and empowering ordinary people, especially young activists, to lead the struggle for justice and equality.
Example: Ella Baker’s emphasis on participatory leadership helped make the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee a powerful force in the civil rights movement.