1966 – Stokely Carmichael Elected SNCC Chairman

On May 28, 1966, Stokely Carmichael was elected chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a major turning point in the civil rights movement. Carmichael, known for his dynamic leadership and intellectual firepower, soon popularized the term “Black Power,” reshaping the movement’s tone and objectives. His election marked a shift from integrationist goals toward a more radical and self-determined vision for Black liberation. Under Carmichael, SNCC prioritized grassroots organizing, Black autonomy, and solidarity with anti-colonial movements abroad. May 28 thus represents a key ideological transition in Black political thought, ushering in a new era of assertiveness and cultural pride. Carmichael’s leadership inspired the Black Panther Party and global freedom struggles, from Africa to the Caribbean. His impact remains deeply embedded in today’s social justice movements that center Black identity, empowerment, and resistance against systemic oppression.