Bob Zellner

Bob Zellner

Bob Zellner speaking at an event.

Bob Zellner is an American civil rights activist and author, known for his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s. He was one of the few white members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and played a significant role in organizing and participating in various civil rights activities.

Early Life

Bob Zellner was born on April 5, 1939, in Jay, Florida. He grew up in a family with a history of Ku Klux Klan involvement, but his father, a Methodist minister, broke away from the Klan and became a supporter of civil rights. This background influenced Zellner's own path towards activism.

Education

Zellner attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, where he became involved in the civil rights movement. It was during his time at college that he first encountered the SNCC and began participating in their activities.

Civil Rights Activism

In 1961, Zellner became the first white field secretary for the SNCC. He worked alongside prominent civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and John Lewis. Zellner was involved in organizing Freedom Rides, voter registration drives, and sit-ins across the southern United States.

Freedom Rides

Zellner participated in the Freedom Rides, which were organized to challenge segregation in interstate bus terminals. These rides were met with violent resistance, but they played a crucial role in raising awareness and bringing about change.

Voter Registration

Zellner also worked on voter registration campaigns, particularly in Mississippi and Alabama, where he faced significant danger and hostility. These efforts were part of a broader movement to secure voting rights for African Americans.

Later Life and Legacy

After the height of the civil rights movement, Zellner continued his activism in various forms. He has written about his experiences and remains a vocal advocate for social justice. His memoir, "The Wrong Side of Murder Creek: A White Southerner in the Freedom Movement," provides a detailed account of his life and work in the movement.

Related Pages

• Civil Rights Movement
• Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
• Freedom Riders
• Voter registration