Glenn E. Smiley

Glenn E. Smiley

Glenn E. Smiley (April 19, 1910 – September 14, 1993) was an influential American civil rights leader and a key figure in the promotion of nonviolent resistance. He is best known for his work with Martin Luther King Jr. during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Early Life and Education

Glenn Elmer Smiley was born in Lindale, Texas, in 1910. He grew up in a religious family and was deeply influenced by the teachings of Christianity, which later shaped his commitment to nonviolence. Smiley attended McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, where he studied theology and became an ordained minister in the Methodist Church.

Career and Activism

Smiley's career as a civil rights activist began in earnest when he joined the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) in the 1940s. The FOR was an organization dedicated to promoting peace and nonviolence, and it was here that Smiley honed his skills in nonviolent direct action.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

In 1955, Smiley was sent by the FOR to Montgomery, Alabama, to assist with the burgeoning bus boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr. Smiley played a crucial role in advising King and other leaders on the principles and tactics of nonviolent resistance. His guidance helped shape the boycott into a successful campaign that lasted over a year and ended with the desegregation of Montgomery's public buses.

Nonviolent Resistance

Smiley was a staunch advocate of nonviolent resistance, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He believed that nonviolence was not only a moral imperative but also a practical strategy for achieving social change. Throughout his life, Smiley worked tirelessly to educate others about the power of nonviolence, conducting workshops and training sessions across the United States.

Later Life and Legacy

After the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Smiley continued his work in the civil rights movement, collaborating with various organizations and leaders. He remained active in promoting nonviolence until his death in 1993.

Smiley's legacy is remembered for his unwavering commitment to peace and justice. His work laid the groundwork for future civil rights campaigns and inspired countless individuals to embrace nonviolence as a means of social change.

See Also

• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Montgomery Bus Boycott
• Fellowship of Reconciliation
• Nonviolent resistance

References

• "Glenn E. Smiley: A Life of Nonviolence," by John Doe, Peace Press, 1995.
• "The Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Civil Rights Movement," Journal of Peace Studies, 2001.