Finding itself in a new era of activism, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference — one of the most storied civil rights organizations in American history — has entered a new chapter under a newly appointed president and CEO.
Last summer, DeMark Liggins was elected president during the group’s 65th annual convention in Atlanta; shoes once filled by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Founded in 1957 under Dr. King’s stewardship, the SCLC played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, from the Selma to Montgomery march to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. That history, the new president emphasized, continues to define the organization’s place in the national story.
“Our legacy at SCLC is entrenched in the fabric of America,” he said. “Steadfast to our mantra of saving the soul of America, our movement has produced a bevy of leaders beyond Dr. King,” Liggins said, in a recorded presidential message speech.
He pointed to civil rights figures such as Ambassador Andrew Young, the Rev. C.T. Vivian and Dr. Bernard Lafayette, along with many others, as part of a lineage of activists who built the foundation SCLC stands on today.
But the new president was clear that honoring legacy alone is not enough. Leadership, he said, must remain active, intentional and rooted in service.
“Leadership is not a position bestowed upon someone,” he said. “It is the act of listening, envisioning, organizing and ultimately executing actions that move communities forward. As president, I am fully committed to the work, sacrifice and humility that leadership demands.”
Prior to his appointment, Liggins held three leadership positions with the SCLC over the last decade: chief financial officer, chief of staff and vice president. His presidency follows Dr. Charles Steele Jr., who served two consecutive terms.
Liggins is a graduate of Alabama State University and a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. He earned a degree in finance and prior to joining the SCLC, worked as a banker, stockbroker and registered investment adviser in private client advisory. He is also a husband and father of three.
According to Liggins, he plans to anchor his leadership of the SCLC on three pillars deeply rooted in the conference’s history: legacy, leadership and love.
One of his specific goals is strengthening the chapter network and expanding the group’s influence. Currently, there are 57 chapters across the United States, with established headquarters in Atlanta.
“We will support our chapter network, making it easier for them to impact their communities they serve, while hoping to expand our footprint to ensure that more Americans and more neighborhoods can lean into and depend on the resources and activism of the SCLC,” Liggins said.
Under his administration, the SCLC aims to be at the “forefront” of voter education and organizing, as well as addressing issues like wealth inequality, police reform, fair housing practices, medical discrimination and access to education.
One of the current programs is the Poverty Tour of 2025, designed to address wealth disparities.
Focusing on cities without SCLC chapters, Liggins will visit six metropolitan areas with unique economic challenges and potential for change.
According to the SCLC website, at each stop Liggins will sit down with a wide range of stakeholders — from elected officials and business leaders to members of the faith community. The conversations will focus on the specific challenges each community faces and explore collaborative strategies to tackle poverty at its core.
Key issues the tour intends to highlight include wages, housing, education, wealth disparities and access to capital.
“As we travel across the nation, we will shine a light on the challenges faced by the poor and disenfranchised, while also advocating for the policies and practices that can lead to a more just and equitable society,” the website states.
This type of work is a signature of the SCLC. In 1968, under the leadership of King and Ralph David Abernathy, the SCLC declared poverty a national human rights issue. In response, the organization launched the Poor People’s Campaign — a grassroots movement that drew thousands to Washington, D.C. For 43 days between May and June 1968, demonstrators demanded social reforms while living on the National Mall in a tent city known as Resurrection City.
Drawing inspiration from his predecessors, particularly Dr. Steele, love will remain at the center of the conference’s efforts.
“Love is a verb. It’s not a noun. Under my presidency, we will continue to love our communities through our initiatives and our programs,” Liggins said.
To learn more about the SCLC, visit nationalsclc.org/love.