Bernard LaFayette, Selma voting rights organizer, dies at 85

Published: Friday, March 6, 2026 at 12:03 am

Civil Rights Icon Bernard LaFayette Dies at 85

Bernard LaFayette, a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, has passed away at the age of 85. LaFayette's work in the fight for voting rights, particularly in Selma, Alabama, was instrumental in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

LaFayette was a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which organized desegregation and voting rights campaigns across the South. He played a crucial role in building local leadership in Selma, convincing residents that change was possible and creating momentum that could not be stopped. His efforts laid the groundwork for the historic Selma-to-Montgomery marches, which galvanized national attention and spurred legislative action.

LaFayette faced numerous dangers during his activism, including an assassination attempt. He was a staunch advocate of nonviolence, believing in the power of the human spirit to overcome oppression. His commitment to nonviolence extended beyond the United States, as he worked internationally to promote peace and justice.

LaFayette's impact extended beyond voting rights. He was involved in the Chicago Freedom Movement, organizing tenant unions and advocating for lead poisoning screenings. He also worked alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the Poor People's Campaign and was with King on the morning of his assassination. LaFayette dedicated his life to institutionalizing and internationalizing the nonviolence movement.

BNN's Perspective:

Bernard LaFayette's life exemplifies the power of grassroots activism and the enduring legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. His unwavering commitment to nonviolence and his tireless efforts to empower marginalized communities serve as an inspiration. His work reminds us of the importance of fighting for justice and equality, even in the face of adversity.

Keywords: Bernard LaFayette, Civil Rights, Voting Rights Act, Selma, SNCC, Nonviolence, Chicago Freedom Movement, Martin Luther King Jr., Activism, Social Justice

Full Story