Charles Sherrod was one of two SNCC students who began organizing in Southwest Georgia in 1961 what eventually became the Albany Movement. In 1964, he attended Union Theological Seminary in New York City to pursue an advanced degree and joined forces with SIM, recruiting a number of students who would travel to work with him in Georgia in greater numbers each year between 1965 and 1968. Students in Southwest Georgia encountered entrenched racism and white supremacy and focused their efforts on voter registration, electoral politics, economic development and education. As the term “Black Power” gained currency during these years, Sherrod interpreted it to mean black economic and political power and independence, and although most in the nation thought the Albany Movement long over, Sherrod and the SIM students continued to make great advances in Southwest Georgia.
Introduction to the Forum on Dr. James H. Cone as Teacher and Mentor