Ella Baker was a prominent African American civil rights activist who played a significant role in the fight for racial and social justice in the United States. Born in 1903 in Norfolk, Virginia, Baker dedicated her life to empowering ordinary people to become leaders in their own communities.

Baker began her activism in the 1930s, working with the NAACP and other organizations to combat racial discrimination and inequality. She later joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and played a key role in organizing the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955.

One of Baker's most lasting contributions to the civil rights movement was her work in helping to establish the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1960. SNCC became a vital force in the struggle for civil rights, organizing sit-ins, voter registration drives, and other forms of nonviolent protest.

Baker believed in the power of grassroots organizing and community involvement, emphasizing the importance of collective action and leadership development. She inspired and mentored countless activists, including future leaders such as Stokely Carmichael and Diane Nash.

Throughout her life, Ella Baker remained committed to the principles of equality and justice, working tirelessly to empower marginalized communities and create a more just society. Her legacy continues to inspire and guide activists in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social change.