...The Southern Poverty Law Center opened.
I have not been able to find a more precise date, though somewhere there must be a piece of paper that is signed, indicating an actual 50th Anniversary, other than just "during August".
Normally, any organization hitting the 50 year mark would celebrate that event. But the only indication I could find of the SPLC even recognizing that landmark date was in a January posting by new president and CEO Margaret Huang, which included a litany of proposals for the Federal Government and a wish for the group's future:
"A half century may have passed since the SPLC’s founding, but our work is more vital and relevant than ever. The road ahead will include challenges, but working shoulder to shoulder with the communities we serve, we will continue the march for justice with renewed confidence and commitment."
I did not receive a reply to an email asking for an interview with SPLC co-founder Joe Levin. I had interviewed him previously on Alabama News Network, and hoped to have a second chance for the anniversary. The turmoil resulted in the departure of several upper management SPLC leaders, including the other co-founder, Morris Dees.
The lack of a reply may be the result of the turmoil the Montgomery-based organization has gone through in recent years.
The organization has always attracted more than its share of haters, and those right-wing organizations increased their attacks in the aftermath.
Yet now, perhaps more than ever, an organization like the center is needed. I hope the wounds are healing, and that it will allow them to take a firmer stand against hate groups---and to mark their calendars for August of 2046, in time for their 75th anniversary, whatever the exact date may be.
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