Bernice Johnson Reagon was born in 1942 in Dougherty County, Georgia. While in high school, she became secretary of Albany, GA’s first youth branch of the NNACP. After graduating, she became a Community Organizer. During her life, Bernice Reagon was an American song leader, composer, professor of American history, curator at the Smithsonian, and social activist. She was a founder of the Freedom Singers, organized by the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the Albany Movement for Civil Rights. The Albany Singing Movement was a vital catalyst for change through music during the 1960s protests for Civil Rights. In 1973, she founded the all-black female a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. Reagon has received wide recognition for her activism and work towards Civil Rights, education and justice.
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Church Affiliation:Mount Early Baptist Church
Role in the Movement:Bernice Johnson Reagon was a noted musician and Civil Rights activist.
Birth Place:Dougherty Co., GA
Born Date:October 4, 1942
Deceased Date:July 16, 1924
Place Lived as Adult:Washington, DC
Church Location:Worthy County, GA