http://dornsife.usc.edu/cdd/civic/bmus/Congress%20Of%20Racial%20Equality.html

About:

Founded in 1942, CORE is the third oldest and one of the “Big Four” civil rights groups in the United States. We protested “Jim Crow” laws in the 40’s, participated in the “Sit-ins” of the 50’s, were instrumental in the “Freedom Rides” of the 60’s, and are currently involved in Freedom Summer with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). We continue to champion true equality, acting as “shock troops” and pioneers of the civil rights movement, CORE has paved the way for the nation to follow.

Under the banner of “TRUTH! LOGIC! & COURAGE”, we continue to promote harmony and healing in all aspects of society; calling the shots straight–even when it hurts–and confronting the haters, race baiters and racial racketeers bent on keeping us apart.

Membership in CORE is open to anyone who believes that “all people are created equal” and is willing to work towards the ultimate goal of true equality throughout the world.

History:

The Congress of Racial Equality was founded in 1942 as the Committee of Racial Equality by an interracial group of students at the University of Chicago. Many of these students were members of the Chicago branch of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), a pacifist organization seeking to change racist attitudes. The founders of CORE were deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of nonviolent resistance.

Mission:

CORE seeks to establish, in practice, the inalienable right for all people to determine their own destiny–to decide for themselves what social and political organizations can operate in their best interest and to do so without gratuitous and inhibiting influence from those whose interest is diametrically opposed to theirs. CORE feels that the most important fundamental freedom for all people is the right to govern themselves.  Once this simple ideal is realized, other necessary freedoms will automatically follow.

In essence, CORE’s aim is to bring about equality for all people regardless of race, creed, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background. In pursuing its aim, CORE seeks to identify and expose acts of discrimination in the public and private sectors of society. When such an act is uncovered, CORE, with its many multi-service departments, goes into action.