Last month, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference officially elected Alabama State University alumnus and SCLC National Vice President DeMark Liggins as President/CEO. Liggins has been with the SCLC for more than ten years, having succeeded Dr. Charles Steele, who worked there for twenty years. After serving as President and CEO for two periods (2004–2009 and 2012–present), Dr. Steele announced his resignation in the first part of August.
“I find myself humbled and excited about being named the President/CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. As the new leader of this historic organization, my vision for the company rests on the SCLC’s Legacy, Leadership, and Love. These pillars of our brand will guide the direction of my presidency,” Liggins stated.
Liggins was the SCLC’s Chief Financial Officer prior to taking on the role of Chief of Staff. In 2023, he was elected National Vice President at the 64th SCLC Convention. He is one of the organization’s youngest presidents and is spearheading a number of proactive projects, such as identifying underserved communities and developing action plans for them, encouraging Gen Z and millennials to vote in upcoming elections, and advocating for criminal justice reform.
Liggins attended Alabama State University from 1997-2001. He graduated with a degree in business administration and finance. While at Alabama State., Liggins crossed the Beta Zeta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity incorporated. This is also the chapter of President Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy, the 2nd SCLC President. He was also a part of the business fraternity Phi Beta Lambda, Theta Beta chapter. Liggins is happily marriage and a father of three children.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. established the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957 as a civil rights group. Since its founding, the SCLC has led the way in promoting voting rights and civil rights, capitalizing on the momentum created by the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The mission of the SCLC is renewing its commitment to bring about the promise of “one nation, under God, indivisible,” together with the commitment to activate the “strength to love” within the community of humankind. The organization’s primary focus is to educate youth and adults in the areas of personal responsibility, leadership potential, and community service; to ensure economic justice and civil rights; and to eradicate racism wherever it exists.
