Congress of Racial Equality. Organization Dept.

In 1942, the Fellowship of Reconciliation developed an interracial civil rights organization committed to nonviolent direct action and adopted the name Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). CORE established chapters in northern and western states throughout the 1940s, focusing primarily on desegregation of public facilities. During the 1950s, CORE groups formed in the southern and border states with primarily Black membership. By 1966, CORE's official policy shifted to Black power and Black separatism while rejecting the former principles of non-violence.

In 1962, the Field Dept. was divided to form the Program and Organization Depts. James T. McClain was appointed director of the Organization Dept. and held that post until 1965 when he was replaced by Herbert Callender.