Bennette, Fred C., Jr., 1928-1994.

Reverend Fred C. Bennette, Jr. was born to Annie Mae (McDowell) and Columbus Bennette, Jr. on December 2, 1928 in Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Bennette received his early childhood education in Atlanta's "Buttermilk Bottom" community where he grew up. After graduation from David T. Howard High School, Bennette joined the United States Army where he served for serveral years as Sargeant. After completing his military service, he returned to Atlanta where he attended Morris Brown College. During this time, Mr. Bennette was friends with A.D. King which lead to the meeting of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1960. He was also a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. This meeting lead to many major accomplishments and significant involvement in the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta. In 1960, Fred C. Bennette became a key organizer in the Southern Christian Leadership conference (SCLC) organization. In that same year he became staff coordinator for the Sit-in campaign to desegregate Rich's Department Store. From 1961 to 1964, he served as the Director of the "All Citizens Committee for Voter Registration" and the Deputy Director of the Georgia Voters League. In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. appointed Reverend Bennette as the first Director of SCLC's Operation Bread Basket. This organization mobilized buying campaigns to pressure businesses and corporations to hire minorities. Fred Bennette served in this capacity until 1967. Reverend Bennette also served as interim Pastor (1964-1965) of the Mount Welcome Baptist Church which was then located in the Pittsburg Community of Atlanta.

After the Civil Rights Movement, Reverend Bennette continued his work as advisor on issues in the Black community. He was advisor to Jimmy Carter during his campaign and tenure as Governor of Georgia (1970-1976). He also served as a staff member and advisor to Congressman Andrew Young and during Young's tenure (1982-1989) as Mayor of Atlanta. Reverend Bennette was a member of the Board of Advisors for The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change and was the King Center's Security Director. He died in 1994 after a long and successful career as a civic leader.

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