The town of Sandersville, nestled near the heart of Georgia, is home to not only vast ancient kaolin deposits but also a local hero, Yterenickia Bell. In May, she launched the new Georgia state office of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Bell, born and raised in these chalky hills, embodies strength and a passion for social justice.

"Bell's Journey: From Sandersville to the Forefront of Civil Rights"

Georgia's Racial Justice Landscape

In Georgia, poverty is deeply entrenched in the historically neglected southwestern and southeastern areas known as the Black Belt. These regions, along with the western edge of Atlanta where prominent Black institutions took root, are where the SPLC aims to make a significant impact. It is a pivotal moment for the Civil Rights Movement, as the challenges have evolved. While still fighting white supremacy and unequal systems, the leadership now lies with a younger generation. Bell, as one of the vanguard of young leaders, will play a crucial role in this pursuit.

Margaret Huang, SPLC President and CEO, emphasized the importance of this new effort. "The extraordinary leaders in the 1950s and 1960s transformed the country, and we continue to celebrate them. But today, the fight is different. We need younger leaders like Bell to redefine and bring the Civil Rights Movement into the future."

The New Georgia Office: A Local Focus

The Georgia office of the SPLC will be based in Atlanta's Westside, with most organizers spread throughout the Black Belt. As many as 16 organizers will work with community groups, addressing issues that affect not only Black Americans but also members of other racial groups, religions, and gender and sexual orientations. Bell's focus is on building trust in marginalized communities, bolstering community engagement, and alleviating poverty and injustice.

Each state office has its own methods to face local challenges. In Georgia, the new office is committed to learning from and standing alongside local leaders, bringing the skills and resources of the SPLC to help communities realize their hopes. This is part of a new era for the SPLC, which has grown from a legal-focused organization to one dedicated to local organizing and advocacy.

Building Trust through Organizing and Mobilizing

Bell's strategy centers around organizing and mobilizing. In her 2½ years at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, she worked to promote voting rights across 11 states. She plans to draw on this experience to bring together disparate advocacy groups and build a united front. By leveraging the strength of women of color and other community leaders, she is already bringing together faith leaders and advocates for civil rights and sustainability.

The SPLC is no longer just reaching out to local advocates for specific lawsuits. It is now supporting communities through various initiatives, including policy, poverty alleviation, and economic justice. By placing full-time staffers in the Black Belt, the organization aims to help local advocates "hold on to the power that they have" and build trust year-round.

Yterenickia Bell: A Defender of Honor

Bell was named Yterenickia, meaning "defender of honor" in Swahili, by her uncle. Raised by her grandparents in a large family, she experienced a nurturing and inquisitive upbringing. Her grandfather worked in a chalk mine, and her grandmother worked in the county Department of Juvenile Justice, passing on their passions.

Despite a happy childhood, Bell was acutely aware of racial injustice. She remembers the trees where her grandparents witnessed lynchings and the racial segregation in Sandersville restaurants. Determined to escape and make a difference, she excelled in school, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in various fields.

A Communicator with a Heart

Initially interested in the law, Bell turned to policy and advocacy work to have a greater impact. As a volunteer for AmeriCorps and in key roles with various organizations, she built a reputation for understanding the needs of different communities facing discrimination.

Nicole Robinson described Bell as a great communicator who actually listens. In her work with different organizations, Bell asks the right questions and helps them develop their plans. Her caring nature and ability to listen make her a valuable asset in the fight for social change.