L.I.O.N. — Lafayette Institute Of Nonviolence
CO-FOUNDER, SNCC 1960
HARVARD UNIVERSITY, ED.D.
EMORY UNIVERSITY SCHOLAR
CORETTA SCOTT KING LEGACY AWARD
FREEDOM RIDER, 1961
Lafayette Institute Of Nonviolence
— JULY 29, 1940 to MARCH 5, 2026
Honoring a life spent
fighting for justice through
nonviolence.
“The next thing we must do is to institutionalize and internationalize nonviolence.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., last words to Dr. LaFayette · April 4, 1968
Lafayette Institute Of Nonviolence
L · I · O · N
Years of Nonviolence Education
Countries Trained
Our Purpose
The Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. International Nonviolence and Peace Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and showcasing the extensive history and legacy of Dr. LaFayette’s more than 60-year career in nonviolence education and training — serving scholars, students, and practitioners with access to resources, training, and historical materials that advance the principles and practice of nonviolence and peacebuilding worldwide.
A MISSION BORN FROM DR. KING'S FINAL WORDS
“He devoted the rest of his life to that mission — becoming one of the most widely recognized authorities on strategies for nonviolent social change in the world.”
— STUDENT NONVIOLENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE (SNCC)
Practitioners & Trainers
Meet the global network of individuals trained in Kingian Nonviolence — educators, activists, and leaders carrying the work forward in their communities.
Resources & Media
Access Dr. LaFayette’s publications, video archives, and training materials — including his landmark book In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma.
Carry the Legacy Forward
Dr. LaFayette passed on March 5, 2026. Your support ensures his teachings on peace, justice, and nonviolence live on for future generations.
ASSOCIATED INSTITUTIONS & AFFILIATIONS
Harvard University
Ed.M. & Ed.D.
Emory University
Univ. of Rhode Island
SNCC
SCLC
King Center
Featured Media
In the News
Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr., Civil Rights Leader, Dies at 85
Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr., Civil Rights Leader, Dies at 85
Stay Connected
Receive updates on events, resources,and the institute’s ongoing work.
Join scholars, students, and practitioners keeping Dr. LaFayette’s mission alive.
LATEST UPDATES
News & Announcements
Legacy
Dr. LaFayette posthumously receives the Martin & Coretta King International Lifetime Peace & Justice Award at 2026 Unity Breakfast in Selma
March 8, 2026
In Memoriam
Civil rights icon Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. laid to rest in Tuskegee — family calls on all to carry the message forward
Help us preserve 60 years of nonviolence history.
Every contribution funds education, archives, and training programs in Dr. LaFayette’s name.