Abernathy, Ralph D (1926–1990)

US Baptist clergyman and civil rights activist. Martin Luther King Jr's chosen successor as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Abernathy went on to devote his attention to religious ministry and the issues of worldwide peace.

Abernathy was an early civil rights organizer and leading confidante of Martin Luther King Jr. As well as pursuing a career in civil rights, he was pastor of the West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1961 until his death. Although Abernathy was a competent leader of the SCLC, the organization did not regain its previous influence. He resigned the SCLC leadership in 1977 to run unsuccessfully for Andrew Young's congressional seat. Abernathy consequently turned his attention away from the civil rights movement.