Ella Baker’s work was heavily influenced by her childhood and community (Payne, 1989, p. 886). Students at the Center’s work is largely influenced by localized issues in their community. Ella Baker and participants of Students at the Center believe their work is relationship-based (Payne, 1989, p. 886). Meaning, success isn’t something that can be computed or recorded on a score-card; instead, it’s intangible and goes beyond material success. 

Similar to Ella Baker, Jim Randels and Kalamu ya Salaam–the co-teachers of Students at the Center–, believe in empowering students by submitting the traditional power structure of a typical classroom. Removing the hierarchy of a normal classroom, teachers and students are equals. Therefore, the identities of the individuals in the classroom are based more so on their personal identity rather than power identity. In doing so, all voices can be heard and appreciated for what they are.

Another key idea from the work of Ella Baker is understanding how to mobilize independently within a group. Baker believed that strong people don’t need strong leaders (Payne, 1989, p. 893). Allowing students in SAC to lead their own activism, teaches them the skills of organizing. Ella Baker believed the measure of success in organizing against oppression is less about how many people show up to a rally, and more so about individuals gaining the knowledge of the mechanics of organizing (Payne, 1989, p. 892). Participants of SAC learn these skills through the multitude of media and literature platforms they’ve created over the years. Shifting the traditional reliance on elders/to one leader, SAC places that responsibility on the students themselves. This is powerful because having a group of many leaders as opposed to a group with a singular leader is impactful and results and change are bound to happen given the determination of the group.

SAC organization practices are in alignment with the beliefs of Ella Baker in regards to her preference for organizing in small groups as opposed to large groups (Payne, 1989, p. 894). Baker explains that larger groups make it more difficult for individuals to have a more wholesome and nurturing experience, and are more likely to become anti-democratic than small groups (Payne, 1989, p. 894). In addition, keeping organizations to smaller groups preserves a sense of community and the ability to see each individual for their worth (Payne, 1989, p. 888). 

Students at the Center prepares young people for the long haul of activism. Students are able to personalize their activism and do so confidently knowing that their voices are heard and are significant. The confidence that is instilled in the students is irreplaceable. It makes them self-reliant and opens the doors of possibility. Students at the Center make changes using their voice. Voice or a means of communication will always be available as a vehicle for change. SAC capitalizes on the availability of voice and the accessibility of it to make a change.