Final answer:
Ella Baker was key in establishing the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), mentoring young activists and fostering a participatory democracy approach in the civil rights movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The adult who proved very influential in the formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was Ella Baker. Baker's extensive experience in civil rights organizations such as the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) gave her the necessary skills and perspective to help guide and shape SNCC's strategy. Her emphasis on the empowerment of the students and participatory Democracy was instrumental in encouraging the independent, grassroots spirit that defined SNCC. Ella Baker encouraged the students to take the initiative and stand up to prominent figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr., thereby extending the movement beyond traditional leadership.
Ella Baker's role in supporting the SNCC was multifaceted. She was more than just a behind-the-scenes organizer; she was a mentor who pushed for a more inclusive and democratic approach within the civil rights movement. Her efforts led to significant desegregation success through student-led actions such as sit-ins and freedom rides, which highlighted the effectiveness of nonviolent protest in the struggle for racial justice.