“Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”
Education Justice Now
Nobody’s Free Until Everybody’s Free
“Democracy is not a state. It is not some high plateau that we struggle to reach so we can finally settle down to rest. Democracy is an act. It is an act that requires participation, organization and dedication to the highest principles. It is an act, and a series of actions that require us to continuously verify our commitment to civil rights and social justice at every challenge.”
— Rep. John Lewis
This week, we commemorate the Fourth of July and honor Freedom Summer 1964 and the ongoing movement to make our nation’s foundational values of democracy a reality for everyone in the United States. Today, as we face a crisis in democracy and a shift toward authoritarianism, understanding the core values of democracy is crucial for responsible civic and democratic action. And so is honestly recognizing that our country’s history is marked by terrible injustices as well as great courage to confront our past and fight for a more just future.
We honor those who risked their lives in the struggle for freedom, those who held firm in demanding equality in the face of hate and white supremacy, and those who were killed trying to ensure civil rights and human rights for everyone. Fannie Lou Hamer’s words remind us during this July Fourth week that “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”
What Are the Values of Democracy?
The ideals of democracy are at the core of our shared values and national identity. This resource examines our democratic values as a step in understanding our politics, government and country today. Learn more with LFJ's Civics for Democracy series.
Freedom Summer and Democracy Today
This overview of Freedom Summer 1964 connects to actions for strengthening democracy today.
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Learn with us to strengthen democracy and build a more just society
Episode 1: Slavery and the Civil War, Part 1
What really caused the Civil War? In this episode, Salem State University professor Bethany Jay examines the complex role that slavery played in causing the Civil War and outlines ways to teach this history and clarify our understanding of the Confederacy. (New resource page, June 2025.)
Episode 2: Slavery and the Civil War, Part 2
Salem State University professor Bethany Jay returns to examine how the actions of free and enslaved African Americans shaped the progress of the Civil War and contributed to emancipation. (New resource page, June 2025.)