Our rights and freedoms – the ability to exercise the right to vote – were achieved through the struggles, risks and sacrifices of those who participated in the Civil Rights Movement. Stories from the ordinary people who were part of the movement, or those who witnessed historic events, remind us that we should never take for granted our rights and our responsibilities to engage in civic action and vote in every election – local and national.
In 2023 and 2024, Learning for Justice interviewed four individuals, activists and witnesses to history: Jo Ann Bland of Selma, Alabama; Charles Person of Atlanta, Georgia; Valda Harris Montgomery of Montgomery, Alabama; and Helen Sims of Belzoni, Mississippi. These conversations emphasize the importance of learning the honest history of the movement, remind us that the torch is being passed, and encourage us to embrace our various roles in the ongoing movement for equality and justice.
The resources below include short videos, Q&A excerpts, and reflection and action activities.
The Strength of Ordinary People: A Conversation With Jo Ann Bland
As a child, Jo Ann Bland participated in the Selma, Alabama, march that became known as Bloody Sunday. In this video and Q&A excerpt, Bland inspires us to civic action.
There’s Good People Out There: A Conversation With Charles Person
Charles Person, the youngest of the original Freedom Riders of 1961, reminds us that collective civic action is essential and so is being one of the good people out there.
Listening and Learning: A Conversation With Valda Harris Montgomery
Valda Harris Montgomery, who witnessed pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement in Montgomery, Alabama, emphasizes the importance of learning the honest history of the movement.
The Torch Is in Your Hands: A Conversation With Helen Sims
Helen Sims – aka the Old Storyteller of Belzoni, Mississippi, encourages us to accept the torch that is being passed to us.
Dialogue Across Difference
Learning for Justice Magazine, Fall 2024 Issue
Our shared liberation requires bridging our diversity to enable collective action.