Freedom Schools for Today’s Justice Movement

As we reflect on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, we know that many people teach about his legacy in the context of a purely progressive view of history—devoid of regression, repression and missed opportunities. But that simply isn't true, and we do our students a disservice when we teach this way. These resources can help you teach history in a way that encourages students to see their role in it.
Young people aren't alone in seeking opportunities to learn honest history, and the classroom isn't the only location where such education can take place. In various community spaces—including virtual ones—many adults are also willing to do the work reckoning with our nation’s history of anti-Blackness and white supremacy, recognizing that past in the present and finding liberatory ways forward. These LFJ resources highlight possibilities for self-reflection and ongoing learning.
In fall 2023, Charles Person, the youngest of the 13 original Freedom Riders, generously opened his home for a conversation with Learning for Justice. We are honored to share with you a video excerpt from that conversation wherein Person recounts parts of his story, imparts wisdom and offers suggestions for ways people can engage in justice movements.
This conversation is the first in a series of interviews with veterans of the Civil Rights Movement.