The Civil Rights Movement is a story of people who believed they could bring about change to ensure civil and human rights for themselves and future generations. That change did not come easily, nor did it come without disappointments and sacrifices. As we stand on the shoulders of generations who fought for the reality of our nation’s democratic ideals, we cannot afford to lose hope. We must build resiliency in ourselves and our communities, resist hate, and recommit to our values: justice, human rights for all and democratic governance.
The Learning From the Civil Rights Movement series gives us models and strategies for action in our communities and our nation to create a more just society.
The resources in this series can help us learn from our history and examine today’s justice issues to answer the questions: “How can I make a difference?” “How can we make a difference together?”
Teach the Montgomery Bus Boycott in all its complexity and resist telling a simple story. This article is part of a series on Teaching the Civil Rights Movement and complements the curriculum framework of the same name.
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.