Highlander Folk School

Highlander Folk School
source
Name	Highlander Folk School
Formation	1932
Founder	Myles Horton
Location	New Market, Tennessee
Purpose	Adult education, social justice, and community development

Highlander Folk School

The Highlander Folk School is a renowned institution in the United States that has played a significant role in the US Civil Rights Movement. Founded in 1932 by Myles Horton, the school has been a hub for adult education, social justice, and community development, providing a platform for African Americans, labour union members, and other marginalized groups to organize and fight for their rights. The school's emphasis on grassroots democracy, nonviolent resistance, and community organizing has made it a crucial component of the Civil Rights Movement.

● Introduction to

Highlander Folk School The Highlander Folk School is situated in New Market, Tennessee, and its rural setting has allowed it to maintain a strong connection with the local community. The school's mission is to provide education and training to adults, with a focus on social justice, community development, and leadership development. Myles Horton's vision for the school was to create a space where people from different backgrounds could come together to learn, share experiences, and develop strategies for social change. The school's approach to education is centered around participatory action research, popular education, and experiential learning, which has made it a unique and effective institution in the US Civil Rights Movement.

● History and Founding

The Highlander Folk School was founded in 1932 by Myles Horton, Don West, and James Dombrowski. The school's early years were marked by a focus on labor education and community development, with an emphasis on organizing labour unions and promoting social justice. During the Great Depression, the school played a crucial role in providing education and training to unemployed workers and farmers. The school's connection to the US Civil Rights Movement began in the 1950s, when it started to focus on racial equality and desegregation. The school's work during this period was influenced by notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Septima Clark.

● Role

in the US Civil Rights Movement The Highlander Folk School played a significant role in the US Civil Rights Movement by providing a space for African American leaders to organize and develop strategies for social change. The school's emphasis on nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience influenced the movement's approach to protest and activism. The school's connection to notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks helped to establish it as a hub for civil rights activism. The school's work on voter registration and desegregation also contributed to the movement's goals. The school's approach to community organizing and grassroots democracy helped to empower local communities and promote social change.

● Notable Figures and Alumni

The Highlander Folk School has been associated with many notable figures and alumni, including Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Septima Clark, and Ella Baker. These individuals played a crucial role in shaping the US Civil Rights Movement and were influenced by the school's emphasis on nonviolent resistance and community organizing. Other notable alumni include John Lewis, Diane Nash, and Bernard Lafayette, who were all involved in the Nashville sit-ins and the Freedom Rides. The school's connection to these individuals has helped to establish it as a hub for civil rights activism and social justice.

● Curriculum and Teaching Methods

The Highlander Folk School's curriculum is centered around social justice, community development, and leadership development. The school's teaching methods are based on participatory action research, popular education, and experiential learning. The school's approach to education is focused on empowering individuals and communities to take action and promote social change. The school's curriculum has included courses on labor history, civil rights, and community organizing, as well as workshops on nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. The school's teaching methods have been influenced by notable educators such as Myles Horton and Septima Clark.

● Controversies and Challenges

The Highlander Folk School has faced several controversies and challenges throughout its history. The school's emphasis on social justice and civil rights has led to criticism from conservative groups and government agencies. The school was accused of being a Communist front during the Red Scare, and it was investigated by the House Un-American Activities Committee. The school's connection to notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks has also led to criticism and scrutiny. Despite these challenges, the school has continued to operate and provide education and training to individuals and communities.

● Legacy and Impact

The Highlander Folk School has had a significant impact on the US Civil Rights Movement and social justice in the United States. The school's emphasis on nonviolent resistance and community organizing has influenced the movement's approach to protest and activism. The school's connection to notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks has helped to establish it as a hub for civil rights activism. The school's work on voter registration and desegregation has also contributed to the movement's goals. Today, the school continues to operate and provide education and training to individuals and communities, with a focus on social justice, community development, and leadership development. The school's legacy is a testament to the power of grassroots democracy and community organizing in promoting social change. Category:US Civil Rights Movement Category:Civil rights organizations Category:Social justice Category:Community development Category:Leadership development