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, also known as the Highlander Research and Education Center, is a social justice organization and adult education center located in New Market, Tennessee. Founded in 1932 by Myles Horton, the school has played a significant role in the US Civil Rights Movement, providing training and support to prominent leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Stokely Carmichael. The school's focus on grassroots organizing, community development, and social justice has made it a crucial institution in the struggle for civil rights and social change.

● History of

the Highlander Folk School The Highlander Folk School was established in 1932 by Myles Horton, a social activist and educator who believed in the power of adult education to bring about social change. Initially, the school focused on providing education and training to labor organizers and community leaders, with the goal of promoting social and economic justice in the Southern United States. During the 1930s and 1940s, the school became a hub for labor movement activity, hosting workshops and conferences on topics such as union organizing and workers' rights. The school's early years were also marked by its involvement in the Appalachian region, where it worked to address issues such as poverty and lack of access to education.

● Founding and Early Years

The founding of the Highlander Folk School was influenced by Myles Horton's experiences as a teacher and community organizer in the Appalachian region. Horton was inspired by the work of John Dewey, a philosopher and educator who emphasized the importance of experiential learning and community involvement. The school's early years were marked by its focus on adult education, with an emphasis on providing training and support to community leaders and organizers. The school's curriculum included courses on topics such as economics, politics, and social justice, as well as skills-based training in areas such as leadership development and community organizing. Notable early supporters of the school included Eleanor Roosevelt and Norman Thomas, who recognized the importance of the school's work in promoting social justice and community development.

● Civil Rights Movement Involvement

The Highlander Folk School played a significant role in the US Civil Rights Movement, providing training and support to prominent leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Stokely Carmichael. The school's focus on grassroots organizing and community development made it an important hub for civil rights activity, with workshops and conferences on topics such as voter registration, desegregation, and nonviolent resistance. The school's involvement in the civil rights movement was not limited to its work with prominent leaders, however. The school also provided training and support to countless community organizers and activists, who went on to play important roles in the movement. The school's work was influenced by the ideas of W.E.B. Du Bois and Thurgood Marshall, among others, and it worked closely with organizations such as the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

● Notable Alumni and Instructors

The Highlander Folk School has a long list of notable alumni and instructors, including Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Stokely Carmichael. Other notable alumni include Septima Clark, a civil rights activist who worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr., and Esau Jenkins, a community organizer who played a key role in the Charleston Movement. The school's instructors have included prominent figures such as Myles Horton, Guy Carawan, and Candie Carawan, who have made significant contributions to the fields of social justice and adult education. The school has also hosted workshops and conferences featuring notable speakers such as Langston Hughes and Pete Seeger, who have helped to shape the school's curriculum and approach to social justice.

● Controversies and Challenges

The Highlander Folk School has faced numerous controversies and challenges throughout its history, including accusations of communism and subversion. During the Red Scare of the 1950s, the school was targeted by Senator Joseph McCarthy and other conservative politicians, who sought to discredit the school and its work. The school has also faced challenges related to racism and segregation, including the bombing of its facilities in 1962. Despite these challenges, the school has continued to thrive, with a strong commitment to its mission of promoting social justice and community development. The school's work has been influenced by the ideas of Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky, among others, and it has worked closely with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Council of Churches.

● Legacy and Impact on

the US Civil Rights Movement The Highlander Folk School has had a profound impact on the US Civil Rights Movement, providing training and support to countless community organizers and activists. The school's focus on grassroots organizing and community development has helped to shape the movement's approach to social justice, with an emphasis on nonviolent resistance and community empowerment. The school's legacy can be seen in the work of organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which have carried on the school's tradition of promoting social justice and community development. The school's impact has also been recognized by prominent figures such as Barack Obama and Angela Davis, who have praised the school's contributions to the civil rights movement.

● Rebirth and Modern Activities

In recent years, the Highlander Folk School has experienced a rebirth of sorts, with a renewed focus on its mission of promoting social justice and community development. The school has continued to provide training and support to community organizers and activists, with a focus on issues such as environmental justice, immigrant rights, and economic justice. The school has also expanded its curriculum to include courses on topics such as social media and digital organizing, recognizing the importance of new technologies in promoting social justice. The school's modern activities have been influenced by the ideas of Cornel West and Rebecca Solnit, among others, and it has worked closely with organizations such as the Movement for Black Lives and the National Domestic Workers Alliance. Today, the Highlander Folk School remains a vital institution in the struggle for social justice, with a strong commitment to its mission of promoting community development and human rights. Category:US Civil Rights Movement Category:Social justice organizations Category:Adult education