Teen Voices in the Civil Rights Movement: What Lessons Can Teens Learn Today?
Black History Month, originally established as a week-long celebration by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926, was later expanded to a month-long observance in 1976. Its founding aimed to address the historical marginalization of Black American contributions in mainstream education. Woodson chose February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both key figures in the abolitionist movement.
Today, Black History Month stands as a dedicated period to celebrate, acknowledge, and reflect upon the achievements, struggles, and cultural richness of the African American community. It serves to remind us of the contributions of Black Americans to society in all realms: culturally, artistically, politically, innovatively, and more.
While we can easily name several adult figures who influenced Black history during the Civil Rights Movement (think Dr. MLK Jr., Rosa Parks, Audre Lorde, etc.), what about our teen voices? And, what can we learn from the teens who helped lead the Civil Rights Movement? Read on for My Time Counseling’s best lessons for teens from teen leaders of the Civil Rights Movement!
Civil Rights Teen Leader #1: Claudette Colvin
A pioneer in the civil rights movement, Colvin, at the age of 15, refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, nine months before Rosa Parks' similar act. From Claudette Colvin, teens can learn:
1. To have the courage to challenge injustice: Age should not be a barrier to standing up against injustice. At 15, she refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, demonstrating remarkable courage in challenging segregation laws.
2. Individual actions can spark change: Claudette Colvin's actions, just nine months before Rosa Parks' similar act, played a pivotal role in sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the broader civil rights movement. Her story teaches teens that even individual actions, particularly by young people, can have a profound impact on societal change.
3. Persistence and resilience in the face of adversity: Despite facing backlash, discrimination, and challenges, Claudette Colvin persisted in her commitment to justice. Teens can draw inspiration from her resilience, understanding that standing firm in one's convictions is essential for effecting positive change, even when faced with adversity.
Civil Rights Teen Leader #2: Diane Nash
As a college student and leader in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Nash played a crucial role in organizing sit-ins and freedom rides during the civil rights movement. From Diane Nash, teens can learn:
Ethical leadership: Diane Nash's commitment to nonviolence and ethical leadership sets an example for teens on the importance of maintaining integrity in activism. Her principled stance demonstrates that effective leaders prioritize moral values, inspiring others to follow a path guided by justice and fairness.
Sometimes, you’ve got to plan ahead: Diane Nash's strategic approach to organizing and coordinating civil rights activities, such as the Freedom Rides, imparts the lesson that thoughtful planning and organization are essential elements in effecting meaningful change. Teens can learn from Nash's ability to mobilize resources and people for a collective cause.
It takes a team: What made the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) so effective was their ability to lean on each other for support. Don’t be afraid to find your own support system, either through friends, family, or counseling for teens.
Civil Rights Teen Leader #3: Barbara Johns
At the age of 16, Barbara Johns played a key role in the desegregation of schools. She led a student strike at her high school in Farmville, Virginia, which ultimately became part of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. Teens can learn from Barbara Johns lessons about:
Equity over equality: while equality is treating everyone exactly the same, equity is recognizing we’re all different, have different starting points, and may need different accommodations. Johns helps us to remember to advocate for adequate treatment, rather than equal treatment.
Knowledge is power: Barbara Johns recognized the transformative power of education and saw it as a tool for empowerment. Teens can learn the value of education not only for personal growth but also as a means to challenge societal inequalities and empower marginalized communities.
Communication is key: Barbara Johns effectively communicated her grievances and goals, mobilizing support for the cause of educational equality. Teens can learn the importance of strategic communication in advocacy, understanding how effectively expressing their concerns can garner support and bring attention to critical issues.
In conclusion, teens can learn several lessons from other teenage leaders in the Civil Right’s Movement, such as the importance of advocacy, teamwork, perseverance, communication, and more. If you need to talk to someone, we’re here for you. At My Time Counseling, we specialize in counseling for teens. Reach out to us today to see what we’re about!
