The Civil Rights Movement for Kids: A History with 21 Activities [Paperback]

Surprisingly, kids were some of the key instigators in the Civil Rights Movement, like Barbara Johns, who held a rally in her elementary school gym that eventually led to the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court school desegregation decision, and six-year-old Ruby Bridges, who was the first black student to desegregate elementary schools in New Orleans. InThe Civil Rights Movement for Kids, children will discover how students and religious leaders worked together to demand the protection of civil rights for black Americans. They will relive the fear and uncertainty of Freedom Summer and learn how northern white college students helped bring national attention to atrocities committed in the name of segregation, and they’ll be inspired by the speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr., Medgar Evers, and Malcolm X. Activities include: reenacting a lunch counter sit-in; organizing a workshop on nonviolence; holding a freedom film festival followed by a discussion; and organizing a choral group to sing the songs that motivated the foot soldiers in this war for rights.

“Pertinent, refreshing, and a true pleasure to read. It is wonderful to see such a comprehensive guide to civil rights education for young people. I am gratified to know that such a meaningful and intensive way to study these important issues is available to families.” —Kweisi Mfume, president, NAACP

“This is a much-needed work that should be in every school and public library, as well as in the home. It is imperative that our youth of today know the history of those who made civil rights their life work and, more importantly, those whose lives were sacrificed so all of mankind could someday enjoy ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness . . .’ for which this country stands.” —Myrlie Evers-Williams, Chairman Emeritus, NAACP