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Civil Rights Forum

"After a few meetings I realized that I was in
a unique and educational program that was designed to teach students
different aspects of the Civil Rights Movement."
--Woburn Civil Rights Forum Member

This program allows students who are interested in learning more about the Civil Rights Movement to participate in a hands on learning experience about an important time in American history.

Consisting of a series of meetings, students will either be engaged in a discussion about the Civil Rights Movement and specific readings from this period or a guest will speak about their involvement and knowledge in the Civil Rights Movement. Through these sessions, the participants create a lesson to "Teach Out" to local elementary school students in recognition of Black History Month.

At the Martin Luther King Day Luncheon, students give speeches about what they have learned because of their active Forum involvement. Students speeches address their new knowledge about civil rights, the value of leadership, and the importance of diversity.

If you are interested in participating in this program.....

 

Guest Speakers: The speakers for the 2006-2007 year are still being coordinated. Here are a few of the people that have joined us in the past:

  • Dr. Bernard LaFayette, a major leader from the Civil Rights Movement, having been a founder of the Freedom Rides and the Student Nonviolence Coordinating Committee. Dr. LaFayette is presently the Director of the Nonviolence and Peace Studies Center at the University of Rhode Island.

  • Maggie Nolan Donovan, a SNCC member from 1963-1967, who worked in the Boston office providing support for those who were working in the South. Ms. Donovan is currently a first grade teacher in Cape Cod, and she says "that teaching the Civil Rights Movement is what I consider my life work."

  • Richard Stephenson worked with the SCLC and the Scope Project, a major voting registration effort in the 1960's. Through his work, Mr. Stephenson participated in community mapping, encouraging people to get involved in the movement.

Seniors in High School:
Apply for the Martin Luther King Scholarship! The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship program is offered by Saint John's Baptist Church to acknowledge students who embrace the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The program provides financial assistance for student pursuing higher education who are committed to social justice, and have demonstrated leadership or active participation in community service. Check back soon for details on how to apply,

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