Young Leaders Of The Civil Rights Movement
Be a Spark, Light the Way: Discover how brave kids and student activists like Ruby Bridges and the Freedom Riders used their voices and actions to demand fairness for everyone! This performance, filled with music and cool old films, shows that you’re never too young to change the world. It’s about history you can see, hear, and feel today.
“Racism is a grown-up disease, and we should stop using our kids to spread it. We may not all be equally guilty. But we are all equally responsible for building a decent and just society.”
-Ruby Bridges
- Discovery of Personal Agency: By learning about peers like Ruby Bridges, who integrated schools at age six, kids realize they are never too young to make a difference or stand up against unfairness.
- Development of Empathy: Using “historical empathy,” students learn to put themselves in the shoes of others, helping them understand diverse perspectives and build compassion for people of all backgrounds.
- Strengthened Critical Thinking: Exploring “hard histories” and student-led movements encourages children to recognize, negotiate, and challenge inequality in their own lives and modern society.
- Improved Civic Literacy: Kids gain a foundational understanding of democratic processes, the importance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and how collective action can transform social norms and laws.
- Enhanced Social-Emotional Skills: The program fosters core values such as resilience, courage, and kindness, teaching students to choose unity and acceptance over division.
- Better Academic Engagement: Research shows that learning history through the performing arts—such as cultural songs and archival footage—increases student enthusiasm, memory retention, and interest in social studies.
Program Includes:
- Live Commentary
- Live Musical Performance
- Integrated Video Projection
TARGETED GRADE LEVEL:
Elementary (Version K-5)
Secondary (Version 6-8, 9-12)
PROGRAM DURATION: 45 Minutes
PROGRAM MATERIALS: Student Worksheets and Teaching Resource Guides
CORE CURRICULUM & TOPICS:
Civil Rights, Activism, Youth Activism, Character Development, African American history, Multicultural Awareness, Non-violence, Social Studies, Humanities, Unity
Other productions:
Testimonials
WHAT our customers SAY
Head
“The assembly was a memorable learning experience for our school community. Our students were impacted by the archival film depicting a historical of perspective of student activism. Your commentary was insightful.”
Dean of Students
“Young Leaders was well received by our young learners and my colleagues. Thank you.”
Instructor, History/Social Studies Department
“[Young Leaders] gave our young men and school community an intuitive way to reflect on activism and community involvement for change.”
Director of Diversity, Community & Belonging
“Thank you for your visit to MFS. Everyone appreciated the experience.”