Children on the March

The American Civil Rights Movement saw millions of people across the United States came together in pursuit of a more equitable society. Before we can learn about the role of the Children’s Crusade in this movement, we need to understand what the Civil Rights Movement was and why it started.

During the 1960s, it wasn’t just adults like Martin Luther King, Jr. leading the fight against racial injustice—children were also active participants in this movement. In 1963, thousands of young people in Birmingham, Alabama participated in a nonviolent demonstration known as the "Children’s Crusade." As you watch, think about why young people chose to participate despite the risk. Why did the Children’s Crusade play such an important role in the Civil Rights Movement?

When civil rights activist Ayanna Najuma was just seven years old, she and other kids organized sit-ins and other actions to protest segregation in Oklahoma City. Hear her tell the story in her own words in this video from Scholastic.

The fight against racial injustice did not end with the Civil Rights Movement. The Black Lives Matter movement continues this fight today. Even now, young people continue to play an important role in advocating for change. In this video, learn about six teenage girls who organized a massive non-violent Black Lives Matter protest in Nashville, Tennessee.

First, look over your survey results. What patterns do you see? What issues were referenced the most? Does anything in the results surprise you? Why?

Next, think about your stance on this issue and how the information from your survey affects your thinking. For example, did you learn that others see things the way you do, or do they see things differently? How would this affect your next steps? What needs to change in order for this issue to be addressed?

For example, if your survey was about cleaning up your neighborhood and most people also see the same problem, you might be able to focus on what actions people need to take to reduce litter. On the other hand, if you find out that others see things differently than you, you might need to start by helping people understand the problem better.

Now it's time to create your slogan — a compelling phrase or statement that helps communicate your stance to a wider audience. The movement against racial injustice today uses the the phrase “Black Lives Matter” to make their message clear and unify supporters. What phrase or statement could you use to make your stance clear?

Once you have thought of a slogan to communicate your stance, you will design and make your own protest sign so that you and your followers can promote your message! Check out this “how to” guide to get started!

Marches are not the only form of protest. Activism through dance is another powerful tool you can use to spread your message of change. Today, your job is to choreograph a short, 1-minute dance that you could perform to raise awareness about the issue you chose to focus on for this week.

Need to see an example? Check out this performance by the Northwest Tap Connection.