It’s not just about quantity; it’s about QUALITY! Read a New York Times story on how a longer school year has impacted some students, families and education systems across the country. Where do you stand on a longer school year? Students sound off in this video by National Center on Time &aamp; Learning on what longer […]
Tag: Education
Track the long struggle over who gets to learn and how, from Brown v. Board to the classroom battles of today. These posts cover school desegregation, education equity, and the threats facing public schools now. Education has always been a civil rights issue, and it still is.
Week 23: Quality Education: Teacher Preparedness
Attend or organize a discussion on education equity and teacher preparedness in your community. The National Civil Rights Museum is partnering to host a MLK50 Educational Equity Learning Series. On October 5, the topic is “Investing in Our Children: School Funding in Memphis & Shelby County,” where we examine the questions: Are we funding or underfunding our schools? Who […]
Week 31: Better Jobs: Two-Year vs. Four-Year Higher Education
Do you know the field that you want to pursue through the two-year route? Learn about America’s College Promise Plan and find out which community colleges in your state offers this incentive. Check out collegechoice.net’s 50 Highest Paying Careers for College Graduates for ideas on choosing the best field of study for the job […]
Week 32: Education Equity – Part One: Funding
Education Equity – Part 1:Funding Despite what’s commonly believed, equal education and education equity are not the same thing. Equal education has more to do with access to good resources and opportunities, but education equity is about leveling the playing field for those who need the resources most to receive a quality education. 1 While one […]
Week 33: Educational Equity – Part 2: Quality Schools
Education Equity – Part 2:Quality Schools A clear vision for instruction; A staff with the capacity to see that vision through; A student-centered learning environment; Skilled leadership; and Active and engaged parents. 2 In order to bridge the gap, organizations like ExpandED Schools believe expanded school days, engaging the community, and enhancing learning opportunities are ways […]
Week 38: Quality Education – The Importance of Youth Activism
Quality Education:The Importance of Youth Activism Some notable examples of young activists that answered the call are Claudette Colvin, who was arrested at the age of 15 for not giving up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, nine months before Rosa Parks. Countless children were at the forefront of the battle for school desegregation, beginning with students as young as Ruby […]
A.W. Willis, Jr. at 100: Honoring a Legacy of Courage and Commitment
On March 16, 2025, the National Civil Rights Museum proudly celebrates the 100th birthday of A.W. Willis, Jr., a trailblazing attorney, businessman, and civil rights leader who dedicated his life to justice and equality. Willis’ legacy is one of historic firsts – barriers broken, institutions reformed, and a relentless fight for the rights of African […]
The Fight for Truth: Black History Month and Today’s Cultural Pushback
Black History Month has been deeply influenced by ongoing racial justice movements and political tensions. The protests after the murder of George Floyd marked a turning point, with Black History Month increasingly linked to activism and systemic change. Media has become a powerful tool in expanding Black narratives, with films, series, and books providing diverse […]
Black History Month at the National Civil Rights Museum: A Celebration of Ongoing Education and Community Engagement
National Civil Rights Museum Op-Ed Dr. Russ Wigginton, President Every February, Black History Month serves as a time to reflect on the resilience, achievements, and ongoing struggles of African Americans in the United States. Few places embody this mission more profoundly than the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Situated at the historic Lorraine […]
With Sympathy: Letters to the Lorraine Motel
By Dr. Noelle Trent Director of Interpretation, Collections and Education In 2020, we respond to news and events within seconds on Social Media; however, in 1968 the American public responded to news and events through letters and telegrams. Letters and telegrams are written communications which required deliberate and intentional action. For a telegram, a person […]
Water Dippers
Jim Crow restrictions separated the races in America in every aspect of public life. Restaurants, buses, trains, restrooms, theatres, water fountains and workplaces posted “White Only” and “Colored” signs to remind people of their place. Jim Crow restrictions separated the races in America in every aspect of public life. Restaurants, buses, trains, restrooms, theatres, water […]
Stacey Abrams: Champion of Voting Rights Honored at the National Civil Rights Museum
Every year, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, bestows its prestigious Freedom Award upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of civil and human rights. In 2023, one of the distinguished honorees is none other than Stacey Abrams, a dedicated advocate for voting rights. Abrams has dedicated her life to […]