Lecture Notes: Highlander Research and Education Center

Introduction

• The Highlander Research and Education Center, commonly known as Highlander School, has been impacting social change since 1932.
• Founded by Miles Horton, who was dissatisfied with traditional education.

Founding Philosophy

• Objective: Empower ordinary people to learn about their own lives and problems.
• Belief: People could solve their problems and improve their lives through education focused on their own experiences.

Early Challenges and Achievements

• Located in one of the poorest counties in Tennessee.
• Horton was arrested for "teaching," charges dismissed due to lack of evidence.
• Promoted local culture and traditions over classical education (e.g., mountain music over Mozart).

Zilphia May Horton

• Miles' wife and a key figure at Highlander.
• Celebrated for her listening skills and music, playing a central role in Highlander’s community activities.

Labor Organizing School

• Known for labor organizing, with 90% alumni involved in unions by 1942.
• Shifted focus towards the civil rights movement as unions became more established.

Civil Rights Movement Impact

• Rosa Parks attended Highlander months before her famous bus protest.
• Created citizenship schools to help African Americans pass literacy tests for voting.
• Septima Clark directed these schools and was called the "grandmother of the civil rights movement."

"We Shall Overcome"

• Became the anthem of the civil rights movement.
• Evolved at Highlander, involving contributions from Septima Clark, Pete Seeger, and Guy Carowan.

Ongoing Mission

• Continues to adapt to contemporary issues like immigrants' rights, environmental justice, and discrimination.
• Remains relevant by aligning with current societal issues, staying true to its mission of empowering people.

Legacy

• Highlander’s work emphasizes collective problem-solving and cultural expression.
• Continues to inspire change globally, with a mission that remains consistent over the decades.