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Youth activism has been a powerful force for change and progress. When young people step up and speak out, they bring fresh perspectives, boundless energy, and unshakeable determination in the march toward justice. In the Civil Rights Movement, the courage of young students — leading sit-ins, marching with Dr. Marin Luther King Jr. and demanding justice — helped spark transformative change. Their steadfast belief in justice propelled the movement forward.
Today, youth participation in movements for justice and equity continues the legacy. As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march, it is time for today’s youth to step forward, just as the young people did then, and say, “Change starts here.” Youth voice, energy and activism are essential in shaping today’s movements for justice.
The 60th anniversary of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march marks a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. In a powerful demonstration of collective action, ordinary people, united in a common goal, embarked on a 54-mile march from Selma to Alabama’s state capital, Montgomery. Along the way, white supremacists brutally attacked the activists, spurring public outrage. The disturbing and violent images of that day shifted public opinion in favor of the movement’s cause and led to the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
This anniversary serves not only as a time to reflect on the triumph and bravery of the marchers, but also as a call to action. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 remains far from fully realized. Black communities still face racist gerrymandering, high rates of disenfranchisement, voter ID laws, and restricted access to the polls. The legacy of this march is one of collective action and unwavering resilience, and just as the marchers of 1965 overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges, we too must rise to meet the challenges of today.
Jalaya Liles Dunn
Director, Learning for Justice
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