John,

As I learned this past weekend of the heartbreaking loss of Reverend C.T. Vivian and Rep. John Lewis, two incomparable fathers in the fight for freedom, I couldn’t help but think back on last week’s CDF Freedom Schools^® National Day of Social Action.

The energizing experience of witnessing children all over the country raising their voices in support of the long-sought-for right to vote gave me a sense of immense pride in the next generation of activists—and I think those titans of the Civil Rights Movement would have been proud, too.

Three elementary-schoolers set the tone, speaking with passion and authority during our virtual rally last Tuesday night. They told adults across the country why their votes are important:

- Ixchel

- Safalani 

- Sasha

Following their lead, CDF Freedom Schools scholars across the country spent Wednesday creating #VoteBecause posters and displaying them proudly. They called for adults in their communities to vote for everything from healthier lunches in schools to more Black male teachers, from affordable housing for the homeless to longer recess periods, and much more.

Watch these young change-makers and commit to bringing their voices to the polls this November.

Every summer, CDF Freedom Schools scholars learn that they can make a difference in themselves, their families, their communities, their country, and their world with hope, education, and action. Among them, we may have the next John Lewis, who preached to his chickens before he spoke at the March on Washington, or the next C.T. Vivian, who was standing up by sitting down long before that activism gained national recognition. Seeing the same confidence in these young scholars gives me so much optimism that they will carry the torch of civil rights into the future—I hope it does the same for you.

Children's Defense Fund© All rights reserved

840 First St NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20002