The Highlander Folk School

The Highlander Folk School was a progressive educational institution in Tennessee founded in 1932, dedicated to social justice and community organizing. It trained leaders and activists, particularly in the civil rights movement, to promote racial equality, workers’ rights, and democratic participation. The school emphasized participatory learning and grassroots empowerment, serving as a vital hub for civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Despite facing government opposition and being targeted during the civil rights era, Highlander played a significant role in fostering social change through education and collective action.