Highlander Research and Education Center

Overview

The Highlander Research and Education Center is a prominent nonprofit organization in the United States, dedicated to promoting social, economic, and political equality through education and activism. Its origins trace back to the Highlander Folk School, which was founded in 1932 by Myles Horton, Don West, and James A. Dombrowski.

History

Established during the Great Depression, the Highlander Folk School initially focused on organizing unemployed and working-class people in Appalachia. By the late 1930s, it served as the de facto education center for the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in the region, training union organizers and leaders across southern states. One of its earliest significant steps was holding its first integrated workshop in 1944, directly challenging segregation in the labor movement.

In the 1950s, Highlander shifted its focus to support the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. It provided critical training for leaders such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., contributing to initiatives like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Citizenship Schools. The school's role in promoting nonviolent resistance and civil rights activism led to significant political backlash, including red-baiting. In 1961, Tennessee revoked Highlander's charter and seized its property, prompting the organization to reincorporate as the Highlander Research and Education Center and relocate to Knoxville.

Over the years, Highlander has expanded its focus to address various social issues. In the latter part of the 20th century, it shifted from civil rights to concentrate on Appalachian social and economic issues, including environmental advocacy and anti-globalization efforts. Today, the organization continues to support grassroots organizing and leadership development among diverse communities.

Programs and Involvement

Highlander's programs emphasize democratic education, community organizing, and social justice. It hosts workshops and training sessions that equip community leaders with strategies for addressing local challenges. The organization is also involved in initiatives related to voter participation, immigration rights, and youth empowerment.

Highlander's cultural organizing approach uses art and music as tools for social change, a method that was integral to its early work in civil rights and labor organizing. By fostering intergenerational and multiracial alliances, Highlander aims to build a more just and equitable society.

Legacy

Highlander's legacy extends beyond its historical role in the Civil Rights Movement. It continues to serve as a hub for social activism and grassroots leadership development. Its commitment to empowering marginalized communities has influenced numerous social movements and continues to inspire new generations of activists.