As you step through the doors of the Highlander Folk School Library - Historic Civil Rights Monument in Monteagle, Tennessee, USA, a wave of history washes over you. This historic gem is nestled amidst the picturesque backdrop of Grundy County, at 120 Old Highlander Ln, TN 37356. Established during the Great Depression, it quickly became an epicenter for social activism and a pivotal force in the American Civil Rights Movement.
The school was the brainchild of Myles Horton and Don West, who envisioned it as a platform to train labor and civil rights activists from across the United States. From the late 1930s until the 1960s, countless trailblazers walked through its doors, their hearts filled with determination to challenge social injustice.
Despite facing opposition from local officials for its race-mixing activities, the Highlander Folk School persisted in its mission to promote social justice and equality. Today, this legacy lives on through the successor organization - the Highlander Research and Education Center - which continues to operate from the same location.
As you immerse yourself in this place of historical significance, imagine the spirit of resilience that must have filled these halls during its peak years. You might envision passionate debates, groundbreaking workshops, and late-night strategizing sessions as activists prepared to change the world. The Highlander Folk School Library - Historic Civil Rights Monument stands not only as a testament to our nations turbulent past but also as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive future.