Written by Jermany Gray
“We Shall Overcome (Freedom Summer Bus),” 1964 Partial Gift Of Stephen Schapiro And Partial Purchase By Miami University Art Museum With Contributions From The Kezur Endowment Fund
“A lot of us were tired. We had been in this thing nonstop. So there were a lot of discussions going on at that time, “What’s gonna happen if you bring in all these young kids into the places?” But we really felt we had no choice. – Dave Dennis, 1964
This June, we mark the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Freedom Summer Project, a pivotal moment in civil rights history. This project, also known as the Freedom Summer, was a response to the violent oppression faced by Black Mississippians who were striving to exercise their right to vote. In Mississippi, the Ku Klux Klan committed one murder a month to suppress voter registration efforts despite the passing of the Civil Rights Act (King, 1964). In this challenging context, the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) devised a new strategy, recruiting student volunteers to assist civil rights workers in Mississippi. Mississippi was of great focus because it was believed that if the project could crack Mississippi, they could crack the system in the rest of the country.
The 1964 Freedom Summer Project, a beacon of courage and determination, underscores the transformative power of youth in shaping society. As we reflect on this historic event, let us harness its lessons to shape our future, particularly as we confront challenges like the waning civic engagement in our community.
During our recent statewide election, the Associated Press highlighted a troubling trend: over 4/5 of Mississippi’s legislative candidates faced no major-party opposition in the Nov. 7 general election. Moreover, more than half of the winners of the 2023 Elections had no other Republicans or Democrats to contend with in either the primary or the general election. While some may interpret this as a sign of satisfaction with the status quo in Mississippi, I see it as a symptom of a deeper issue: a lack of investment and encouragement for new leadership, especially young leaders who have the potential to revolutionize our state. While this challenge is not exclusive to Mississippi, our history demonstrates that young people can spark a significant change in our communities when they are given the chance.
Student civil rights activists join hands and sing as they prepare to leave Ohio to register black voters in Mississippi. The 1964 voter registration campaign was known as Freedom Summer. This image and others are now on display in a new exhibit called "1964: Civil Rights at 50" at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Credit: Ted Polumbaum/Newseum collection. (PRNewsFoto/Newseum) (PRNewsFoto/NEWSEUM)
The 1964 Freedom Summer Project enlisted over 1000 college students from various parts of the nation. Despite facing severe violence and destruction, the Freedom Summer was a monumental endeavor to bring democracy to Mississippi. The activists played a crucial role in establishing 41 Freedom schools, which imparted literacy, history, and organizing skills to over 3,000 young Black individuals. The volunteers also registered approximately 17,000 Black voters, although only 1,600 were accepted by the white registrars. Beyond the numbers, the project demonstrated that with unwavering dedication and effort, change is not only possible but inevitable.
As a proud Mississippi native, I am moved by our history of activism and am hopeful that we will witness a surge of young leaders stepping up and leading change in our state. Rest in Power to James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Micheal Schwerner, who were murdered during the Freedom Summer, and thank you to everyone who endured oppression so that Black Americans, especially Black Mississippians, could have the right to vote.