Education in Black and White

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This biography highlights the impactful life of Myles Horton, a teacher and activist whose work significantly influenced the Civil Rights Movement. Born in early twentieth-century Tennessee, Horton was deeply troubled by the discrimination faced by marginalized communities in Appalachia. He aimed to create a space where individuals could engage in meaningful dialogue about class and race issues. In 1932, he co-founded the Highlander Folk School in Tennessee, a pivotal institution for social justice and democratic education. This book, the first biography of Horton in 25 years, delves into the educational theories and strategies he developed at Highlander to empower the poor and oppressed. Horton's vision inspired notable figures such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Eleanor Roosevelt, and Congressman John Lewis. The author, Stephen Preskill, explores how Horton became a prominent advocate for organized labor, civil rights, and Appalachian self-empowerment, while also establishing an international network for popular education and promoting direct democracy. The legacy of his work continues to resonate, positioning education as a vital tool for social change today.