Stories

Helen Sims, aka the Old Storyteller of Belzoni, Mississippi, encourages us to accept the torch that is being passed to us.

Valda Harris Montgomery, who witnessed pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement in Montgomery, Alabama, emphasizes the importance of learning the honest history of the movement.

A conversation with Georgia educator Katie Rinderle, who was fired for reading a children’s book about acceptance.

“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.”

When 10-year-old Kaden wonders whether he’s gay, he turns to his older brother, who offers the love and acceptance all caring adults should give to a child.

LFJ Director Jalaya Liles Dunn emphasizes that “We increase our power to foster change when we are in community with one another – deliberating, deciding and taking action.”

Charles Person, the youngest of the original Freedom Riders of 1961, reminds us that collective civic action is essential and so is being one of the good people out there.

Recognizing that LGBTQ+ equality is interconnected with the fundamental rights of all people is essential in strengthening our shared democracy.

Exploring the historical complexity of this music lets us confront the various voices, functions and stories that a single patriotic song can embody.