Working for Democracy in the South and Appalachia: The Highlander Research and Education Center


UT Libraries Hosts Documentary Series and Exhibit to celebrate Highlander’s 75th anniversary

The University of Tennessee Libraries is hosting a documentary series and exhibit to teach the university and local communities about the Highlander Research and Education Center, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.

All programs in the Documentaries in the Libraries series are held on Tuesday evenings in the Hodges Library Lindsay Young Auditorium, from 7-9 pm. The programs feature a documentary film showing and discussion led by experts from Highlander, filmmakers, and UT faculty.

The exhibit, on display in Hodges Library outside the reference room, was designed by Sarah Lowe, associate professor of art, and Paul Chinetti, a senior in graphic design. The exhibit is a time line that highlights milestone events in the history of Highlander. It includes many photographs of Highlander students, including civil rights leaders Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks.

The Highlander Center was founded in 1932 to serve as an adult education center for community workers involved in social and economic justice movements. The goal of Highlander was, and is, to provide education and support to poor and working people fighting economic injustice, poverty, prejudice and environmental destruction.

The Highlander Center works internationally, but is located in New Market, Tennessee, 23 miles from Knoxville.

Films & Dates
September 18
You Got to Move
Discussion leader: Pam McMichael, director of the Highlander Research and Education Center

October 2
Uprising of ’34
Discussion leader: Anne Mayhew, UT emeritus professor of economics

October 16
We Shall Overcome
Discussion leader: Tufara Waller Muhammed, cultural program coordinator of the Highlander Research and Education Center

October 30
Morristown
Discussion leaders: Bill Troy and Luvernel Clark

November 13
Up The Ridge
Discussion leader: Amelia Kirby, Up the Ridge documentarian

November 27
The Telling Takes Me Home
Discussion leaders: Guy and Candie Carawan, activists, musicians and educators, with their son, hammered dulcimer player Evan Carawan.
A reception will follow this event in the Mary E. Greer room of Hodges Library. All are welcome to attend.