Mary C. Turck writes about struggles for equal rights all over the world — Latin, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and in the United States. Her book The Civil Rights Movement for Kids: A History with 21 Activities introduces the history of the African-American civil rights movement to children. Its hands-on activities give young people the opportunity to discover the movement in more ways than just reading: recipes, songs, and scripts for plays are all part of the learning experience.
Mary lives in Minnesota with her husband and their two children.
1. How did your interest in civil rights struggles begin?
I grew up watching the sit-ins and marches in the South during the 1960s. I was deeply moved and inspired by the examples of people such as Martin Luther King, Jr., James Meredith, Viola Liuzzo, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Goodman, Chaney and Schwerner.
2. What inspired you to write a book about civil rights for children?
My agent suggested that I write a “civil rights activities” book. At first, I objected – I thought that an activities book would trivialize the struggle. But as I considered the matter, I realized that more and more children were growing up with no knowledge and no memory of the movement. I thought hard about whether I could write an activity book that was respectful and dignified. I believe very strongly in sharing with children today the examples that inspired me as a child.
3. How did children play a role in the struggle for civil rights?
Children were among the leaders in the civil rights movement. They integrated schools, marched in the front lines of protests, suffered the attacks of police dogs and were rolled down the street by the force of fire hoses. Their courage shamed a nation into recognizing the call of justice.
4. Why is it important for children to learn about the civil rights movement at an early age?
Children need to know that they, too, can make a difference, and that they, too, can work for justice.
5. You included fun and meaningful activities in this book such as a lunch counter play and a walk for justice. You also do this in another book you wrote, Mexico and Central America: A Fiesta of Culture, Crafts and Activities for Ages 8-12 . What can children learn from these hands-on activities?
Words are not enough for learning – we learn through seeing and hearing and feeling and tasting. We learn through drama and music and activities. Different people learn in different ways, and I hope that children can find activities in these books that help them to feel the lives of others.
6. Many sections of your book include music; for example, the “From the Back of the Bus” musical drama and the “Freedom Singers” activity. What about music was so important to the civil rights movement?
Music inspired people and held them together. It gave them courage to go on and poetry to voice what they believed. Some of the songs date from the days of slavery and escape; others grew out of religious traditions and folk music.
7. Who are your favorite historical figures from the civil rights movement?
Every time I think of a favorite, I remember another. I think of Fannie Lou Hamer, enduring beatings in Mississippi and resistance from the Democratic convention and never giving up and never backing down. I think of Barbara Johns, leading her high school out on strike, standing up when none of the adults around her dared to do so. I think of Myrlie Evers, carrying on after the assassination of her husband, raising her children alone, but always continuing to work for the movement. I think of Diane Nash, overcoming her shyness and becoming an outspoken and eloquent leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. There are so many heroes that I can't choose among them!
8. What can families do to promote civil rights and equality?
My parents grew up on farms in rural Minnesota. There were no African American or Latino or Asian people in their communities, nor in the small town where I went to school. But my parents taught us to value diversity and to look for new experiences and new people. They communicated an excitement about learning from new people and new cultures. They taught us that “different” meant “good” and “interesting” and “exciting.” I think that kind of openness and joy in meeting new people is the most important gift that parents can give their children to promote civil rights and equality.
9. What can Kids Care Clubs do to promote civil rights and equality?
Kids Care Clubs can encourage connections across cultural and racial and ethnic divides. The clubs can also encourage children to value diversity and to think for themselves.
FamilyCares/Kids Care Clubs thanks Mary Turck for taking the time to speak with us, and for helping bring the stories of the civil rights movement to a new generation.
This article was conducted through e-mail in February 2006.
