The Uuniversity of Tennessee at Martin

Fourth Annual Civil Rights Conference

Voting Rights

February 2004

In February, 2004 the University of Tennessee at Martin will host its fourth annual Civil Rights Conference.This week-long event is designed to give young people an opportunity for direct contact with West Tennessee figures who participated in the some of the defining events of modern America.

This year the conference focuses on Tennesseans' participation in the "Freedom Summer" of 1964.As a result of marches, boycotts, student sit-ins and the 1963 Freedom Rides, there had been progress across the American South in breaking down social barriers that divided such public facilities as restaurants, parks, terminals, and public transportation.These were great steps, but still effectively prohibited from voting, blacks citizens everywhere remained without political direction and control for their own communities. The key to beginning that process was overcoming intimidation and winning the practical right to vote.Voter registration drives were the first step in the process, and participants will hear first-hand why people both black and white were willing to risk being beaten, arrested, and harassed to participate fully as U.S. citizens.While Mississippi has attracted most national attention, Tennessee has its own parallel story. 

 We encourage your teachers, students, and members of the community to use the conference as a focal point to discuss culture, prejudice, and the meaning of political participation in America.The conference is free and open to the public. School and community groups are welcome.

Call ahead of time to let us know you are coming.

Important Information

For details about the conference contact Dr. Alice-Catherine Carls at (731) 587-7472 or e-mail at accarls@utm.edu.

CEU credit is available. Contact Debbie Mount at (731) 587-7082 or e-mail at dmount@utm.edu.

For luncheon and/or Saturday field trip reservations, call Susan Waterfield at (731) 587 -7493.