Myles Horton (1905–1990) and Don West (1906–1992) founded the Highlander Folk School in Grundy County, Tennessee, at the height of the Great Depression in 1932. Now operating as the Highlander Research and Education Center, its goals continue the traditions of its founders: providing education and fighting against economic injustice, poverty, and prejudice. Through educational programs and related services, Highlander tries to provide grassroots leaders with the tools to create broad-based movements for social change. This entry looks at its history and contributions.

The early years of Highlander focused on the progressive labor movement. During these years, the school created its first education programs for workers. The aim of Highlander's education programs was to empower workers and solidify the labor movement. As a means to achieve this ...

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