Learning the Lessons of the Civil Rights Movement
Mahoning Valley Sojourn To The Past
Welcome!
We are Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past based in Youngstown, Ohio, founded in 2007. Our organization takes high school students on a leadership development, life changing, history immersion journey to the Civil Rights sites in the South. Our student leaders meet the “foot soldiers” of the Movement and learn the lessons of social and racial justice, nonviolence, civic responsibility, hope, compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, and not being a silent witness. The goal is to incorporate these lessons into their daily lives to become ambassadors of nonviolence and leaders for social and racial justice in their homes, schools, and community.
“Not one of us can rest, be happy, be at home, be at peace with ourselves, until we end hatred and division.”
— John Lewis
US House of Representatives
Coming this summer!
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of Freedom Summer. So we are having a week long #TeachTruth Freedom School held at St. John's Church in Youngstown, June 17-21 from 9-1PM.
We have lots of fun and learning planned for this event including: art, author visits, writing, dance, and a picnic at the park on the last day!
Visitors include: Alice Lynd, Cherie Eldridge, Dynamo Flapdoodle, AU Dance Company, Karen Schubert, Keith Lamar and Vince Shivers.
You will need to register to attend this week long event June 17-21. Spots are limited, registration is free: https://forms.gle/S6CURBtEsnZq3Zb5A
Downloadable Registration Form
Filmmaker Keith A. Beauchamp visits Youngstown
In February 2024, at the invitation of Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past, filmmaker and producer Keith A. Beauchamp came to Youngstown to share the story of Emmett Till as told through his mother’s perspective in the film “Till.” Beauchamp co-produced and co-wrote the film. He spoke to Chaney High School students and faculty about the film as well as shared a behind the scenes look at the making of the film. Students from the Montessori school were also invited. The students were invited to ask questions in response to the viewing of the film “Till".” That evening, Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past also hosted a showing of the film “Till” at Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration. For more, please read the news article below, written by Mr. Sean Barron:
“YSU senior earns Lewis award”
Read the full article here from The Vindicator
The Business Journal - Youngstown - Sojourn To The Past Teaching Racism's History
3 Min, 7-27-20
Director and Civil Rights Activist Penny Wells is inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame. October 12, 2023
“There are those who say to you - we are rushing this issue of civil rights. I say we are 172 years late.”
— Hubert Humphrey
July 14, 1948
Upcoming events.
Fundraisers, guest speakers, the Journey, Ohio Nonviolence Week and more!