Civil rights icon Andrew Young shares history lessons at Atlanta camp
Civil rights legend surprises northwest Atlanta school camp
Ambassador Andrew Young visited summer campers at Harper Archer Elementary School to share civil rights history and life lessons after students read a book he coauthored, according to camp organizers.
ATLANTA - Civil rights legend and former mayor Andrew Young visited scholars at a northwest Atlanta literacy camp Tuesday to share personal stories from his historic life and inspire the next generation.
Atlanta literacy camp visit
What we know:
Young dropped by the REAL Literacy camp at Harper-Archer Elementary School in northwest Atlanta. The camp focuses heavily on reading, history, and community engagement. Before his arrival, the young campers studied his life story, mapping his journey from his childhood roots in New Orleans through his pivotal role in the civil rights movement and his leadership in elevating Atlanta to an international stage.
The students also read a book Young co-authored with his daughter, Paula Young Shelton, which details how Olympian Jesse Owens inspired him as a child. "It reminds me that I was a kid," Young said. "And I can remember people coming to visit my school and I can remember that it made a difference."
Civil rights history lessons
What they're saying:
During his talk, the ambassador and civil rights leader passed along a critical life lesson he learned during his own youth. "I start when I was about your age," Young told the campers. "One of the things that happened to me when I was when I was in third grade, I think, maybe change my life. I found out, take the biggest baddest boy in the class and make him your friend." He explained to the children that "to whom much is given, much is required," noting that his childhood friend did not have the same opportunities he enjoyed.
The floor then opened to the students for questions. A camper named Ava asked Young what it felt like to march alongside Martin Luther King Jr. "Marching with Martin Luther King Jr. was a special privilege because you always knew he was marching for what was right," Young answered. Young noted that seeing leaders accomplish great things shows the younger generation that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
Future impact on scholars
Dig deeper:
REAL Camp Director Dr. Barbara Coble says 40 students are enrolled in the summer program. Organizers hope the meaningful connection will permanently strengthen and inspire the voices of these impressionable young people.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from FOX 5 reporter Aungelique Proctor, who was on the scene at the school, as well as editorial materials from FOX 5 Atlanta managing editor Cal Callaway and broadcast script notes.