Culture

Meet the organizer who helped create the soundtrack for the Poor People's Campaign

By Kerry Taylor

March 9, 2018 - Jimmy Collier was an organizer-musician with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the first Poor People's Campaign. The songs he composed and recorded 50 years ago continue to inspire activists today.

Charleston workers renew region's ties to Highlander Center

By Kerry Taylor

July 19, 2017 - The historic link between workers in the South Carolina city and the organizer training school in Tennessee was revitalized when a group of Raise Up for $15 activists from Charleston traveled there recently with others from around the South to strategize about what's next for the movement.

Commemorating the life of Stetson Kennedy, the Florida muckraker who helped bring down the Klan

By Sue Sturgis

October 4, 2016 - This Oct. 5 marks 100 years since the birth of Stetson Kennedy, the Florida writer and human rights activist who died in 2011 at the age of 94. The nonprofit foundation he launched while still alive is marking the occasion with a series of events that start this week with a biographical drama of Kennedy's life — and what a life it was.

Black freedom fighters on the silver screen

By Peter H. Wood

September 9, 2016 - With Nate Parker's film about Nat Turner's 1831 slave revolt set to be released soon, retired Duke University history professor Peter H. Wood wonders if another much-needed teaching moment is on the way.

Culture

Keeping our eyes on the prize

By Chris Kromm

December 18, 2015 - For 45 years, the Institute for Southern Studies has kept our eyes on the prize of a more just, democratic and sustainable future in the South.

Remembering Appalachian folksinging legend Jean Ritchie

By Sue Sturgis

June 12, 2015 - Born into a renowned Kentucky ballad-singing family, Ritchie went on to earn fame for preserving old songs and composing original tunes protesting the destructiveness of coal mining. She died earlier this month at age 92.

Culture

"The work that justice and equality call us to do"

By Chris Kromm

March 16, 2015 - Founded by civil rights movement leaders including Rep. John Lewis, the Institute for Southern Studies has worked for 45 years to build a better South. Help us continue this vital work for the region by becoming an Institute Sustainer today.

Moral Monday photo exhibit opens in North Carolina

By Allie Yee

January 30, 2015 - Since launching in 2013, the Moral Monday movement in North Carolina has engaged thousands of people across the state in protests against regressive policies. A photo exhibit that opens Feb. 1 will showcase images from the movement captured by photographer and participant Phil Fonville.

Culture

ISS/Facing South seeks communications summer intern

By Allie Yee

January 23, 2015 - The Institute for Southern Studies/Facing South is seeking a communications intern to work with us this summer. This paid summer internship will provide an opportunity for a Pell grant-eligible, undergraduate student to get hands-on experience with the Institute, with the nonprofit sector and in online communications. Interested students can apply here. Applications are due by Feb. 2.

Culture

As the South goes...

By Chris Kromm

December 16, 2014 - When you support the Institute for Southern Studies and our work for a better South, you invest in a vision of a more just, democratic and healthy future that can send ripples of change far beyond our region.