Why were children involved in civil rights movement?

Answer 1

Children really didn't have a role in the Civil Rights Movement. Some marched with parents, but it was an adult event. In the 1960's a person wasn't considered an adult until 21 so that was also a factor. Today, people are an adult at 18 and can vote this makes a difference in "movements." I was 6 years old when Rosa Parks was arrested and had no awareness of it. Children do not understand news reports and events until they are older. I was 18 when the march on Washington happened and would have loved to take part, but getting across the United States at 18 would have been impossible. The youngest members of the civil rights movement were college students who lived in the south.

Answer 2

Yes they were. Ruby Bridges was a seven year old child who was denied entry into a white school. A famous painting of her can be found at the related links.

The pictures of the Birmingham riots show children involved. The bombing of the 16th Avenue Baptist Church killed four little girls.

The Selma march on the Edmund Pettus bridge was attended by families which included children. In every major struggle, children have been there with their families or alone.

Answer 3

Children were involved in the Modern Civil Rights Movement because they were less fearless and didn't have as much to lose as their parents who could be fired from their jobs for missing work or protesting. This could have had a snowball effect where they could lose their homes and livelihoods. The Children also were also very impressionable. You have to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was their overall leader and he himself was just 25 going on 26 when the Montgomery Bus Boycott began.