About this Event
The VA Teen Leadership Lab on Civic Courage is a hands-on learning experience for high school students examining how young people in Virginia demonstrated courage and leadership to advance civil rights and educational equity. Through a deep dive into landmark moments such as Brown v. Board of Education, the student-led walkout organized by Barbara Johns, and the desegregation of Stratford Junior High School—now Dorothy Hamm Middle School—students explore how youth leadership, collective action, and strategic decision-making shaped lasting change.
What Students Will Do
Students will:
- A fun, guided icebreaker to build confidence and community
- Short video lessons exploring Brown v. Board of Education and Virginia’s student-led civil rights history
- Facilitated group discussions examining civic courage, leadership, and collective action
- An interactive exercise in coalition-building and policymaking, grounded in real historical examples
- Guided discussion on applying lessons learned to students’ own school and community contexts
- A closing reflection to help students articulate takeaways and next steps for leadership
Skills Students Will Build
- Critical thinking through historical analysis and discussion
- Collaboration by working with peers to examine shared challenges
- Consensus-building by navigating different perspectives and ideas
- Problem-solving by analyzing real historical dilemmas and choices
- Public speaking through guided reflection and idea-sharing
Ticket Information
Each ticket admits one student to the MLK Teen Leadership Lab and includes complimentary student admission to the Howard University documentary screening of Ain’t No Back to a Merry Go Round on February 17, when accompanied by a registered parent or guardian. A separate parent or guardian registration is required for the screening.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 South Dinwiddie Street, Arlington, United States
USD 55.20
