Abstract

May Justus started teaching in rural Appalachian schools in the I930s. These schools were often the center of community life and drew subject matterfrom the needs ofthe students rather than imposing a curriculum designed by professional educators. Her techniques fit the modern definition of "popular education," even though this phrase was not commonly used for another forty years. She left the formal teaching profession and began publishing childrens' books that held up Appalachian values of commitment to family and community as models. She volunteered extensively at the Highlander Folk School, which focused on adult education, labor organizing, and the civil rights movement. Her work at Highlander led to a deep commitment to racial equality. Afterlocal schools were bombed and Highlander was attacked by segregationists she wrote two children's books that showed how Appalachian folks might live in a peaceful community when their schools were integrated. In her books, the children recognize that black and white people already agree on the important things-strong families, loving parents, and strong communities that pull together in difficult times. May Justus was a'true radical educator, an "inside agitator" who drew on the region's best values to promote social change.

How to Cite:

Loveland, G. W., (2001) “A Greater Fairness: May Justus as Popular Educator”, Journal of Research in Rural Education 17(2), 102–111.

Rights: Copyright