Former NY State Senator Nancy Larraine
Hoffmann created The Civil Rights Connection at the urging of her long-time friend former Mississippi NAACP Field Secretary Charles Evers. (see "Program
History") Supported by New York State funding, High School juniors have made the life-changing journey each spring since 1996. The Civil Rights Connection is now a 501-c (3) non-profit organization.
After a week of visits with veterans of the Freedom Struggle, and a Service Project which now includes Gulf Coast clean-up, the students are guests of BB King at his tribute concert to Medgar Evers. Upon return home, students attend community and school forums to spread the powerful message of the non-violence movement. They share stories of ordinary people who were determined to end segregation. The Civil Rights Connection instills faith and positive values in young people and points them in a positive direction the way few other programs can do.
After a week of visits with veterans of the Freedom Struggle, and a Service Project which now includes Gulf Coast clean-up, the students are guests of BB King at his tribute concert to Medgar Evers. Upon return home, students attend community and school forums to spread the powerful message of the non-violence movement. They share stories of ordinary people who were determined to end segregation. The Civil Rights Connection instills faith and positive values in young people and points them in a positive direction the way few other programs can do.
"We thank our sponsors for keeping the Civil Rights Connection strong."-- Nancy Larraine Hoffmann