History of Freedom Summer
Freedom Summer, held in 1964, was a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement. Organized by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), this campaign aimed to register African American voters in Mississippi and challenge the systemic racism that had disenfranchised Black Americans for generations. Despite facing violence, harassment, and even death, the volunteers' courageous efforts led to significant legislative changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The impacts of Freedom Summer extended beyond Mississippi, inspiring nationwide activism and laying the groundwork for future civil rights advancements.
Impacts and Relevance Today: California Freedom Summer 2024
The legacy of Freedom Summer continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of civic engagement and the ongoing struggle for equality. The principles of courage, determination, and justice that defined Freedom Summer are still relevant as we face modern challenges to voting rights and social justice. By reflecting on this history, we are inspired to continue the fight for a fair and inclusive democracy in California and across the nation.
Join us this summer to help spread the word about California Freedom Summer 2024 and the importance of participating in our democracy by registering to vote, updating your voter registration and casting a ballot!
In Person Activities
Freedom Summer Traveling Exhibit
The Finding Freedom Summer Traveling Exhibit, created by and on loan from University of Miami in Oxford, Ohio, is temporarily on exhibit in the California Secretary of State March Fong Eu Complex from June 18 to August 13, 2024.
The Finding Freedom Summer Traveling Exhibit is on loan this summer to the California Secretary of State’s Office from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio). Miami University students created a series of educational materials for K-12 classrooms based on Freedom Summer content both covered and not covered in this exhibit and aligned with Ohio state curriculum. The content aligns with Unit 8 (“The Movement”, pp. 580-581) of the UC-Approved African American Studies Course Outlines of the California’s Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum. Access the lesson plans with the links below.
Visit the Traveling Exhibit:
California Museum
1020 O Street, Sacramento
June 18-July 21, 2024
Secretary of State Rotunda
1500 11th Street, Sacramento
July 22-August 18, 2024
Find more educational resources:
Visit the California Secretary of State Complex to view the Finding Freedom Summer Traveling Exhibit this summer and complete an online activity to win a prize (a California State Archives Button)!
Finding Freedom Summer Activity Form
County Tours
Check back more for information.
Film Screening and Discussion
Check back more for information.
Virtual Activities
This is the Promote the Vote: The Podcast
View the podcast recording.
The purpose of these discussions is to inform, inspire, and engage listeners in a relatable and accessible manner. We aim to shift the conversation focus from national elections to the effects of statewide and local elections on your community. The goal is to personalize the discussion on the reasons for voting.
Promote the Vote California is about California communities and advocates for a strong civic culture. Our mission is to leverage the power of partnership by building relationships with businesses and organizations to support California communities and improve civic culture.
Voting Stories
Your voice matters! California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber called upon a few California citizens to share their personal stories about why they vote. These narratives are not just stories; they are a testament to the power of democracy and the enduring spirit of participation that we celebrate. As we commemorate 60 years since the transformative Freedom Summer, we are poignantly reminded that the right to vote was not always guaranteed for everyone. Today, we honor the sacrifices and struggles of those who fought tirelessly for this fundamental right.
Check back for more information on the video links.
Oral History Video "Freedom Summer: A California Retrospective"
In the summer of 1964, nearly 1,000 college students traveled to the state of Mississippi. Organized by civil rights groups, the students sought to work with the African American community in a voter registration drive. The effort became known as Freedom Summer. In collaboration with the UC Berkeley Oral History Center, the California Secretary of State, and the California State Archives Oral History Program, this video exhibit threads together narratives from Californians who were involved in Mississippi Freedom Summer with photos and articles from the movement. Through voter registration drives, freedom schools, and community organizing, these dedicated Californians worked with local and national organizers, facing violence and intimidation to champion equality and justice.
View the Oral History Video “Freedom Summer: A California Retrospective”.
