By: Jason Smith, Executive Director
I recently took a journey—one that was both deeply personal and professionally illuminating—across some of America’s most pivotal civil rights landmarks. This trip was possible thanks to support from the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency (CCJT), a Kalamazoo-based group dedicated to fostering transparency and engaging conversations between the community and those in positions of power.
As an African American who has always been passionate about studying history and social justice movements, I knew this journey would help me connect with the past, my family’s story, and the ongoing fight for racial equity. I was especially drawn to the American South, having rarely traveled beyond Arkansas and Tennessee. With my father hailing from Mississippi—a place he hasn’t revisited in decades—I felt a personal pull to experience this part of the country for myself. I set out the week after the election, during a time of uncertainty, eager not only to explore new physical spaces but also to reflect on my own growth and well-being. In many ways, this trip fulfilled CCJT’s intention of a wellness journey—a chance to step away, learn, heal, and return even more committed to the work of achieving justice.
What follows are reflections on the places, people, and stories that moved me. Each experience pushed me to think differently about my work at the Michigan Center for Youth Justice (MCYJ), and deepened my commitment to uplifting and empowering young people.
Day 1: Greensboro, North Carolina
My journey began in Greensboro, North Carolina, at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, located in the historic Woolworth’s building. It was at this site that four courageous Black college students—known as the Greensboro Four—initiated a sit-in at the whites-only lunch counter in 1960. Their quiet but determined act of defiance sparked a national wave of nonviolent protests, challenging segregation and inspiring a generation of activists.
What stood out even more was learning about the role high school students played in sustaining the movement. When summer arrived and the college students had to leave town, high school students stepped in to ensure the protests continued. Despite their young age, these teenagers organized, protested, and kept the sit-ins alive, refusing to let momentum fade. Their commitment ensured the boycott lasted six months, ultimately forcing Woolworth’s to desegregate its lunch counter.
At the Michigan Center for Youth Justice (MCYJ), we often emphasize that young people possess the potential to be leaders, advocates, and changemakers. The story of the Greensboro Four and the high school students who joined them is a testament to this truth. It reminds us that youth can lead movements, sustain momentum, and bring about systemic change when supported and empowered. Our job (all of us) is to ensure that young people have the resources and support to chart their own futures. This means moving away from labels like “troublemakers” and investing in mentorship, education, and restorative practices that allow young people to thrive, contribute, and influence policy in positive ways.
Day 2-3: Atlanta, Georgia
My time in Atlanta was as inspiring as it was transformative. Over the course of two days, I explored sites central to the civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I also experienced the energy of Atlanta as a vibrant city where Black residents form the largest ethnic group—an environment that celebrates both its cultural roots and its ongoing progress.
Read Jason’s full reflection on his journey through justice here.
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