The Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. Center for Education, Justice & Ethics launches a new awareness campaign in anticipation of our Spring 2026 NextGen Emerging Leaders Program (formerly the Social Justice Bootcamp) titled NextGen Voices: Honoring the Past, Creating the Future.

We begin at the 16th Street Baptist Church — a significant landmark in American history.

In 1963, a bombing at the church killed four young girls — Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley. The tragedy became a defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement and underscored the national struggle over desegregation and equal protection under the law.

Today, 16th Street Baptist Church stands as both a place of worship and a historic site, reminding us of the importance of civic engagement, dialogue, and education in strengthening communities.

This is why education matters.

When history is untaught, injustice is repeated.

When truth is taught, accountability grows.

At the Judge AW Center, we look back at history to help prepare the next generation to lead with awareness, responsibility, and purpose.

Black history is American history. And the future depends on how well we teach it.

Learn more about the NextGen Voices: Honoring the Past, Creating the Future campaign below.