They were the perfect weapon against racism, but it was dangerous.

If they got caught, they would lose their jobs, or perhaps their lives.

This secret group fought for our rights, and we never even knew they existed.

Who were they?

This is Two-Minute Black History, what you didn't learn in school.

Their secret meetings began taking place all over the southern U.S. in the late 1800s.

They were crucial members of their local communities, but the group still

had to be extremely careful. Many had to support their children. Some had their siblings

and elderly parents to consider. If they were caught, they could pay with their lives. But

they had one thing in common.

Who were they?

They were public school teachers.

Because they held state jobs, they couldn't officially participate in the civil rights movement.

Nevertheless, they had first-hand knowledge

that would help propel the fight for equality forward. How did they accomplish this?

They formed Black Teachers' Associations. They focused on improving education for our children

and ensuring they had the resources needed

to succeed outside of the classroom. They also transmitted information to Northern Civil

Right lawyers. So were any of them ever caught? No, they never wrote down anything, and what we know of them today is based on word of mouth.

While we won't see images of the group marching or hear recordings of them giving speeches, we can be sure their secrecy made the movement possible.

There is a role for each of us in the fight for liberation, even behind the scenes.

How will you embrace yours?

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