Myles Horton

About the Author

Myles Horton was a pioneering educator and activist whose lifelong commitment to social justice and transformative learning shaped the landscape of popular education in the United States. Born in 1905 in Tennessee, he co-founded the Highlander Folk School in 1932, a groundbreaking center that empowered workers, civil rights leaders, and community organizers through participatory education methods. Horton's philosophy emphasized that people learn best by doing, fostering environments where ordinary individuals could envision and enact social change. His influential conversations and writings, particularly in collaboration with Paulo Freire, highlight the interplay between education and activism, inspiring generations to build equitable societies. Horton passed away in 1990, leaving a legacy of hope and action that continues to resonate worldwide.