Tapestry of Faith: A Place of Wholeness: A Program for Youth Exploring Their Own Unitarian Universalist Faith Journeys

Activity 2: Story - Viola Liuzzo, To Freedom Land

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • This story is best told in pairs - with one person singing the song and the other telling the story. Either decide with your co-leader who will do each part, or find a volunteer to do one of the parts with you.
  • Read and review "Viola Liuzzo - To Freedom Land" until you are comfortable presenting it.

Description of Activity

This activity tells the story through words and song of Viola Liuzzo, a white Unitarian Universalist who fought and died for the civil rights of African Americans.

Begin by telling participants that, as they explored in Activity 1, there are many kinds of freedom. Viola Liuzzo, a white Unitarian Universalist, was working alongside African Americans for their rights as full citizens and freedom from discrimination during the Civil Rights Movement. She was putting her faith in freedom into action. Invite the participants to listen as you share the story of Viola Liuzzo. Read or tell the story, while your co-leader or a volunteer sings the song lines interspersed throughout.

After presenting the story, lead a short discussion with the following reflection questions:

  • What freedoms did Viola Liuzzo have?
  • What is the "freedom land" in the song? What kind of freedom was Viola struggling to make real?
  • Have you ever been part of a freedom struggle where those with freedom marched alongside and worked in solidarity with oppressed communities? What was it like?