Celebrating our Human Rights Defenders: Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson & Bobby Muller

Community organizer and social justice defender Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson advocates for social rights in northeast Tennessee and elsewhere through her work as Co-Executive Director of the influential Highlander Research and Education Center.

Social Rights

Social rights refer to the dynamic interdependence of individuals in their living and working conditions, encompassing fundamental necessities for a dignified and empowered life. These rights form the foundation of a life marked by dignity, including access to essential elements such as food, healthcare (potentially with universal coverage), and education that is available to all citizens without discrimination based on social status or means. Additionally, social rights may include access to housing without financial barriers.

Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson's Commitment

Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson is a fervent champion for justice, equality, and sustainability, who embodies the identity of a working class Affrilachian (Black Appalachian) woman with pride. Raised and rooted in southeast Tennessee, she has been an integral part of the Highlander Research & Education Center's board since 2012, and is now the first Black female to be named the Co-Executive Director of the center, contributing her time and expertise to its endeavors. Ash-Lee’s engagement extends beyond the important movement growing work of the center; she has also been deeply involved in a wide spectrum of social justice activities. From advocating against mountaintop removal mining to confronting issues of environmental racism, her commitment to addressing systemic challenges is unwavering. Additionally, she has actively participated in the Movement for Black Lives, channeling her energy into a broader movement for social change. Her multifaceted involvement showcases not only a dedication to the local community but also a broader commitment to effecting positive change on a societal level.

Community Organizing and Legacy Building

Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson stands as a beacon of resilience and activism, utilizing her platform to amplify voices and drive meaningful progress in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society. Her rich history of activism includes serving as a former staff member of the Chicago Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee History Project whose directive was preserving the important history and legacy of the activists in the SNCC, of which John Lewis was a founding member. Additionally, Woodard Henderson was a member of the United Students Against Sweatshops, a prominent anti-sweatshop community group spanning the United States and Canada, and was a regional organizer for Project South, an organization designed to develop effective social movements that can combat pressing systemic social, economic, and political issues in the South. Her work extends to the divisive issue of the Confederacy and its symbols, such as the statue of Confederate General Rober E. Lee in Charlottesville. Woodard Henderson, among others, has contributed to the transformative idea of turning the statue into a hopeful, inclusive symbol through the Swords into Plowshares project, thus fostering a more united narrative amid the contentious political climate.

Her dedication to grassroots organizing is further exemplified by her collaboration with Reverend Allyn Maxfield-Steele, an educator and movement builder throughout the South and Co-Director of the Highlander Center. Together, they play a crucial role in ensuring that the Highlander Research & Education Center continues to serve as a catalyst for grassroots organizing and movement building. Woodard Henderson's involvement in the center underscores her passion for empowering communities and fostering social change through collective and collaborative action.

Legacy of Highlander Research & Education Center

Woodard Henderson and Maxfield-Steele serve as torchbearers, carrying forward the legacy laid down by Myles Horton and Don West, co-founders of the Highlander Research & Education Center in 1932, originally designed to serve as an incubator for organizing and protecting the rights of the unemployed and the working class. The center’s commitment extends across a historical timeline. It served as a meeting ground for members of the Civil Rights movement and offered training sessions and workshops that laid the foundation for such watershed moments as the Montgomery bus boycott.

Currently, they find themselves immersed in pressing issues such as democratic participation and economic justice. In their collective pursuit, the members of the Highlander Center dedicate themselves to creating meaningful change for young people, immigrants, and the underprivileged, like providing a meeting ground for activist groups and hosting sessions such as Cultural Organizing 101. Their endeavors, such as “On the Hill” video shorts featuring conversations with social justice organizers across the United States, align with a broader vision that acknowledges the pressing needs of a horizon generation who demand active engagement with 21st-century realities and opportunities to facilitate collective, long-term strategic planning. Woodard Henderson’s and Maxfield-Steele's work embodies a forward-looking approach that honors the foundational principles of the Highlander Research & Education Center while dynamically responding to the demands of the contemporary era, such as coordinating and nurturing a burgeoning migrant justice movement in Appalachia.

Vietnam War veteran Bobby Muller has dedicated his life to defending civil and political rights through his tireless work to help secure the rights of veterans and diminish the impact of war on civilians. He is the co-founder of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize winning International Campaign to Ban LandMines, weapons which kill civilians years after the war has ended.

Civil and Political Rights

Civil and political rights constitute a vital category of liberties centered around governance and individual freedoms. These rights encompass key elements such as freedom of expression, assembly, and association, ensuring the right to voice opinions, gather peacefully, and form groups. Additionally, they guarantee active participation in government formation processes, extending beyond voting to shaping policies. In terms of safety, civil and political rights safeguard individuals from arbitrary actions, including torture. In essence, these rights form a comprehensive framework fostering a democratic society where individuals can freely express themselves, actively engage in governance, and live free from undue threats to life and liberty.

Bobby Muller's Advocacy

Bobby Muller, a distinguished veteran of the Vietnam War, has dedicated his life to championing the rights of fellow veterans and advocating for the well-being of civilians affected by conflict. With a particular emphasis on environmental leadership, Muller was the co-founder of the International Campaign to Ban LandMines, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997. His tireless efforts have primarily focused on advancing civil and political rights, advocating for the human rights of individuals entangled in the devastating impact of land mining conflicts. Muller's commitment to these causes reflects a profound dedication to creating a world where the rights and dignity of all, especially those affected by war and land mines, are upheld and protected.

Vietnam War Experience and Advocacy Journey

In 1969, Bobby Muller served as a lieutenant in the Army during an assault that tragically left him paralyzed. The profound impact of this experience was further intensified by the trauma of witnessing his fellow veterans succumb to despair and take their own lives in a veterans' hospital. This haunting ordeal became a catalyst for Muller's unwavering commitment to becoming a leading advocate for Veterans' Rights, as he passionately sought to address the challenges faced by those who had served. Muller's dedication to the emancipation of humanity extended beyond the realm of veterans' issues to encompass the dire consequences that minefields inflicted upon civilians. His remarkable efforts in this regard were recognized with the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, a testament to his pivotal role in The Campaign to Ban LandMines. Muller's journey from a lieutenant in the Army to a Nobel laureate reflects not only personal resilience but also an enduring passion for justice, human rights, and the well-being of those affected by the devastating impact of war and land mines.

The Power of Political Leadership

Muller understands the significance of politicization in driving meaningful change and recognizes the crucial role played by influential figures. For example, he specifically highlights Senator Patrick Leahy’s contribution to the ban on landmines, through his championing of legislation such as the Leahy Law which prohibits the United States from funding foreign forces that violate human rights, and the Mine Ban Treaty. Muller's narrative serves as compelling evidence that active political engagement not only catalyzes substantial transformations but also garners vital support for issues such as banning landmines. By shedding light on individuals like Senator Patrick Leahy, who actively contribute to the cause, Muller reinforces the idea that political advocacy is instrumental in effecting positive shifts in societal perspectives and policies.