06/23/2026
Today, we are proud to celebrate Moton Museumโs Visitor Engagement Operations Director, Sherre Oke, as she served as a featured speaker for ALA Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, on the campus of Longwood University.
Her presentation, โFind Your Voice and Use It: An Inspiring Story of Courage, Impact, and Servant Leadership,โ connected the powerful story of Barbara Johns and the student-led strike at Moton High School to the lives of todayโs young women leaders. Through the lens of courage, advocacy, and servant leadership, participants were encouraged to recognize that they do not have to wait until adulthood to create meaningful changeโthey have the power to make an impact right now.
The session featured an interactive learning experience where students identified issues they are passionate about and presented their ideas to their peers, challenging one another to think critically about how they can become catalysts for positive change in their schools, communities, and beyond.
ALA Girls State is one of the nationโs premier leadership and citizenship programs, providing young women with hands-on experience in government, public service, and civic engagement. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, the program empowers participants to become informed, engaged leaders while developing the confidence and skills needed to shape the future.
We are honored to share the story of Barbara Johns and the Moton student movement with the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Their voices matter, their ideas matter, and their leadership begins today.
