Children of Southern civil-rights activists speak at YSU

YOUNGSTOWN — The Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth raised his four children to put God first and to give of their best at all times.

It’s a credo they’ve followed all of their lives and a message they don’t hesitate to offer to others.

Patricia Shuttlesworth Massengill, Ruby Shuttlesworth Bester, Fred Shuttlesworth Jr. and Carolyn Shuttlesworth are bringing that message and more to thousands of young people attending the annual Youngstown State University English Festival this week as the James A. Houck Lecturers.

The Rev. Mr. Shuttlesworth, now 88, was the primary organizer of nonviolent civil rights protests in Birmingham, Ala., during the 1950s and 1960s, and his two oldest children, Patricia and Ruby, participated in many of those demonstrations.

For the complete story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com