What was the main achievement of Freedom Summer?

The main achievement of Freedom Summer was indeed the increased number of registered black voters. Taking place in 1964, this initiative aimed to address the systemic disenfranchisement of African Americans in Mississippi, particularly in the context of voting rights. Volunteers, many of whom were students from northern colleges, worked on various fronts: conducting voter registration drives, establishing Freedom Schools to educate black youth about their rights and history, and supporting local civil rights organizations.

The significance of the increase in registered black voters during this period cannot be overstated. It not only empowered individuals but helped to change the political landscape in the South. This surge in registration demonstrated the determination and resilience of the civil rights movement, marking a critical step toward achieving greater social equality. The efforts in Freedom Summer also garnered national attention, highlighting the injustices faced by African Americans in the South and adding pressure for legislative change that would follow in the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In contrast, while improved education in the South and the establishment of local civil rights organizations were certainly important elements of the broader civil rights movement, they were not the primary focus or achievement of Freedom Summer. Ending segregation in public schools was part of the larger civil rights struggle, but Freedom Summer specifically centered on the voter