The Civil Rights Cafe is designed to give youth an opportunity to learn about the practice of nonviolence by using lessons from the Civil Rights Movement. Teens are encouraged to record or write down their thoughts about subjects covered in weekly discussions and are also encouraged to share their own views and feelings about the events that affect them in their everyday lives. The Civil Rights Cafe provides a "safe haven" where youth gather without fear of judgement or the threat of bullying. Our Civil Rights Cafe Teen Authors for Peace participants create poems, reflections, and visual art that gives them an opportunity to let their emotions show without using force or anger: Our students are welcomed into an environment where they incorporate the teachings and philosophical principles of the Civil Rights Movement to create their own visions for themselves as they aspire to achieve their best. Ultimately, the youth are given the tools to decide how to make nonviolent solutions to solve and cope with issues that they may face within their homes, schools and communities. We thought it was important to share the experiences of the Civil Rights Cafe with a larger audience. This book highlights the creativity of our " first class" of Teen Authors for Peace and modern-day Civil Rights Crusaders. Take a look inside. Read their selections. You will be enlightened by the thoughtfulness of their responses and you may even be surprised by the candidness of their writing. These young voices are just beginning their conversations for the mind body and soul that will certainly provide "nourishment for life. "