Port Huron Statement

Definition

The Port Huron Statement is a 1962 political manifesto of the North American student activist movement Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). It articulated the fundamental problems of American society and laid out a radical vision for a better future.

Analogy

Think of the Port Huron Statement as the blueprint for a house. Just like how an architect uses a blueprint to guide their construction, activists used this statement to guide their actions and goals in fighting for social change.

Related terms

Manifesto: A public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an election by a political party or candidate.

Political Activism: The practice of vigorous action or involvement as a means of achieving political or other goals, sometimes by demonstrations, protests, etc.

Student Movement: Organized efforts by college and university students to bring about changes in such areas as societal values, attitudes, operating procedures within educational institutions themselves.