Civil Rights Trailblazer Inspires Spotswood High Students

Charles Alex-Zan shares 'Yes You Matter' message to encourage next generation

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Charles Alex-Zan, a member of the 'Charlottesville 12' who integrated Charlottesville City Schools, visited Spotswood High School to share his 'Yes You Matter' initiative. Alex-Zan spoke about the importance of mental health and believing in oneself, inspiring students like freshman Elias Paserba to spread more positivity in their daily lives.

Why it matters

Alex-Zan's visit highlights the ongoing impact of the civil rights movement and the continued need to support student mental health, especially in high school. His message of self-worth and community uplift resonates with young people navigating the challenges of adolescence.

The details

During his visit, Alex-Zan spoke about his experiences as one of the first Black students to integrate Charlottesville schools and how that shaped his values of kindness and engagement with others. He emphasized the importance of mental health, telling students 'regardless of who they are, where they come from, that they still matter' through ups and downs.

  • Alex-Zan visited Spotswood High School on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • He was part of the 'Charlottesville 12' who integrated Charlottesville City Schools in the 1950s.

The players

Charles Alex-Zan

A civil rights trailblazer and member of the 'Charlottesville 12' who was one of the first Black students to integrate Charlottesville City Schools.

Elias Paserba

A freshman at Spotswood High School who was inspired by Alex-Zan's message about the importance of mental health and spreading positivity.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The whole mental health aspect that people just need to realize, regardless of who they are, where they come from, that they still matter. Ups, downs, twists and turns, that they matter.”

— Charles Alex-Zan (WHSV)

“I think he's a really good speaker and really interactive with people. I just think it's great that he's lived through these times and is able to share it with us, and we can feel his messages. You matter, like, that's really big in high school, knowing that everyone can feel something.”

— Elias Paserba, Freshman, Spotswood High School (WHSV)

What’s next

Alex-Zan plans to continue sharing his 'Yes You Matter' message with students across Virginia, aiming to inspire the next generation to believe in themselves and make a positive impact in their communities.

The takeaway

Alex-Zan's visit to Spotswood High underscores the lasting influence of the civil rights movement and the ongoing need to support student mental health and self-worth. His message of kindness, engagement, and self-belief resonated with students like Elias Paserba, who vowed to spread more positivity in their daily lives.