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There’s plenty of history in the making here at the National Civil Rights Museum.

The Civil Rights Act Gave Way to Reform, but Flaws in the Language Left the Job Unfinished

Photo Credit: LBJ Library photo by Cecil Stoughton     By Dr. Russ Wigginton Guest Columnist As we commemorate the anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, remember much more was left to be addressed following its passing As published in The Tennessean, July 24, 2024, 6:00 am CT Since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed 60 years ago on July 2, America has experienced great strides toward attaining civil rights for all her citizens. The law established protection agains... Read More
Posted by Ben Austin at Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Mississippi Burning: From Murder Mayhem to a Mighty Mission

by Ryan M. Jones, Associate Curator  Sixty years ago, the state of Mississippi was a hotbed for civil rights. It led the nation in racially motivated violence, and less than 3% of the black population was registered to vote. Following the events of the year 1963, in which Americans were horrified by witnessing the attacks on children marching nonviolently throughout the streets of Birmingham, the memorable March on Washington, and the assassinations of civil rights leader Medgar Evers an... Read More
Posted by Ben Austin at Friday, June 21, 2024

Juneteenth: History Moves Us Forward

by Dr. Russ Wigginton, President    In the vast tapestry of American history, Juneteenth stands as a profound testament to the resilience, fortitude, and enduring struggle of Black Americans for freedom and equality. Originating from the delayed announcement of emancipation in Texas on June 19, 1865, Juneteenth signifies not only the belated end of slavery but also the ongoing quest for justice and recognition of human dignity. We’ve come too far to turn back now, and we... Read More
Posted by Gremesha Crump at Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Museum Statement on the Passing of Rev. James Lawson

The National Civil Rights Museum is deeply saddened by the passing of civil rights philosopher and strategist, Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr.     Participating in several museum events and programs, Rev. Lawson has been a lifelong mentor of the movement and among a panel of respected scholars for the National Civil Rights Museum.  He is one of the Museum’s 2011 Freedom Award Icon of the Civil Rights Movement honorees.  In recent years, Rev. Lawson would join the... Read More
Posted by Gremesha Crump at Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Join us for The Resilience: Combatting Police Violence Through Policy And Public Safety | March 22, 2024

The Resilience: Combatting Police Violence through Policy and Public Safety marks the culmination of a four-part series by the National Civil Rights Museum, aimed at addressing police violence with actionable solutions. This final installment focuses on empowering attendees with strategies rooted in policy reform and community-led safety alternatives. The series began in March 2023 with The Reckoning: Community Policing and Accountability, focusing on justice for victims like Tyre Nichol... Read More
Posted by Gremesha Crump at Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Honoring Cultural and Artistic Heritage This Black History Month

This past Black History Month, the National Civil Rights Museum dedicated its focus to celebrating the significant contributions of African Americans to the nation's cultural and artistic heritage. Through a variety of events and on-demand content, the museum highlighted the pivotal role of arts and culture in the Civil Rights Movement, featuring evocative lectures, performances, and interactive exhibitions. These offerings were designed to educate and inspire reflections on the courage,... Read More
Posted by Gremesha Crump at Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Statement on the Passing of Dexter Scott King

The National Civil Rights Museum mourns with the nation on the passing of Dexter Scott King.  Dexter King, the youngest son of slain civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered for his commitment to preserving his father’s legacy.  He was the strategist and visionary who led the King Estate and chaired The King Center in Atlanta. He worked together with his siblings to move forward the work of their mother, Coretta Scott King, in professing peace and nonviol... Read More
Posted by Gremesha Crump at Wednesday, January 31, 2024

National Civil Rights Museum is advancing Martin Luther King's economic justice mission

As published in The Tennessean January 10, 2024 Dr. Russ Wigginton, Guest Columnist As we reflect on the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the federal holiday celebrating his birthday, it’s important to examine his evolution as a leader particularly in the last five years of his life. His leadership and critical thinking in that season is not explored enough but are essential to his enduring legacy that continues to be amplified. Part of the reason Dr. King is... Read More
Posted by Connie Dyson at Thursday, January 11, 2024

Stacey Abrams: Champion of Voting Rights Honored at the National Civil Rights Museum

Every year, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, bestows its prestigious Freedom Award upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of civil and human rights. In 2023, one of the distinguished honorees is none other than Stacey Abrams, a dedicated advocate for voting rights. Abrams has dedicated her life to fighting for fairness and equity in the American democratic process. In this blog post, we'll delve into her remarkable career in voting r... Read More
Posted by Gremesha Crump at Thursday, October 12, 2023

A Demonstration that Ignited Change: 60 Years After the 1963 March on Washington

“We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. Sixty years ago, one of the “greatest demonstrations for freedom in the history of this country” took place on the Washington, DC Mall, according to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The magnitude of this campaign was not lost on him, even before he was prompted to eloquently transition to his famous speech, “I Have ... Read More
Posted by Connie Dyson at Monday, August 28, 2023
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