The Greater Memphis Chamber’s Meet the Chairman’s Circle with President Dr. Russell Wigginton
Wouldn’t the world be a whole lot less interesting if Memphis wasn’t in it? That’s how Chairman’s Circle investor Russ Wigginton describes his passion for Memphis, the hometown he eventually chose after he came here to attend Rhodes College. Russ has lived in many different places: Louisville, Evansville, Nashville, Youngstown, Boston. He attended graduate school […]
The Fight for Truth: Black History Month and Today’s Cultural Pushback
Black History Month has been deeply influenced by ongoing racial justice movements and political tensions. The protests after the murder of George Floyd marked a turning point, with Black History Month increasingly linked to activism and systemic change. Media has become a powerful tool in expanding Black narratives, with films, series, and books providing diverse […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Celebrating Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a holiday in the Black community celebrating the emancipation of slaves in Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth has evolved to symbolize the celebration of the emancipation of all enslaved people. Last year, in response to the pandemic and the death of George Floyd, several Black museums came together to organize the Black Freedom Collective which […]
This How We Do It: Celebration
Ain’t gonna hurt nobody to get on down! – Brick Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the street – Martha and The Vandellas This is how we do it It’s Friday night and I feel alright The party’s here on the West side – Montell Jordan Summer, summer, […]
U.N.I.T.Y.: Pride & Identity
“Don’t let anybody tell you what to do, be who you want to be.” – Marsha P. Johnson “We are people, of the mighty Mighty people of the sun.” – Earth Wind & Fire This week’s theme is Pride & Identity. Pride & Identity is more than the celebration of self-acceptance. The songs on […]
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
The National Civil Rights Museum Celebrates Black Music Month Music has been intrinsically linked with the Civil Rights Movement and African American history. Our celebration of Black Music Month began as a way to connect with you during this pandemic. However, as the current moment has unfolded, it has become a way for us to […]
We Were Prepared to Die: Freedom Riders
Fifty-nine years ago, the Freedom Rides of 1961 entered the state of Alabama. Potential violence awaited in Anniston and Birmingham. Below, the backstory of how the Freedom Rides began and how one of the most pivotal protests in the Civil Rights Movement came about. While we know the names of notable activists like James Lawson […]
The Children Shall Lead Them: Birmingham 1963
As you move through the galleries of the National Civil Rights Museum, you follow a timeline of struggle and strength. The sounds of freedom songs trail behind you as you step into Birmingham, Alabama – a town that became known as “Bombingham” and the center of the Civil Rights Movement. On a busy day, you […]