250 Years – The Promise and the Work: Patriotism Means Honesty at America’s Semiquincentennial
National Civil Rights Museum Op-Ed Dr. Russ Wigginton, President Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of men signed a document that made an audacious claim: that all men are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They meant it imperfectly; many of them enslaved other human […]
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 […]
Healing on Sacred Ground: Why Founders Park is More than Just a Park
National Civil Rights Museum Op-Ed Dr. Russ Wigginton, President There’s a quiet power in standing in a place where history happened. And in Memphis, there are few spaces more sacred than the ground outside the National Civil Rights Museum. For decades, visitors have stood outside the Lorraine Motel, eyes fixed on the balcony where Dr. […]
The National Civil Rights Museum Announces 34th Freedom Award Honorees
The National Civil Rights Museum is proud to announce the distinguished honorees for the 34th Freedom Award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to civil and human rights. The Museum’s signature event, the Freedom Award, pays tribute to individuals who have shown unwavering commitment to advancing truth, equity, and justice in a time when those values are […]
Sixty Years after the Voting Rights Act: The Fight to Protect the Ballot Continues
National Civil Rights Museum Op-Ed Dr. Russ Wigginton, President On August 6, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act (VRA), one of the most consequential victories in American history. Nearly a century after the 15th Amendment promised Black men the right to vote, the VRA responded to relentless efforts to deny African […]
Week 7: Quality Education
As early as the nineteenth century there have been cases of families challenging education inequity in their communities. One example is Ruby Bridges. In 1960, first grader Ruby Bridges made history when she was the first African American student to integrate the William Franz Elementary School, a public school in New Orleans. Ruby Bridges was honored in 2015 […]
Week 28: Poverty – A Tribute to the 1968 Sanitation Workers
“ The Memphis Sanitation Workers strike was resolved on April 16, when the City Council agreed to meet the union’s demands. The City didn’t follow through quickly with their commitment, but with pressure from the union, the changes were finally implemented. People who wanted change came together and won! LET’S GO! Check out this timeline […]
Week 35: Better Jobs – The Strike for Better Working Conditions
Better Jobs: The Strike for Better Working Conditions It was the tragic deaths of these two men and other work-related injuries and fatalities that led to the passing of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1971. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 1970, there were a reported 14,000 worker fatalities. Since the […]
Community Over Chaos: Clayborn Temple and the Spirit of Rebirth
Photo credit: Historic Clayborn Temple National Civil Rights Museum Op-Ed Dr. Russ Wigginton, President The recent fire that consumed Clayborn Temple is a devastating blow, not only to Memphis but to the nation. This historic church, a nerve center of the Civil Rights Movement, was more than just bricks and stained glass; it was a […]
A.W. Willis, Jr. at 100: Honoring a Legacy of Courage and Commitment
On March 16, 2025, the National Civil Rights Museum proudly celebrates the 100th birthday of A.W. Willis, Jr., a trailblazing attorney, businessman, and civil rights leader who dedicated his life to justice and equality. Willis’ legacy is one of historic firsts – barriers broken, institutions reformed, and a relentless fight for the rights of African […]
Yes, There Is Voter Suppression in Tennessee. Here’s the Key to Overcoming It
By Dr. Russ Wigginton Guest Columnist Every vote counts, every voice matters, and we must ensure that all Americans — especially young and marginalized people — are fully engaged in the democratic process. As published in The Tennessean, October 15, 2024, 10:26 am CT The right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy, but the […]
President Jimmy Carter: A Giant Among Leaders
The National Civil Rights Museum joins the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter. A giant among leaders and a true example of the highest ideals of public service, President Carter’s legacy will forever be etched in history. As a recipient of the Museum’s 1994 Freedom Award and the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, […]