Museum Statement on the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Champion of Justice, Voice of Conscience, 2018 Freedom Award Honoree
The National Civil Rights Museum mourns the loss of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and a global ambassador for justice, peace, and equality. His passing marks the end of an era defined by fearless advocacy and unrelenting hope for a more just and inclusive world. […]
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 […]
Everyone’s Freedoms Are at Risk When LGBTQIA+ Rights Are Attacked
National Civil Rights Museum Op-Ed Dr. Russ Wigginton, President In recent years, we’ve witnessed an alarming rise in efforts to suppress expressions of gender identity, ban the use of pronouns in schools, and roll back protections for the LGBTQIA+ community. While some frame these moves as cultural or political battles, make no mistake: these actions […]
Museum Statement on the Passing of Fred Smith
Fred Smith, founder of FedEx and a visionary leader, embodied the spirit of innovation, resilience, and community uplift. His work forever changed the landscape of Memphis, and his impact continues to resonate with the enduring mission of the National Civil Rights Museum. In 1971, Fred Smith launched Federal Express in Little Rock and began operations in […]
Week 1 of 50: No Justice. No Peace. Know Justice. Know Peace.
LET'S GET STARTED WITH 2 ACTION ITEMS! Share the Pledge for Peace and Action with others. Click the link bit.ly/mlk50pledge. Read Dr. King's book, Where Do We Go from Here: From Chaos to Community, or listen to parts of the speech from this audio clip. Read the full manuscript here of Dr. King's “Where Do We Go from Here?” speech. Kids […]
Week 15: Peaceful Protest: Civil Disobedience
“ From women’s rights, criminal reform, LGBTQI rights, juvenile justice and much more, learn your rights by visiting the American Civil Liberties Union site. Share with us on our 50 Weeks of Action Facebook Group page other ways to create change through civil disobedience. SHARE YOUR STORY Are […]
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 […]
Black History Month at the National Civil Rights Museum: A Celebration of Ongoing Education and Community Engagement
National Civil Rights Museum Op-Ed Dr. Russ Wigginton, President Every February, Black History Month serves as a time to reflect on the resilience, achievements, and ongoing struggles of African Americans in the United States. Few places embody this mission more profoundly than the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Situated at the historic Lorraine […]
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Knew Health Equity and Civil Rights Go Hand in Hand
By Dr. Russ Wigginton Guest Columnist King understood that poverty, inadequate healthcare, and systemic inequalities were barriers to individual well-being and national progress. as published in The Tennessean, Jan. 17, 2025, 5:01 AM CT Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for economic equity found expression in the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign, a movement to create […]
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 […]
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 The Civil Rights Act Did Not Solve Racism The enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 did not diminish the racial violence against Black Americans. Segments of Black America were philosophically fractured and disillusioned about whether the nonviolent tactics would […]
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 […]