Week 12: All Labor Has Dignity
“ As the above issues are debated , identify the best entities responsible for changes to remedy racial and gender pay gap, living wages and “right to work.” Historically both unions and communities have come together to advocate for change. Think about how we are using the same strategies today, or discuss with others a new advocacy […]
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 […]
Week 32: Education Equity – Part One: Funding
Education Equity – Part 1:Funding Despite what’s commonly believed, equal education and education equity are not the same thing. Equal education has more to do with access to good resources and opportunities, but education equity is about leveling the playing field for those who need the resources most to receive a quality education. 1 While one […]
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 […]
Letter to the Community: Urgent Support for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
Dear Friends and Supporters, The National Civil Rights Museum has been privileged to serve as a center for learning, remembrance, and dialogue about the civil rights movement. Thanks to the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), we have been able to grow our capacity, provide invaluable opportunities for rising museum professionals, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Museum Statement on the Declassification of the King Assassination National Intelligence Documents
The National Civil Rights Museum is closely monitoring efforts to declassify national intelligence files related to the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President John F. Kennedy, and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. We fully support measures to ensure the King Family will review any newly revealed information before it is made public. The Museum […]
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 […]
Bayard Rustin – Strategist, Organizer, Unifier
As he approached the podium, Bayard Rustin was determined and elated. He expected about 100,000 marchers to converge at the Washington Monument on August 28, 1963. To his delight, approximately 250,000 people cheered as he listed the demands of the march. The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom began after eight weeks of recruiting […]
Honoring Jazz: an early American art form
This post contains mature language. April is National Jazz Appreciation Month. Jazz remains a highly celebrated art form and inspires artists in other genres to this day. Jazz music had a critical role in the Civil Rights Movement and was integral to African American history. The music genre was born from the work songs of […]