Category: Statement / Announcement
Read the museum’s official word on the events, losses, and milestones that speak to our mission. This covers press releases and formal statements, from the passing of movement leaders to responses when civil and human rights are tested. When silence is not an option, the museum speaks.
Museum Statement on the Passing of Bernard Lafayette, Jr.
MUSEUM STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF BERNARD LAFAYETTE, JR. Key Civil Rights Strategist, Organizer, and 2012 Freedom Award Honoree left an imprint on the Museum The National Civil Rights Museum mourns the passing of Rev. Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Jr., one of the most influential strategists and organizers of the modern Civil Rights Movement and a […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Museum Statement on Supreme Court Affirmative Action Decision
“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Yesterday’s landmark Supreme Court decision to reject race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions reminds us that the struggle […]
Dr. Noelle Trent to leave the National Civil Rights Museum
National Civil Rights Museum Director of Interpretation, Collections, and Education, Dr. Noelle Trent, announced she is leaving the museum to assume the role of President and CEO of the Museum of African American History in Boston & Nantucket. The news comes after eight years of bringing a broader national focus to the museum through world-class […]
Museum Statement Regarding the Passing of Harry Belafonte
The National Civil Rights Museum joins the world in grieving the loss of a civil rights activist, cultural legend, and its 1999 Freedom Award honoree, Mr. Harry Belafonte. Belafonte was a charismatic, candid, and compassionate activist who used his platform to advance civil and human rights in America and abroad. From his early years of meteoric […]
Museum Statement on the death of Tyre Nichols
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The National Civil Rights Museum mourns another tragedy in the death of Tyre Nichols. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family fighting for justice in his killing. A killing while in police custody. A traffic […]