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 […]
Tag: Remembering a Leader
Honor the movement figures the museum has mourned, from Rev. James Lawson to Archbishop Desmond Tutu. These posts mark the passing of leaders, honorees, and elders who advanced civil and human rights. We remember them by carrying their work forward.
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 […]
Community Over Chaos: Protecting Education for a Stronger America
National Civil Rights Museum Op-Ed Dr. Russ Wigginton, President On the heels of a historic anniversary, our country is reminded of how far we’ve come and how much work remains through the lens of education. May 17th marked 71 years since the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision affirmed that education must be available […]
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 […]
With American Education Under Threat, We Have to Remember Where We’ve Been
By Dr. Russ Wigginton Guest Columnist When education is constrained, societies become more vulnerable to division and authoritarianism. When curiosity and empathy are discouraged, the foundations of community and democracy weaken. as published in The Tennessean, May 28, 2025, 5:03 AM CT On the heels of a historic anniversary, our country is reminded of how […]
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 39: Peace – A Ripple of Hope: Remembering Robert F. Kennedy
Peniel Joseph, “RFK’s Legacy Is Still Alive Today,” CNN, June 5, 2018. Eric Holder, “Remarks by Attorney General Eric Holder Announcing His Plans to Depart Justice Department,” The United States Department of Justice, September 25, 2014. To learn more about Robert F. Kennedy’s legacy 50 years later, listen to this WBUR podcast. The Ambassador Hotel, the site […]
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, […]
With Sympathy: Letters to the Lorraine Motel
By Dr. Noelle Trent Director of Interpretation, Collections and Education In 2020, we respond to news and events within seconds on Social Media; however, in 1968 the American public responded to news and events through letters and telegrams. Letters and telegrams are written communications which required deliberate and intentional action. For a telegram, a person […]
Letter to Coretta Scott King
The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, caused shock throughout America. His loss was mourned not only in our country, but throughout the whole world, and people’s reactions ran the gamut of emotions. Both civil rights organizers and the federal government urged citizens to exercise calm, but nevertheless, violence broke […]
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 […]