I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I visited the National Civil Rights Museum last week. Because I think I’ve fallen into the trap of seeing The Movement as a brief period in history: Brown v. Board of Education (1954) through the Voting Rights Act (1965). But the Civil Rights Movement actually spans 12 generations. While the museum is built inside the Lorraine Motel, … [Read more...]
Sixty Years Later: Here’s What the Black Lives Matter Movement Can Learn from Rosa Parks
Sixty years ago today, Rosa Parks sat down, took a load off, and unwittingly became the icon of the Civil Rights Movement. For one year, African Americans boycotted the bus system in Alabama. For one year, they protested, marched, and protested some more with their dollars and their sense. Thanks to Rosa, and many who have come after her, African Americans have come a long … [Read more...]
Five Powerful Women of the Civil Rights Movement You Should Know, but Probably Don’t
Although I understand the idea behind Black History Month, I’m not a huge proponent of relegating our history to only one month of the year. We need to celebrate our heroes and sheroes year-round; however, since it is Black History Month, this is a great opportunity to go beyond the usual narrative of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks to highlight some of the little-known … [Read more...]
Rosa Parks Artifacts Sold to Foundation for $4.5 Million
The Howard G. Buffet Foundation, belonging to the son of billionaire investor, Warren Buffet, has purchased hundreds of artifacts belonging to civil rights icon, Ms. Rosa Parks, for $4.5 million. Among the artifacts belonging to the civil rights pioneer were letters from presidents, her Presidential Medal of Freedom, and even a post card signed by Dr. Martin Luther King, … [Read more...]