A Statement from President and CEO, Jill Savitt on the Passing of Dexter Scott King
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights mourns the loss of Dexter Scott King. A lifelong civil rights activist, Dexter will be remembered for his dedication to protecting the legacy of his father, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his mother, Coretta Scott King, as Chairman of the King Center and President of the King Estate. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Leah Weber King, his sister Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, his brother Martin Luther King, III, and his niece Yolanda Renee King.
Exhibit Reflection: We Who Believe in Freedom: 1964–A Transformative Year in Civil Rights
By Lance Wheeler Each year, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights partners with the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection, to showcase Dr. King’s personal papers in our museum’s Voice to the Voiceless Gallery. 2023’s exhibit focused on the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom during its 60th anniversary. This year’s rotation chronicles major events in 1964 that transformed the civil rights movement. The Center’s Exhibitions Director, Lance Wheeler, shares his thoughts on the events of 1964, and how they shaped the formation of the exhibit. As I look back at 1964, I am drawn to the collective efforts of individuals who strongly advocated for equality. This critical time, set against the backdrop of the intense climate of segregation, saw established leaders, grassroots activists, community organizers, and influential figures join in solidarity against racial discrimination. The atmosphere was charged with the urgent need for change, prompting a united front to address systemic injustice. Amid the enthusiasm for progress, the journey was marked by setbacks and wins. Setbacks, in the form of resistance to change, entrenched prejudice, and systemic obstacles, challenged the resolve of those seeking equality. Despite this, advocates remained resilient. This resilience produced notable wins – legislative victories, community mobilization, and increased awareness to spur positive change – that demonstrated the power of collective action in overcoming barriers to equality. This pivotal year underscored the complexity of the struggle for civil rights, illustrating the resilience required to navigate the turbulent path toward a more just and inclusive society. In 1964, civil rights leaders and volunteers orchestrated crucial events such as organizing Freedom Summer and persistently pushing for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Organizers sought to eliminate discrimination, especially in voting rights and integrating public spaces. On December 11, 1964, Dr. King travelled to Oslo, Norway, to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his unwavering leadership, advocating nonviolent resistance against racial injustice. The prestigious award underscored the profound impact of the civil rights movement. The title of this year’s King Collection exhibition We Who Believe in Freedom – 1964, A Transformative Year in Civil Rights acknowledges the collective mission of the movement, honoring the multitude of voices that demanded and fought for freedom. The leading portion, We Who Believe in Freedom, draws inspiration from the encouraging lyrics of the Black female a cappella ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock, in their masterpiece, “Ella’s Songs.” The song serves as a heartfelt tribute to civil rights leader Ella Baker, emphasizing that grassroots organization and collective power can dismantle systemic racism. Crucially, the transformative power of the civil rights movement came not just from notable leaders, but also countless individuals declaring, “We Who Believe in Freedom Shall Not Rest Until it’s Done.” I invite visitors to explore this year’s rotation and consider Dr. King’s profound understanding that societal transformation happens when people collectively declare, “enough is enough.” The rotation displays compelling narratives and diverse materials through a rich array of historical artifacts, letters, flyers, magazines, and photographs that vividly encapsulate the spirit of Freedom Summer. Visitors can immerse themselves in Dr. King’s handwritten notes, providing valuable insights into his reflections on the momentous passage of the Civil Rights Act. Delving into Dr. King’s thoughts and eloquence, our exhibit presents a unique opportunity to explore early drafts of both his Nobel Acceptance Speech and Lecture. We offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolving nature of these seminal addresses, allowing attendees to connect more intimately with the historical context and the dynamic process behind these influential pieces. During his remarks to the Nobel Committee, Dr. King announced a call to action which still resonates today. “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” Dr. King’s legacy of exemplary leadership continues to inspire individuals to embrace the noble struggle for a more inclusive and equitable society. We Who Believe in Freedom- 1964, A Transformative Year in Civil Rights is featured in the National Center for Civil and Human Rights’ Voice to the Voiceless Gallery through 2024. Visit civilandhumanrights.org/buy-tickets to purchase your tickets today!
The Center in the News: Truth and Transformation Commemorates the 117th Anniversary of the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre
Since 2021, The Center’s Truth and Transformation Initiative has commemorated the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre as a pillar of its mission to help communities confront painful history. This year, the initiative created powerful events that established a new standard for examining the massacre’s impact and delivered authentic moments for reflection and transformation. Events garnered considerable national, state, and local media interest especially a New York Times feature story for its Across the Country series: “In a ‘City Too Busy to Hate,’ New Attention to an Overlooked Race Massacre,” by Rick Rojas, The Times’ Southeast bureau chief. Notable local coverage included Axios Atlanta, WABE-FM’s Morning Edition, and Atlanta broadcast news stations: WANF – CBS, Atlanta News First; WSB – ABC, Channel 2 Action News; and WXIA – NBC, 11Alive News. The week began September 18 with a moving vigil to honor victims of the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre. The vigil drew a supportive crowd at the Henry Grady statue on Marietta Street, where scholars say bodies were stacked during the four-day massacre. Research partners the Georgia Civil Rights Cold Cases Project at Emory University and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society identified two new names of the 25 lives lost. Activists say the vigil represents a notable milestone in the effort to uncover the truth about the atrocity 117 years ago. Friday September 22, marking the first day of the 1906 massacre, Truth and Transformation premiered a new documentary “(Re)Defining History” at the Black-owned Gathering Spot. The Center produced the film about the impact of the massacre with Atlanta PBS / NPR station, WABE. Following the screening, Black and white descendants of families impacted by the massacre met for the first time to discuss the legacy of the atrocity. The guided conversation demonstrated that honest dialogues about difficult history could be transformative. The commemoration closed September 24 with an engaging theatrical experience at The Center developed by Equitable Dinners and Out of Hand Theater, to immerse participants in a reflective exploration of current race relations in Atlanta. Throughout the weekend, Equitable Dinners recreated this experience for 1,000 people at 100 tables across metro Atlanta homes, places of worship, businesses, and schools. “We want to build on the positive community response to our events this year,” said Darrin Sims, Truth and Transformation director. “By establishing a permanent annual commemoration of the massacre, we can help Atlantans see a deeper story of the people involved and clarify the atrocity’s impact on the lingering inequalities the city faces today. We remain committed to discovering all we can to honor those killed until every victim and descendant is identified and their stories can be told.” The initiative’s work continues on Atlanta’s westside to memorialize the historically brutal practice of convict leasing that shaped our community.
LGBTQ Institute Programs Impact the Future of the Workplace and Grassroots Advocacy
This summer, The LGBTQ Institute selected sixteen people nationally, ages 16 to 30, to participate in its new Youth Advocacy Fellowship program. Over the next year, the Institute will connect fellows with mentors, scholars, and seasoned advocates to fuse their professional aspirations to their social justice passions. Fellows will pursue projects in significant fields such as public health, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, advocacy education, and civil and human rights history. Fellowship training includes studying philosophies and strategies of nonviolent protests like bus boycotts (Claudette Colvin), school desegregation (Ruby Bridges and the Little Rock Nine), young people’s roles in the March on Washington, and more contemporary struggles for justice and equality. During their time together, fellows will understand how young people have always been at the center of social change movements. The fellowship seeks to nurture the emerging generation of young advocates, reflecting the National Center for Civil Rights’ mission to create a more just and equitable society through dynamic and empathy-building experiences that teach history’s connection to the present, inspiring change-makers to promote and protect the rights of all people everywhere. Motivated by the leadership of the then 19-year-old John Lewis, Tim’m West, Executive Director of the LGBTQ Institute, designed the fellowship to train young people how to lead. West wanted to pay forward his hard-earned experience to the next generation. “If there aren’t systems in place to preserve the history of advocacy, things get lost,” says West. To preserve and expand the impact of that legacy the fellowship curriculum has four components: research, history, intersectionality, and advocacy. Research dissects historical and current obstacles in order to help youth anticipate and navigate challenges. History examines the lives of notable figures like Harvey Milk, Audre Lorde, Baynard Rustin, and Gloria Anzaldua. Intersectionality explores the complex nature of social categorizations that many LGBTQ+ people experience and the systems of oppression they must fight simultaneously, such as being Black, non-binary, and living below the poverty line. Finally, advocacy investigates how to shape public policy to be more inclusive. Fellows come from diverse academic and advocacy backgrounds. One of this year’s fellows is Eric D. Stout, II. Stout participates in the CRIBB fellowship program (Creating Responsible Intelligent Black Brothers) by NAESM and is a senior at Georgia State University, majoring in public health. He applied for the program out of his ambition to develop a career that bridges the gaps of health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community. Stout’s fellowship project seeks to establish metrics of success for Black trans gay men. Stout will also study gospel singer, musician, and composer Reverend James Cleveland; poet and Atlanta community organizer Tony Daniels; and writer, philosopher, and educator Alain LeRoy Locke. Stout and his mentor community activist and author Dempris Gasque, will collaborate to build a professional development framework for young Black queer men. They hope their research can serve as a roadmap for future generations seeking to navigate identity-based challenges while seizing opportunities to advance social justice. The LGBTQ Institute also seeks to impact future generations through its upcoming annual Business Forum on October 20, 2023. The Business Forum convenes corporate leaders to share best practices that further LGBTQ+ inclusion. Experts will discuss how organizations can develop genuine and sustainable policies, avoiding performative gestures that do not address inclusion. To register for the Business Forum please visit https://www.lgbtqbusinessforum.org/.
Southern Company Honors The National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Southern Company honored The National Center for Civil and Human Rights for its longstanding impact on Atlanta and the southeast during the 2023 Evening of Excellence on September 22. Our President and CEO, Jill Savitt, travelled to Washington, D.C., to accept the award Friday evening on behalf of The Center at Southern Company’s annual event, which took place this year at The REACH at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This recognition is a testament to The Center’s enduring partnership with Southern Company, which has been steadfast in its support since our inception in 2014. Southern Company’s President and CEO, Chris Womack, has served on our board and remains an ardent supporter and advisor. Southern Company’s Evening of Excellence is held annually in conjunction with the Congressional Black Caucus’ Annual Legislative Conference. It brings together thought leaders, influencers, and architects of change to honor an individual or organization’s remarkable contributions to their community. In expressing our gratitude, Savitt remarked, “This is an immense honor, and we are deeply grateful to Southern Company and the Congressional Black Caucus for recognizing our commitment to promoting dignity and justice. We may never be able to fully thank Southern Company for all its support, but I know how we can try: by continuing to engage and inspire people with the values that animate both our organizations: promoting dignity and justice.” Nearly 400 guests attended this year’s event including Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Congressman Sanford Bishop, Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Congressman Troy Carter, Congresswoman Yvette Clark, Congressman Hank Johnson, Congresswoman Lucy McBath, Congressman David Scott, and Congresswoman Terri Sewell. The event also drew government, nonprofit, and cultural leaders such as Stephen Benjamin – Senior Advisor to President Biden, Derrick Johnson – President and CEO, NAACP, and Nick Thompson – CEO, The Atlantic. The gala closed with a performance by legendary R&B group Boyz II Men. Southern Company’s Evening of Excellence has been held for more than 15 years. Past honorees have included Congressman John Lewis, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dr. Lonnie Bunch, founding director African American Museum, Derrick Johnson, NAACP President, Dr. Robert Franklin, former president of Morehouse College, Dr. Regina Benjamin, former U. S. Surgeon General, and Alfre Woodard, actor and education advocate. Savitt paid tribute to Congressman Lewis in her remarks, who had been a strong advocate for The Center and whose lifetime of rights advocacy set a powerful example for our mission – to create a more just and equitable world through dynamic and empathy-building experiences, teaching history’s connection to the present, and inspiring the change-maker in each of us to promote and protect the rights of all people everywhere. She reflected on The Center’s mission as it celebrates a decade of action in 2024. In December, The Center will break ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion aimed at broadening our impact. This expansion encompasses immersive programs like our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops and our Truth and Transformation Initiative, which aids communities in unearthing hidden histories to foster healing and equitable futures. Southern Company’s 2023 Evening of Excellence reaffirmed our unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and human rights worldwide.
Unearthing the Past: Identifying Victims of the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre
In a significant step towards shedding light on a dark chapter of American history, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights’ Truth and Transformation Initiative, in collaboration with the Georgia Civil Rights Cold Cases Project (GCRCCP) and the Afro-American Genealogical Historical Society (AAGHS), has made a breakthrough in confirming the identities of two individuals tragically killed during the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre. Marshall Carter, aged 13, and Stinson Ferguson, aged 25, were among the countless victims of this horrific event. Researchers engaged in the Truth and Transformation Initiative uncovered original Fulton County Board of Health death certificates (called “return of a death” the term of the time) that definitively establish the fates of these two individuals. The county’s records of their deaths have the word “riot” written on them; the word commonly used until recently to describe the massacre. Their deaths occurred on the harrowing first night of the massacre, September 22, 1906. This discovery marks a crucial step in the ongoing effort to recognize and remember the victims of racial violence. Truth and Transformation has submitted the newly verified names to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) for discussion and inclusion in its list of victims of racial terror lynchings in Fulton County, Georgia – of which Atlanta is the county seat. This inclusion aims to replace those who have been considered “unknown” or add them as victims of the massacre, ensuring that their stories are finally acknowledged and remembered. Interestingly, Carter and Ferguson’s names had previously surfaced in historical accounts of the massacre, such as in the Atlanta Constitution in 1906 and in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution in 2006. Noted Georgia historian and genealogist Kenneth H. Thomas Jr. included these names among those “known to have been killed or wounded in the riot” during the centennial marking of this atrocity. However, it wasn’t until recently that the long-sought confirmation of their passing emerged through the discovery of their death certificates. The county death record described Marshall Carter, a “schoolboy” of just 13. He resided with his family on Love Street, situated on the outskirts of the Summerhill neighborhood south of downtown Atlanta. Tragically, he fell victim to the rage of white men who descended upon the Black community during the first night of the massacre. Carter suffered a fractured skull during the attack and was rushed to Grady Hospital. Medical authorities recorded the immediate cause of his death as asphyxia due to inhaled vomit. Carter found his final resting place at South-View Cemetery, a prominent burial ground for African Americans in the city. Stinson Ferguson, aged 25, called Thurmond Street in northwest Atlanta his home. He met his untimely end with a gunshot wound to his abdomen on that same fateful night. The Grady Hospital declared him dead upon arrival. Like Marshall Carter, Ferguson was laid to rest at South-View Cemetery. The identification of Marshall Carter and Stinson Ferguson as victims of the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about this dark chapter in American history. Their names can now be added to the list of those who suffered and perished during this tragic event, ensuring that they are not forgotten and that their stories contribute to our understanding of the past. This discovery serves as a testament to the importance of research, remembrance, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the quest for justice and reconciliation.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS OBSERVES THE 117TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1906 ATLANTA RACE MASSACRE: A WEEK OF TRUTH, COMMEMORATION, AND TRANSFORMATION
The Center’s Truth and Transformation Initiative empowers communities to confront hidden history, correct incomplete narratives, and build a more equitable future. ATLANTA, Sept. 1, 2023 – The National Center for Civil and Human Rights (The Center) will mark the 117th anniversary of the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre with a moving series of events designed to commemorate the past, illuminate the present, and foster a more equitable future. Annually marking the third week of September is an integral part of The Center’s Truth and Transformation Initiative. The initiative emboldens communities to confront neglected and painful history – by creating memorials, commemorative events, and educational resources – to establish shared truths as a critical foundation for healing. The 117th anniversary commemoration begins September 18 with a solemn vigil at the Henry Grady Statue to honor massacre victims. During the massacre, the mob stacked bodies at the base of the segregationist newspaper editor’s statue. Attendees will read the names of known victims including two people newly verified as casualties of the massacre through research by initiative partners: the Georgia Civil Rights Cold Cases Project and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society of Metro Atlanta. Truth and Transformation has submitted the newly verified names to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) to include in its National Memorial of Peace and Justice in Montgomery, AL. The commemoration continues September 22 – 24 with: The premiere of “(Re)Defining History: Uncovering the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre” at the Gathering Spot, a documentary co-produced by The Center and WABE and hosted by noted historian Dr. Maurice Hobson, that delves into the massacre’s hidden history and significance in Atlanta. A powerful conversation with descendants of white and Black families impacted by the massacre immediately following the documentary premiere. Patricia Walker Bearden and Yolanda Walker Simmons are the granddaughters of Alex Walker, who was convicted of the killing of county police officer James Heard. They will talk with Preston Heard, the grandnephew of James Heard. Facilitated by Melvin Bray, this conversation offers a unique opportunity to hear descendants’ stories about the complicated legacy of the atrocity. An engaging dinner and theatrical experience at The Center, developed by Equitable Dinners and Out of Hand Theater, will immerse participants into a reflective exploration of current race relations in Atlanta. Throughout the weekend, Equitable Dinners will recreate this experience for 1,000 people at 100 tables across metro Atlanta homes, places of worship, businesses, and schools. For more information and ticket reservations, visit https://www.civilandhumanrights.org/truth-and-transformation-1906/. “Facing difficult history with honesty and integrity is vital to building a more just future,” said Darrin Sims, director of the Truth and Transformation Initiative. “We work with communities to reach a fuller understanding of the past and the lingering inequities that stem from decades of systemic discrimination. Our truth telling approach builds empathy for people harmed by that past, illuminates pathways for reconciliation, and inspires communities to reimagine how to redress inequalities going forward.” The initiative focuses on overlooked chapters in Atlanta’s post-Reconstruction era history of racial terror – the brutal practice of convict leasing at the Chattahoochee Brick Company and Bellwood Quarry, and the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre: a dark chapter characterized by four days of white mob violence that killed at least 25 Black individuals with the goal of erasing Black progress. Those 25 lives were among 500 lynchings in Georgia from the 1880s to the 1950s, as documented by EJI. “We seek to tell deeper stories of these individuals, identify their descendants, and establish dignified memorials for their sacrifices. Acknowledging the generational trauma from racial terror and forced labor, we also honor the resilience of Atlanta’s Black community. Following the massacre, dedicated citizens revitalized Auburn Avenue into a beacon of Black success, inspiring future civil rights leaders,” said Sims. Essential to the initiative’s work are its extensive partnerships with faith and civic leaders, historians, and grass roots organizations like the Fulton County Remembrance Coalition (FCRC) and the Coalition to Remember the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre (The Coalition), who have been instrumental in organizing commemorations since the massacre’s centennial in 2006. Partners offer opportunities for the public to commemorate and examine the impact of the massacre including the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre: Community Symposium, September 23 at the Auburn Avenue Research Library. September 24 at Sumner Park, community volunteers, the City of East Point, and the FCRC will beautify the marker honoring the life of Zeb Long, a massacre victim. Since launching in 2021, Truth and Transformation has reached significant milestones: The initiative successfully advocated for changing the name of the Atlanta Race Riot to the more accurate “Atlanta Race Massacre,” gaining support from local and state media, educational, and cultural organizations including the Atlanta History Center, the Georgia Humanities Council, the Georgia Historical Society, and the New Georgia Encyclopedia. Observing the massacre’s 116th anniversary in 2022, the initiative and Equitable Dinners convened 5,000 individuals at 500 tables across metro Atlanta, facilitating scores of profound conversations on racial terror’s legacy. “As we approach our tenth year as a cultural and rights organization, we are uniquely positioned to lead this transformative work during a time of national polarization, where education and democracy are at risk,” said Jill Savitt, The Center’s president and CEO. “Truth and Transformation embodies our mission to create a more just and equitable world, inspiring people to tap their power to promote and protect human rights. We are excited to extend the initiative’s impact as part of our institutional-wide expansion in 2024, by designing curricula for schools and organizations to take our truth sharing model to their communities.” About the National Center for Civil and Human Rights The Center, founded in 2014, is a museum and human rights educational institution located in Atlanta, GA, the cradle of civil rights. We create dynamic and empathy-building experiences, teach history’s connection to the present, generate brave and difficult conversations about necessary issues, and inspire the change-maker in each of us to promote civil and human rights in our communities and the world. The Center connects the U.S. civil
Statement from the Center: Condemning the white supremacist mass shooting in Jacksonville, Florida
As The Center observes the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, our hearts grieve with the people of Jacksonville, Florida at the loss of three Black lives this past Saturday to yet another mass shooting driven by white supremacy. This underscores the stubborn tenacity of racism that is deeply embedded in America’s history. 2023 has already witnessed over 470 mass shootings in America, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive. Against this alarming backdrop, we continue to urge legislators to fulfill their commitment to safeguard the people they are sworn to protect. In September, The Center will commemorate the 117th anniversary of the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre—a dark chapter characterized by four days of white mob violence that claimed the lives of at least 25 Black individuals, aimed at erasing Black progress. Despite its significant impact on Atlanta’s trajectory, and the national history of racial terror, this massacre remains largely unknown today. Our commemoration is a key pillar of The Center’s Truth and Transformation initiative that empowers communities to unearth and share the truths of history, with the goal of reshaping society toward equity, dismantling hate, and ending the scourge of racist violence.
Commemorating Atlanta’s History: The Truth and Transformation Initiative
Author: Darrin Sims In this blog post, we delve into the Truth and Transformation Initiative, which aims to bring to light the historical significance of the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre. By shedding light on this tragic event, the initiative endeavors to create awareness and foster positive change in the community. The initiative comprises faith communities, historic organizations, and community leaders who collaborate every September to commemorate the Atlanta Race Massacre, formerly known as the Atlanta Race Riot. Let’s explore the history of this event and the meaningful events planned for the 117th commemoration. Understanding the History of the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre was triggered by escalating tensions surrounding the political rights of Black citizens. False narratives of African American men assaulting white women, along with jealousy and fearmongering regarding black wealth perpetuated by the city’s four newspapers, further fueled the unrest. On the evening of Saturday, September 22, 1906, the city descended into chaos as downtown white mobs destroyed Black-owned businesses and indiscriminately attacked and murdered Black residents. At least a dozen people lost their lives that night, but the horror continued. Over the following three days, an armed mob of nearly 10,000, including the Georgia state militia, invaded Black neighborhoods such as Brownsville to disarm residents who sought to defend themselves. The violence resulted in the deaths of at least another dozen people, leaving scars that would haunt the city for decades to come. The Center’s Transformative Efforts The National Center for Civil and Human Rights’ Truth and Transformation Initiative has played a pivotal role in acknowledging the gravity of the Atlanta Race Massacre. The Center’s first step was to officially rename the event as the “Atlanta Race Massacre” to more accurately capture the nature of the tragedy. Additionally, the initiative has been actively engaged in developing educational resources about the massacre, facilitating their use in classrooms by both students and teachers. Furthermore, in collaboration with Out of Hand Theater, The Center has organized numerous equitable dinners in homes, schools, and other institutions, bringing together diverse individuals to engage in meaningful conversations about this history and its impact on race relations in our communities. The intention is to use this local history as a poignant reminder that our past profoundly influences our future, inspiring us to embark on a transformative journey toward a more inclusive and equitable Atlanta. Events for the 117th Commemoration of the Atlanta Race Massacre The 117th commemoration of the Atlanta Race Massacre promises a series of impactful events to remember the victims and spark conversations about the significance of this historical tragedy. Mark your calendars for the following events: September 18- Vigil at Henry Grady Statue: Join us at the Henry Grady Statue for a solemn vigil to honor the victims of the Atlanta Race Massacre. During this event, we will also unveil the names of two additional victims, ensuring that their memories are forever etched in our collective consciousness. September 22 – Premiere of “Uncovering The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre”: Be part of a significant moment as we screen “Uncovering The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre,” a documentary shedding light on the untold stories of this tragic event. Following the screening, a panel of descendants with linked histories to the victims will share their perspectives, adding a personal and emotional dimension to this historical narrative. This event, held at The Gathering Spot in partnership with WABE, AAGHS, and Beautiful Ventures, promises to be an enlightening and thought-provoking experience. September 24 – Equitable Dinner at The Center: In collaboration with Out of Hand Theater, The Center invites you to an inclusive and intimate Equitable Dinner. This gathering will provide an opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in open discussions about the impact of race on our communities. By coming together around the dinner table, we can foster understanding, empathy, and create a collective vision for a more harmonious and equitable future. As we prepare to commemorate the 117th anniversary of the Atlanta Race Massacre, let us reflect on the lessons from our past and work towards a future built on truth, empathy, and transformation. The Truth and Transformation Initiative stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that by acknowledging and understanding our history, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and just Atlanta. Join us in this meaningful journey of remembrance, reconciliation, and positive change.
The Center hosts inaugural Teaching Fellowship presented by R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation
Authors: Kate Moore & Nicole Moore Being an educator today is challenging work. Over the past few years, we have seen states across the nation pass legislation around “divisive concepts” in the classroom. Book challenges in 2022 increased 842% compared to 2020. To continue teaching truthful history in such a divisive era, our teachers need support, recognition, and inspiration. The current educational climate led us to our challenge: What if we could work directly with teachers to enhance their understanding of our shared history and empower them to teach honest history? This summer that simple “what if” became a reality thanks to a generous grant from the R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation. In June, twenty-five K-12 educators from across the state of Georgia joined The Center’s Education department and an impressive lineup of experts for a week-long in person institute. During this week, we challenged educators to thoughtfully examine how they teach the civil rights movement, what sources they use, what voices they center, and whose voices are being left out. We often take for granted that teachers are subject matter experts in all areas they teach. That is not always the case; for instance, a social studies teacher is more often an educational expert than an historian. With this in mind, we realized that it is important to provide deep and enriching learning experiences for educators. We wanted them to read about histories they have never heard before, learn where and how to access sources they have never seen before, engage with some of the most highly regarded historians in the field, and hear the words of those who lived through history and came out on the other side to share their stories with us. To these ends, The Center was proud to work with Dr. Hasan K. Jeffries, who served as our scholar-in-residence for the weeklong institute. Dr. Jeffries is one of the country’s preeminent civil rights historians and has helped educators across the country grapple with teaching hard history. He was joined by Dr. Vicki Crawford, Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, who spoke to Fellows about the important roles of women in the movement. Dr. Crawford also facilitated one of the most powerful moments of the week when she interviewed civil rights activist, civil servant, entrepreneur, scholar, and educator Dr. Georgianne Thomas. Public Historian and educator Dr. Christopher Lawton inspired Fellows to let their students get hands-on with history through an insightful review of his student-led public history projects in Putnam County and across Georgia. Sarah Tanner, Head of the Archives Research Center, and Tiffany Atwater Lee, Head of Research Services, at the Atlanta University Center’s Robert Woodruff Library reviewed how to successfully search and engage with archives. They also encouraged Fellows to examine how their students work, in and out of the classroom, is part of the archival record. We met the first part of our challenge by providing our participants with a rich educational experience during the institute, but this was just the start of a year-long journey for our Fellows. They will meet regularly throughout the school year and serve as members of The Center’s Education Advisory Committee. By supporting participants throughout the school year, we will rise to the challenge of empowering them to teach honest history. We look forward to watching as they build their own community of like-minded educators who understand the day-to-day work, who recognize The Center as a resource to support them, and who strive to help students critically analyze history and become engaged citizens in their own right.