Rolls down like water:
the american civil rights movement
exhibition overview
Rolls Down Like Water immerses visitors in the powerful—and often painful—journey of the American Civil Rights Movement, from the early 20th century in the segregated South to the rise of Black Power and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This exhibition centers the voices, struggles, and triumphs of Black Americans who challenged Jim Crow segregation and demanded a more just nation.
Through compelling storytelling and historical depth, the exhibition pays tribute to the resilience of everyday people and iconic leaders alike. It highlights Atlanta’s pivotal role as a cradle of activism, elevates the leadership of women in the movement, and explores how the Black Power era reshaped culture and consciousness. More than a history lesson, Rolls Down Like Water is a call to memory, reflection, and continued commitment to justice.
what you'll experience
- Expanded Lunch Counter Experience: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and moral courage of nonviolent protest. Feel what it means to take a stand by sitting down.
- Immersive Storytelling: Walk through re-creations of pivotal Civil Rights moments—including the Freedom Rides, the March on Washington, and Dr. King’s funeral—brought vividly to life with soundscapes and visuals.
- Interactive Displays: Engage with touchscreens, video testimonies, and archival media to explore the Movement’s stories, leaders, and music.
- Atlanta’s Civil Rights Legacy: Discover how local leaders built national momentum for change and made Atlanta a hub of organizing and resistance.
- Women of the Movement: Uncover the vital but often overlooked contributions of women as strategists, protectors, and visionaries of change.
- Cultural Revolution through Black Power: Experience the music, fashion, art, and language that gave voice to a new generation’s fight for liberation.