Galleries
Which Musical Artist Was a Principal Financier of the Civil Rights Movement?
Did you ever wonder how the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement were able to organize huge demonstrations and travel around the country to speak to groups large and small?
Read MoreVoting Rights in Wisconsin and the Impact of Freedom Schools in Milwaukee
In 1835, Milwaukee held its first election, allowing Joe Oliver, a Black cook, to vote despite lacking legal rights. This unique situation marked an early inclusion of Black voices. Although a 1849 referendum granted voting rights to Black men, it wasn’t enforced until 1865 when Ezekiel Gillespie’s lawsuit led to a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling affirming their right to vote. This struggle for suffrage laid the groundwork for later civil rights movements, including the establishment of Freedom Schools in both Mississippi and Milwaukee.
Read MoreFreedom Summer Music
During Freedom Summer, protest songs played a vital role in energizing activists at mass meetings, Freedom Schools, and marches for the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. These songs united people spiritually amid the threats of violence. They reflect the activists’ anxieties and determination to achieve their goals. Today, these powerful anthems continue to inspire and motivate those fighting for justice, echoing the spirit of the movement.
Read MoreFreedom Summer
Despite the federal mandate for desegregation after the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, many Southern local governments resisted compliance, perpetuating racial segregation and disenfranchisement. In the summer of 1964, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) led a significant voter registration drive in Mississippi, supported by various civil rights organizations. This effort also established Freedom Schools and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), which aimed to challenge the all-white delegation at the Democratic National Convention, laying the groundwork for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Read MoreFight For Voting Rights Today
Progress in voting rights has been hard-won, thanks to the dedication of civil rights volunteers, especially in Mississippi. Their sacrifices led to increased voter engagement and a rise in Black elected officials over the last 60 years. Notable figures include Barack Obama, Shirley Chisholm, and Vel Phillips, who have paved the way for future generations. While significant strides have been made, challenges remain, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to protect voting rights and ensure accessibility for all.
Read MoreVoting Rights Post Emancipation and During Jim Crow
After the Civil War, Congress initiated Reconstruction (1865-1877), a period marked by Black Americans striving for full citizenship, including the right to vote. Over 1,500 Black men held public office during this time. However, the 15th Amendment did not grant voting rights to women, though Black women played vital roles in advocating for suffrage and equality. As Black political participation grew, so did violent backlash from white supremacists, leading to Jim Crow laws that severely restricted voting rights, ultimately fueling the Civil Rights movement.
Read MoreMore Information, Sources and Contributors
Sources and additional information for the exhibits in the gallery, “Risking Everything: The Fight for Black Voting Rights,” can be found here.
Read MoreRisking Everything: The Fight for Black Voting Rights
This gallery explores the history of the struggle for Black voting rights, culminating in Freedom Summer of 1964. It details the key events of Freedom Summer, including the battle for voting rights, the establishment of Freedom Schools, and the formation of a new political party in Mississippi. Additionally, it connects this fight for voting rights to Milwaukee and Wisconsin, home to America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) and the Wisconsin Black Historical Society & Museum (WBHSM). The exhibit concludes with a discussion on the ongoing fight for voting rights today, highlighting its roots in this inspiring historical journey.
Read MoreThe Published Medical Discoveries of the Enslaved Dr. Caesar
Despite his enslavement, Dr. Caesar made gained recognition for his important scientific contributions, especially those about the natural world, that continue to influence modern medical science.
Read MoreEchoes of Equality: Art Inspired by Memphis and Maya
Witness profound storytelling through art, where history, resilience, and societal change intertwine to create masterpieces provoking thought and inspiring dialogue. Discover the rich narratives within each artwork, from Ruby Bridges’ courage to Dr. King’s influential power and Maya Angelou’s resilience, along with commentary on segregation in Milwaukee.
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