Freedom's Sisters Exhibit
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
July 24 - October 3
16 and under: free admission; Adults: $8An old saying goes "behind every great man stands a woman", and the equal rights movement was no exception. From the late 19th century to present day, women have molded and inspired the spirited essence of American equality. In a stroke of pure genius, the
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum has collaborated to bring that special woman's touch to Atlanta. Through
Freedom's Sisters, visitors can explore the soulful impact of 20 African American women throughout the decades.
Covering courageous efforts from the eras of slavery and suffrage to segregation and beyond, the engaging, interactive, and 3-D exhibit (including an extremely powerful replica of Rosa Parks' bus) draws enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to the exhibition, the
Freedom's Sisters benefactor - the Ford Motor Company Fund - will award scholarships to local students via an
essay contest. 4th through 8th grade students have a shot at six savings bonds, totaling $10,000.
The concept for Freedom's Sisters emerged after President Carter's remarks at Coretta Scott King's memorial service. Upon the exhibit's arrival at the Carter Library,
Freedom's Sisters is, in essence, coming home. While the city's progressive attitude and spirit helped shape the equal rights movement, Kathleen Cleaver said it best: "There's a light and love that emanates from [Atlanta]..."* without which this project could not have reached its potential.
Insider info: While the show honors 20 of the nation's benevolently nicknames "she-ros", here's a sneak peek at Atlanta's impact on these ladies' lives.
Septima Poinsette Clark: 1898-1987
After her activism in the NAACP, Clark attended summer classes at Atlanta University with famed leader of the racial equality movement, W. E. B. Du Bois. Later in life, she created the adult literacy programs later adopted by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ella J. Baker: 1903-1986
Hired as the first staffer for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's ‘Citizenship Crusade', Baker remained in Atlanta to ensure Reverend John Tilley's installation as Executive Director of the SCLC.
Coretta Scott King: 1927-2006
After the assassination of MLK, Jr., Scott King assumed leadership of the Civil Rights Movement, headquartered in Atlanta. She later added women's rights and LGBT rights to the cause's goals.
Charlayne Hunter-Gault: b. 1942
"I would not be part of this exhibit had I not been standing on the shoulders of Atlanta's giants."* Now a prestigious journalist, Hunter, who spent many childhood years in Atlanta, was the first African-American woman to successfully enroll in the University of Georgia.
*Quotes from Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Kathleen Cleaver were taken live from a press conference.
