Honoring the life and legacy of Atlanta’s most well-known civil rights leader.
We invite you to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his hometown of Atlanta on January 16th and 17th through a variety of virtual and in-person educational activities, including simulations, crafts, and story time, as well as offerings for adults including author talks.
Advance reservations for this program are sold out. A limited number of same-day tickets will be available at the door.
Virtual. Author Talks.
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Robert Hamilton
Author of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Poor People’s Campaign of 1968Sunday, Jan 16, 2022 @ 12:00 pm
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Dee Gillespie
Author of The Citizenship Education Program and Black Women’s Political CultureSunday, Jan 16, 2022 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
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Mary Frances Early in conversation with Hank Klibanoff
Author of The Quiet TrailblazerMonday, Jan 17, 2022 @ 2:00 pm
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Virtual Film Festival
The World House Project at the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law within Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies is hosting a free, four-day virtual film festival/webinar from the evening of January 14–17, 2022.
Learn moreRelated. Stories.
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The Restaurants that Fueled the Civil Rights Movement
Throughout the civil rights movement in Atlanta, soul food restaurants were hubs of change where civil rights leaders could convene, converse, and strategize, and in times of terror and violence, these places were retreats where leaders could plan their next tactical moves.
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United States Colored Troops
The USCT was comprised of 135 regiments of infantry soldiers. In addition to infantry, the USCT had 13 heavy artillery, six cavalry, and a light artillery regiment. The people of color who were not allowed to enlist, such as women, helped the war effort by being cooks, spies, nurses, and scouts.
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Atlanta Streets: Luckie Street
Luckie Street in downtown Atlanta is commonly thought to be named after Solomon Luckie. Luckie was one of Atlanta’s first Black entrepreneurs and was tragically killed by shrapnel during the Civil War. Learn more about Luckie in our Atlanta Streets series.
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Courage and Perseverance: Atlanta
We believe that there are, indeed, singular and extraordinary historical moments—but we also know that there are countless events in the past that can teach and inspire us. We are excited to share with you some stories of Atlantans who have proven courageous, creative, and steadfast in the face of adversity.
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Remembering Congressman John Lewis
After engaging in over 60 years of activism and service to the Atlanta community, prominent Civil Rights leader and Congressman John Lewis has died.
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Fighting on the Home Front: Black Veterans Help Us Tell A More Complete American Story
Black soldiers have served this country since the Revolutionary War and their stories are vital in creating a more complete, more accurate picture of America’s past.
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Black Women’s Fight for Suffrage
In August 2020, we commemorate the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment which guaranteed American women the right to vote. However, this was not an inclusive victory.
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The South Got Something to Say
Celebrate Atlanta’s rich musicality with this tour of places with ties to hip-hop history.
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Looking back at Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations in Atlanta
Visitors from across the Unites States travel to Atlanta, King’s hometown, to honor the legacy of his work. We invite you to look back at how we arrived at this moment in history.
Educational Resources
Through digital storytelling, writing prompts, art activities, and supplemental interactives, this Civil Rights Toolkit provides something for all ages.
Learn More2021. Commemoration.
Sponsors.
Explore. More.
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Exhibition
Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow
Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow explores the African American struggle for full citizenship and racial equality that unfolded in the 50 years following the Civil War.
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Public Programs
Juneteenth
Since 2013 Atlanta History Center has hosted an annual Juneteenth commemoration that connects visitors to this essential moment in national history through a weekend of free programming.
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Story
“Why Not Us?” Youth Activism in the South
For more than 150 years, unwavering young activists have taken up the torch and blazed their own trail through history.
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Author Talks
Isabel Wilkerson
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. In conversation with Jon Meacham.
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Author Talks
Jon Meacham
His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope. In conversation with Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice.