Honoring the life and legacy of Atlanta’s most well-known civil rights leader.
On the third Monday in January, people across the nation come together in the spirit of civic responsibility and volunteerism to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Atlanta History Center traditionally commemorates his life by offering free admission to the public and serving up a variety of educational programs that celebrate his legacy. This year, being a responsible citizen means celebrating virtually.
In 2021, we invite you to explore the ways through which our youngest citizens blaze brave new trails towards equality. For more than a century, some of the most meaningful change our country has seen has been led by young people; and Atlanta is at the heart of that movement.
Virtual. Offerings.
Author Talk
Join us on January 18th at 4pm for a virtual panel discussion with authors Stephen Kendrick and Paul Kendrick and leaders of the Atlanta Student Movement Charles Black and Rev. Dr. Otis T. Moss, Jr., moderated by Virginia Prescott of GPB.
Register NowDocumentary Film Festival
The Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University will host a free, four-day webinar and film festival, from the evening of January 15 through January 18, 2021.
Register NowEducational Resources
Through digital storytelling, writing prompts, art activities, and supplemental interactives, this Civil Rights Toolkit provides something for all ages.
Learn MoreYouth activism. On the blog.
“Why Not Us?” Youth Activism in the South
Children, teenagers, and young adults organized their own social justice campaigns before, during, and after those led by Dr. King. As early as the 1870s, Black students mobilized to protest educational inequalities. On our blog, Why Not Us? Youth Activism in the South, traces the impact of young citizen advocates from Reconstruction to today.
Related. Stories.
-
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.
-
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.
-
There is Work Yet To Be Done: Remembering Three Civil Rights Icons
The deaths of Atlanta’s own Constance “Connie” Curry, Congressman John Lewis, and Reverend C.T. Vivian signal the ongoing passage of responsibility to those of us who are making history today. The legacies of these three key figures of the Civil Rights Movement live on in the works of contemporary Atlantans.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Additional. Reading.
-
Staff Picks
Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Frank Morrison’s emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson’s moving and poetic words document this remarkable time.
-
Staff Picks
March by John Lewis
March is a first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation.
-
Staff Picks
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose
Based on extensive interviews with Claudette Colvin and many others, Phillip Hoose presents the first in-depth account of an important yet largely unknown civil rights figure, skillfully weaving her dramatic story into the fabric of the historic Montgomery bus boycott and court case that would change the course of American history.
Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.
Explore. More.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Learning & Research
Interpretive Performances
Performance based interpretation is one of our primary tools to introduce our visitors to important historical events, narratives, and individuals that have impacted the world in which we live.
-
-
Author Talks
Isabel Wilkerson
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. In conversation with Jon Meacham.
-
Author Talks
Jon Meacham
His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope. In conversation with Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice.