Family Celebration: African American Leadership January 13, 2007

At this special family program, meet “Frederick Douglass,” “Ida B. Wells,” “Rosa Parks,” and “Martin Luther King, Jr.” (portrayed by reenactors). Through a variety of hands-on activities, learn about the lives of these famous figures and the characteristics that made them great leaders in the fight for civil rights.

The Passion of an Activist
Meet Frederick Douglass and find out why he was passionate about recruiting black soldiers for the Union Army to “end in a day the bondage of centuries.” Sign enlistment documents to join the Massachusetts 54th Regiment.

The Power of the Pen
Through her writing, Ida B. Wells courageously advocated civil rights and fought against lynching. Compose your own poem about Wells’ legacy to show how powerful words are in the struggle for civil rights.

The Road to Justice
By refusing to stand up on a bus in Alabama, Rosa Parks stood up for her right to be treated justly. On a bus cutout, write something that you would stand up for. Place your cutout on our Road to Justice.

A Quilt of Dreams
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, dream for America is just as important today as it was when he composed it. Draw your dream for America and place it on our quilt of famous black leaders to help show how important dreams are to the civil rights movement.

Film
The March
This film, produced by the United States Information Agency, highlights the August 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, revealing the wide participation and the sense of responsibility felt by both black and white citizens. The film includes scenes of preliminary planning in various cities, details of Washington activities, and climactic events at the Lincoln Memorial, including Martin Luther King, Jr’s, “I Have a Dream” speech. Directed by James Blue. (1964, 30 minutes. Screenings at 11:15 a.m., noon, and 12:45 p.m.)

Event is free and open to the public.

Official Website: http://www.archives.gov