The Children's Campaign
Birmingham, Alabama:  May, 1963

"The Children's Campaign was the voluntary involvement of children in civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham.  Thousands of young people marched, were arrested, attacked by police dogs, and tortured with water hoses.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested in Birmingham on April 12, 1963.  It was from his prison cell that he wrote the now famous "Letter from a Birmingham Jail".
Shortly after, at an evening rally, Dr. King asked who would be willing to demonstrate with him the next day and risk going to jail if necessary.  In response, and to the surprise of the adults sitting in the room, a group of children and teens stood up.
The adults urged against the children's involvement in  the protest marches.  But another of King's associates, James Bevel, argued in favor:  "Are they too young to go to segregated schools?  Are they too young to be kept out of amusement parks?  Are they too young to be refused a hamburger in a restaurant?"  "No," came the response.  "Then they are not too young to want their freedom!"  That night it was decided that any child old enough to join a church was old enough to march.
On May 2, there were over 1,000 children, teens and college students who showed up for the protest march .
As a result of the "Children's Campaign" the city leadership and the civil rights demonstrators made an agreement to desegregate the city.
excerpt from "Icons of the Civil Rights Movement" by Pamela Chatterton-Purdy and Rev. Dr. David A. Purdy.
Read more about the Civil Rights movement:

"Icons of the Civil Rights Movement"

Black History Month 2015 is here!  

     Black History Month 2015 is here.  I hear folks say that we shouldn't confine Black History month to the month of February and I agree, but then they do nothing to celebrate the many contributions of African Americans in February or any other month.  Here's an idea, let's make February the start of the Black History year and begin with the many celebrations already in place or use February to create a celebration of diversity that lasts throughout the year.  I will repeat this as I do each year,
Black history  is the history of ALL of us.  It is simply the part of the story that is infrequently told that helps to create a richer, more complete story of America.  February 1st is the birthday of Langston Hughes.  According to Wikipedia, he was born James Mercer Langston Hughes.  He was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist.  He was born in 1902 in Joplin, Missouri and died May 22, 1967 in New York city, NY.
     One of the children's books in the Hands On Black History museum's collection is "The First Book of Negroes."  One of its writers was Hughes, whom the company hired at a time when his sources of income were limited.  The book was published in 1952 and is a collection of Black history from slavery to 'modern day' challenges of Black Americans written for children.
     As we commit to making February a starting point in our celebration of diversity, learn about a different African American each day of the month and share your knowledge with children, friends and family.  Check back here and I'll help you in your journey with a few suggestions.

1. 
   

Freedom By any Other Name

"The African American experience has been framed throughout history through the thoughtfully written and spoken words of sung and unsung heroes and she-roes. These words have and continue to encourage, inspire, and challenge us to continue our journey on the road to freedom and equality."

These were the words that framed and gave shape to this year's Black History Month display Freedom By Any Other Name. The exhibit hung on the walls of the Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral Nave in downtown St. Louis. Posters from the Many Waters PBS series captured the eloquent words of famous African Americans. These posters were coupled with mostly black and white photographs and artifacts on large picture frames for a colorful engaging display. Also on view were poster reproductions that further embellished the display. On display from February 1st through the first full week of March visitors had the opportunity to read short biographies on the African American men and women quoted and view the thoughtfully displayed photographs. I continue to collect and use photographs from friends, family and community members to share our history. I have stated this before and believe strongly that our family albums and scrapbooks more accurately tell our history than the few iconic images that are found in many history books. Take out your precious photographs, share them with friends, family and community, help to tell the story of all of us.

In the News Pt. 2

You never know when there's an opportunity to connect with someone so you need to be open to chance meetings and the wonderful things that can come from those meetings.  I connected with an interesting gentleman recently and it led to an interview and opportunity to share a little bit about my passion for African American History.  Rich Reese allowed me to talk about and promote my current exhibit, Freedom By any Other Name, on his show.  Rich hosts a show on KDHX  Independent Radio Station  88.1   Pop! The Beat Bubble Burst  and he put his on spin on celebrating Black History Month and has done so for the past several years.  He now has a new fan and listener.  I hope you'll join me on Thursday mornings by tuning into his show from 10 a.m. to noon.  As soon as it is up, I'll share the show that was recorded this week.  Thanks Rich!

In the News

February 2014                                                                                   

We received an invitation from KWMU radio (NPR) to discuss our upcoming Sunday program, A Tribute to Mrs. Rosa Parks and the ongoing exhibit Freedom By Any Other Name.  Pat Partridge the Christ Church Cathedral choirmaster and organist and I shared some thoughts about the hymn Mr. Partridge wrote, Mrs. Parks and the significance of this year's exhibit in the nave of Christ Church Cathedral.  Take a few minutes to listen.

 http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/christ-church-cathedral-pay-tribute-rosa-parks

Please join us Sunday, February 16th at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral 1210 Locust across from Central Library in downtown St. Louis.  The exhibit is on display in the church nave through the first week of March.

P.S.
The concert "A Tribute to Mrs. Rosa Parks" was an inspired offering and gift to the St. Louis community.  The choir, guest soloists, organist and choirmaster Mr. Pat Partridge and the angelic voice of Ms. Angel Riley were soul stirring and not to be missed.  Plans are underway for next year's concert, put this on your 2015 calendar now!  To hear and view excerpts from the concert click here.

Intersecting Histories

Intersecting Histories is a Facebook project designed to encourage the Facebook community to exchange  photographs and stories creating a different way of sharing our common history.  The idea came from the museum's current 2014 display Freedom By Any Other Name.  While many history books have condensed African American history into a few chapters accompanied by a select few iconic images, Black history is so much more.  Woven into the fabric of the story of America and its people, our stories intersect one another, creating a rich tapestry.  The images of our family scrapbooks present a more accurate description of "our'" history.  I encourage you to visit us on Facebook and share your family photographs and stories.  

"The treasured images of our parent’s and grandparent’s scrap books are the more accurate depictions of our history. Looking into the eyes of these haunting images, their stories beg to be told and shared. While some names may have been forgotten their stories live on in the precious photographs that capture their pride, strength, resilience, hope and determination."

Sister Ebo

     If you don't know the name Sister Antona Ebo, here's one to add to your list of Amazing African American women and Civil Rights pioneers.  Sister Ebo is a Franciscan Sister of Mary and a true St. Louis treasure.  If you have the opportunity to hear her share her amazing life journey I urge you to do so.  It's an honor to be in the presence of this humble, outspoken, wise woman.  Still sharing her gifts and talents with the St. Louis community, Sister Ebo brags that she will turn 90 in April 2014.

                   photographed with Sister Ebo at a St. Louis Public Library event January 2014


                        
Sister Ebo received the St. Louis American Newspaper's Lifetime Achievement award in 2012 and was introduced with this short film (above) honoring her career.