WINTER/SPRING 2022
Moving Forward With Our President | NCRM Corporate Equity Center | King Day ‘22 Recap
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT As a former board of directors member at the Museum for 10 years, I accepted this role having a fundamental understanding of its mission, work and impact. Over 100 days later, I’ve learned so much more. Through conversations with stakeholders from local residents and leaders to national thought leaders, I know in the most absolute way that the work the National Civil Rights Museum does is essential now more than ever. Consequently, the vision for the Museum is clear. We have identified three focus areas in which we already have voice or momentum. Now we want to become leaders on these very specific issues. Building on our Excellence in Education As a museum, education leads all that we do. We are proud of our existing layered approach to reach everyone. There is an even greater opportunity, through our exhibits, collections and collective knowledge to design and build a unique curriculum around civil rights, and in turn, offer the national landscape of our collective history. Acknowledging the Impact of Arts and Culture Similar to the Harlem Renaissance, an era in which Black Arts flourished and set the tone for the challenges of that time, there is now a recognition of arts and culture through the lenses of African Americans and other people of color. That same soul-fulfilling art has reemerged today and, we are positioned to highlight these contributions that propel the movement to teach and lead others.
FAREWELL FROM BEVERLY SAKAUYE
Boosting Economic Empowerment Dr. King spent his final days advocating for economic empowerment of Black sanitation workers. Just as things have changed, they have remained the same. Aligned with economic power is health equity. We’ll be engaging top leaders in health to lend credibility to resources to execute strategies that will benefit us all. We’re off to a fantastic start! We recently celebrated 30 years in existence as a local, national and global leader for civil and human rights. We’ve also recently launched a Corporate Equity Center in partnership with AutoZone, an invaluable champion of the Museum and our efforts. Up next is intentional engagement with tomorrow’s leaders, aged 21-40, or Keepers of 306. They will be responsible for having historical knowledge to ensure the movement progresses after our elders who have worked tirelessly have gone. As we work on our three focus areas, we will continue to meet people where they are to educate, inspire and activate. We will continue to integrate the heart with the proverbial head of change, which has already been established through policies and laws that uphold civil and human rights. Thank you for your unwavering support of the Museum. Your time, action and financial support have helped this sacred place not just sustain, but thrive. I look forward to greater collaboration and partnership for years to come. In the Movement,
Russ Wigginton Russ Wigginton President
My amazing journey at the National Civil Rights Museum ended on February 11th – all things must. After 12 ½ years at the NCRM, it has been the fitting culmination of my 50-year career in nonprofit development from Chicago to New Orleans to Memphis. I will never fully leave the Museum as I am a part of its family and they area part of mine. To you donors, volunteers, supporters, Board Members, and staff, whose relationships I treasure, you have my neverending gratitude. It is YOU who have inspired me to do the work we have done for the benefit of so many. THANK YOU. It has been an honor to serve with all of you. I look forward to seeing the new heights that Russ will take this Museum. Wishing you all the best, Bev.