The Montgomery Bus Boycott Exhibit Another goal of Freeman’s is to emphasize the “national” part of the National Civil Rights Museum. “I think we need to implement a programmatic perspective that promotes seizing the Civil Rights Museum as a leader of national significance—either in the area of civic engagement, perhaps around the voting rights piece or around areas where Dr. King was unable to realize - economic equity as we see a growing gap in the wealth in our country.” Freeman explains she wants to assure the museum competes well with other places of national historical significance and to stay relevant and interesting. “We do have a distinguishing characteristic, we’re a historic landmark. Unfortunately, this is the location where Dr. King was killed. And people will come here just to see the place where that
tragedy occurred,” she said. “I hope the message they receive when visiting inspires one to think, how can I do something that helps move my community forward? Finally, Freeman said as president she wants to make sure people understand the museum is for everyone. “This is not a museum of African American history,” she said. “This is a museum of American history and everybody can learn something from this museum.” The National Civil Rights Museum hosts its 24th Annual Freedom Awards on October 22, 2015 honoring three outstanding women, Joan Trumpauer Mulland, Ruby Bridges Hall, and Ava DuVernay. Look for an article in October’s Southern Soul highlighting the awardees and the Museum’s first all-women award slate. § Southern Soul l September 2015 | 83