2014 Center for Civil and Human Rights Press Kit

Electronic Press Kit

THECENTER ABOUT THE CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS

NCCHR, Inc. | 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30313

ABOUT USThe Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Movements. Our purpose is to create a safe space for visitors to explore the fundamental rights of all human beings so that they leave inspired and empowered to join the ongoing dialogue about human rights in their communities.

OUR MISSIONThe mission of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is to empower people to take the protection of every human’s rights personally. Through sharing stories of courage and struggle around the world, The Center encourages visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the role they play in helping to protect the rights of all people.

OUR VISIONThe National Center for Civil and Human Rightsharnesses Atlanta’s legacy of civil rights to strengthen the worldwide movement for human rights. Atlanta played a unique leadership role in the modern American Civil Rights Movement. Through harnessing Atlanta’s legacy and galvanizing thecorporate, faith-based, public-sector and university communities, The Center will serve as the ideal place to reflect on the past, transform the present and inspire the future.

OUR HISTORYThe Center was first imagined by civil rights legends Evelyn Lowery and former United NationsAmbassador Andrew Young and was launched by former Mayor Shirley Franklin. The effort gained broad-based support to become one of the few places to bridge the American Civil Rights Movement and evvolving Human Rights Movements around the world. Established in 2007, The Center’s ground-breaking 43,000-square-foot facility is located on Pemberton Place adjacent to the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium – on land donated by the Coca-Cola Company.

“The Center for Civil and Human Rights is a tremendous achievement, unlike anything this city has ever seen.”

— CHUCK REECE, THE BITTER SOUTHERNER


THECENTER ABOUT THE BUILDING & EXHIBITION TEAM

THE BUILDINGThe architecture for the Center for Civil and Human Rights is a collaboration between design architect Phil Freelon and The Freelon Group and HOK of Atlanta, GA. Recently, The Freelon Group joined global design firm Perkins+Will. Washington, DC–based artist Larry Kirkland designed the exterior water sculpture.

THE EXHIBITION’S PLANNING & DESIGN TEAM

David RockwellDavid is The Center’s exhibition designer, creating a dynamic synergy between the curator’s story and the physical layout of the galleries. The Rockwell Group has worked on proj-ects such as the W Hotels, the TED Theater, the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center as well as set design for “Kinky Boots,” “Lucky Guy” and “Hairspray.” Honors include the Cooper- Hewitt’s National Design Award for Interior Design and Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Architecture Practices.

George C. WolfeGeorge is the exhibit’s chief creative offi cer for The Center and created an interactive, multi-sensory visitor experience in the “Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement” gallery. Wolfe is a Tony Award–winningtheatrical playwright and film director. His numerous theatre direction credits including Tony Award–winning “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk,” “Angels in America—Millennium Approaches” and a Tony nomination for “The Normal Heart.”

Jill SavittJill is the inaugural human rights exhibition curator of “Spark of Conviction: The Global Human Rights Movement.” Savitt envisioned a unique presentation of historical and contemporary human rights issues presented through The Center’s Global Human Rights gallery. Savitt serves as a special advisor at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. She founded and directed Dream for Darfur in 2007. Prior to that time, Jill was Director of Public Programs at Human Rights First.

“The Center’s exhibits (are) . . . Creatively conceived, compellingly told and handsomely executed, they tell stories in ways that promote empathy and understanding. This fledgling cultural institution has already succeeded in expanding Atlanta’s ethical footprint.” — CATHERINE FOX, ARTSATL.COM

THECENTER CONTACT INFORMATION


MAILING ADDRESSThe National Center For Civil And Human Rights, Inc.250 Williams St, Suite 2322 Atlanta, GA 30303

VENUE ADDRESSCenter For Civil And Human Rights100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30313

PHONE678.999.8990

WEBSITEcivilandhumanrights.org

FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Center-for-Civil-and- Human-Rights/150911828314396

TWITTER@Ctr4CHR https://twitter.com/Ctr4CHR

THECENTER THE CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS


The Center for Civil and Human Rights is an example of cutting-edge, 21st century architecture. The building’s exterior panels are made up of a multi-colored Trespa material that changes color variations with the sunlight’s reflection. Designed for a LEED Gold certification, the building includes a green vegetation roof, a high performance exterior wall assembly, and a state-of-the- art environmental control system that integrate environmentally friendly elements into the aesthetic experience.

The winning architectural design for the Center for Civil and Human Rights came fromaward-winning architects Phil Freelon, FAIA, of North Carolina and HOK of Atlanta, Georgia.

(1ST FLOOR) VOICE TO THE VOICELESS MOREHOUSE COLLEGE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COLLECTION GALLERYTHECENTER

The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection presents a rare rotating exhibition of the personal papers and items of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., offering visitors a unique insight into the man and into the inner workings of the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors will see these historic, primary sources first-hand, including: handwritten notes, drafts of speeches and sermons, and photographs. A wall-sized graphic reproduction of Dr. King’s bookshelf, filled with his collection of books, shows his commitment to learning and his diverse sources of inspiration.

The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection is in the custodial care of the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library.


(3RD FLOOR) THE MOVE FREE ACT GALLERY THECENTER

Large a/v monitor towers surround the perimeter of the Move, Free, Act Gallery, which immerses visitors in a celebratory space. Iconic imagery and sounds of protestors and courageous individuals from across the globe - from Mississippians and Russians to Egyptians and Georgians - travel from one screen to the next. From the canted walls that lift the space to the natural light pouring in through the gallery’s skylight, the space is a culmination of the civil rights and human rights galleries. Move, Free, Act aims to bridge civil rights and human rights, and to inspire our visitors to ACT and to help make our world a better place.

The Rockwell Group, an Emmy-award winning architecture and design firm, designed The Center’s cutting-edge galleries.


(2ND FLOOR) ROLLS DOWN LIKE WATER THE AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT GALLERYTHECENTER

The American Civil Rights Movement Gallery brings the history of civil rights to generations who were not alive to experience the turbulent and transformational time. It comprises a series of eight sequential exhibitions that bring to life some of the defining moments of the modern American Civil Rights Movement from 1954 to 1968. Incorporating interactive technology, archival imagery and footage, and sound created exclusively for The Center, our visitors are immersed in the narrative of historical events and courageous individual stories.

The “Rolls Down Like Water” exhibition is curated by Tony Award–winning theatrical playwright and film director George C. Wolfe, chief creative officer of The Center.


(3RD FLOOR) SPARK OF CONVICTION THE GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENTTHECENTER

The Human Rights Gallery provides visitors an understanding of what human rights are, why they deserve protection, and an opportunity to meet ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help protect the rights of individuals around the world. The open, light-filled, ever changing gallery begins with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and spans all the way to present day. Featuring interactives and videos, original artwork and photography, this gallery is designed to help visitors make personal connections to individuals who are taking a stand in the contemporary fight for human rights.

Curated by Jill Savitt, inaugural human rights exhibition curator for The Center and special advisor at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.


THE PASSAGE WATER SCULPTURETHECENTER

The Center’s exterior features an artistic 34-foot high water sculpture, designed by Larry Kirkland, reflecting human rights globally by featuring quotes by Nelson Mandela and Margaret Mead. The sculpture’s concept was inspired by the famous words of Dr. King –“until justice rolls down like water”– that helped kindle the vision of the American Civil Rights gallery. “The Passage” speaks to transformative journeys. It symbolizes a gateway from the past to the future, from the history of the American Civil Rights Movement and the continuing quest for human rights.


THECENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS


THE HONORABLE SHIRLEY C. FRANKLIN(Board Chair)Purpose Built CommunitiesAtlanta, Ga.

VERNON E. JORDAN JR.(Chair Emeritus)Senior Managing DirectorLazard Freres & Company, LLCNew York, N.Y.

EDWARD NED MONTAG(Treasurer)CEOA. Montag & AssociatesAtlanta, Ga.

A.J. ROBINSON(Vice-Chair, Secretary)PresidentCentral Atlanta ProgressAtlanta, Ga.

R. LAWRENCE ASHE JR.Senior CounselParker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs LLPAtlanta, Ga.

BARBARA B. BALSEROwnerBalser Enterprises Naples, Fla.

TOM A. BERNSTEINPresident and Co-FounderChelsea Piers ManagementNew York, N.Y.

COLEMAN BRELANDChief Operating OfficerTurner Network SalesAtlanta, Ga.

EDITH DEE COFRINCommunity VolunteerAtlanta, Ga.

VIRGIS COLBERT(Retired)MillerCoorsMequon, Wis.

THE HONORABLE ANDRE DICKENSCouncil Member Atlanta City Council Atlanta, Ga.

DEAN EISNERPrincipalFountainhead ResourcesAtlanta, Ga.

ERNEST GREERManaging ShareholderGreenberg Traurig LLPAtlanta, Ga.

THE HONORABLE KWANZA HALLCouncil memberAtlanta City CouncilAtlanta, Ga.

JAMES HANNANCEO and PresidentGeorgia-Pacific LLCAtlanta, Ga.

INGRID SAUNDERS JONESChairpersonNational Council of Negro WomenAtlanta, Ga.

EGBERT L. J. PERRYChairman and CEOThe Integral Group, LLCAtlanta, Ga.

JOHN RICEFounder and CEOManagement Leadership forTomorrowWashington, DC

GLEN W. ROLLINSInvestor, PhilanthropistAtlanta, Ga.

CHRIS WOMACKExecutive Vice President andPresident, External AffairsSouthern CompanyAtlanta, Ga.

ANDREA YOUNG *Executive DirectorAndrew Young FoundationAtlanta, Ga.

PAUL VIERACEOEARNEST PartnersAtlanta, Ga.

* Currently on leave ofabsence from TheCenter’s board.

THECENTER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


WHY IS THE CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN ATLANTA?Atlanta played a principal leadership role in the 20th Century American Civil Rights Movement. Atlanta was the meeting place for leaders and organizations from SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) to SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) to CORE (Congress of Racial Equality). Local people, ideas and institutions continue to influence and shape human rights efforts nationally and internationally. From women’s rights to equality for LGBT individuals, from human trafficking to freedom movements around the world, Atlanta serves as an international hub for dialogue and discourse.

WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE AT THE CENTER?The Center for Civil and Human Rights houses three galleries with the following exhibitions: “Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement,” “Spark of Conviction: The Global Human Rights Movement,” and “Voice to the Voiceless: The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr., Collection.” The Center will also feature a temporary exhibit wall.

HOW IS THE CENTER DIFFERENT FROM OTHER CIVIL RIGHTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS MUSEUMS?The Center has a unique vision: to connect the 20th Century American Civil Rights Movement with today’s Global Human Rights Movements. The Center embraces the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and takes it into the future.

CAN I PLAN AN EVENT AT THE CENTER?The Center for Civil and Human Rights provides a range of spaces to accommodate everything from a corporate meeting, conference break-out session or training session to holiday gatherings and dinner parties. To book your event, please complete the online Event Request Form.

HOW DO I MAKE A DONATION?Donations to The National Center for Civil and Human Rights are tax-deductible and can be made online. For more information, email Beth Haynes, development manager at:[email protected].

DO YOU HAVE MEMBERSHIPS?Yes! Join as a founding member and become part of a community committed to The Center and itsmission. Join by visiting our membership page and do your part to ensure our success, vitality and influence for years to come.

IS THE CENTER A NONPROFIT?The Center for Civil and Human Rights is operated by The National Center for Civil and HumanRights, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profi corporation. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is notan advocacy organization.

THECENTER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS?The Center for Civil and Human Rights in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia is an engaging cultural attraction that connects the 20th Century American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Movements.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE CENTER?The mission of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is to empower people to take the protection of every human’s rights personally.

WHAT IS THE VISION OF THE CENTER?The Center harnesses Atlanta’s legacy of civil rights in order to strengthen the worldwide movemen for human rights.

HOW WILL THE CENTER ADDRESS TOPICS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY IN THE EXHIBIT SPACES?While the Center for Civil and Human Rights exhibits currently has specific alignments in terms of topic areas, we are an inclusive institution that believes in the power of diversity, inspiration, and dialogue. As the world rapidly changes, we will be able to quickly update and change the topics of content in our exhibits, on our website, and through our programming. We believe that it is essential to listen to our visitors and create opportunities for further dialogue in areas of interest.

HOW OFTEN WILL GALLERIES CHANGE?The materials on display in the “Voice to the Voiceless: The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection” gallery will rotate three times per year. The Spark of Conviction: The Global Human Rights Movement gallery will feature updated content approximately every 12-24 months. The “temporary exhibition” space will rotate twice in the inaugural year.

WHERE IS THE CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS?The Center for Civil and Human Rights is located at 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, in Downtown Atlanta next to the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium on Pemberton Place®.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS OF OPERATION?The Center for Civil and Human Rights is open seven days a week. (The building is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.) Daily hours of operation are 10 AM – 5 PM.

HOW LONG DOES A VISIT USUALLY TAKE?Average estimated time is between an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes.

DO YOU OFFER GROUP DISCOUNTS?Tickets for groups of ten or more are eligible for a group discount. To qualify for the group rate, ten or more tickets must be purchased in advance through our group sales department. Student groups and school field trips also qualify.

CAN I BRING CHILDREN TO THE CENTER?Yes. The Center’s inclusive, immersive, and interactive experiences allow visitors of all ages to engage with dynamic stories of the American Civil Rights Movement, as well as global movements for Human Rights. The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection also promises to be a memorable highlight of any visit. Additionally, The Center offers teacher toolkits and adult/youth guides so parents and guardians can discuss their experiences.

HOW MUCH DOES A VISIT COST?INDIVIDUALS (8% tax included)Adult $15Senior, Student, Educator $13Child (3-12) $10(2 and under) FREE

Military* (Active) FREEMilitary Family Adult* $7.50Military Family Senior* $6.50Military Family Youth $5*Must present valid ID

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: LaTasha Smith: (404) 991-6977

Meghan Lewis: [email protected]

NOW OPEN: THE CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA Crowds gathered in Atlanta to celebrate historic opening; choir led moving performance of “We Shall Overcome.”

Atlanta – June 24, 2014 - Yesterday marked a historic day of firsts in Atlanta, Ga. with the opening of the Center for Civil and Human Rights, the city’s first civil rights museum and one of the nation’s only global human rights museums. Serving as a connector between past and present, The Center’s powerful stories of individuals who shaped the American Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s and the modern human rights movement invite visitors to reflect on how they can create a better tomorrow.

Consistent with The Center’s mission to empower people to take the protection of every human's rights personally, its public opening celebration honored the past and looked toward the future. The crowd of nearly 1,000 included civil rights icons such as U.S. Congressman John Lewis, several Freedom Riders and human rights activists Alina Diaz, Mark Johnson and others. The multi-generational gathering represented the growing diversity of the Southeastern states. This audience became a part of history when they walked through the doors of The Center on opening day.

When The Center’s CEO and president Doug Shipman welcomed the crowd by inviting civil and human rights champions to stand up, more than two dozen people rose to their feet. “We will honor your stories every day in this Center. The Center reflects the way people and movements today are shaping what’s happening around the world. Those working for freedom today use the Civil Rights Movement as a roadmap and look to Atlanta as an example, but The Center is truly about tomorrow,” said Shipman. “At the end of the day, The Center will be measured by the people who will change the trajectory of their lives – and the lives of others – to become the next Gandhi, the next King, the next Mandela that the worldneeds today.”

Former Atlanta Mayor and National Center for Civil and Human Rights Board Chair Shirley Franklin expressed The Center’s importance to her by sharing a personal story of her life as a young adult. “When I went to college in 1963, I couldn’t be mayor. It just wasn’t possible.” Franklin shared. “In my lifetime, I have seen change and it is my role – my responsibility – to do whatever I can to make sure that everyone living and breathing in the world has the right to pursue their dreams and aspirations.”

The ceremony included moving performances by a 100-person cross-city choir who sang gospel hymns and “freedom” songs made famous during the Civil Rights era. One of the day’s most powerful moments occurred when the choir performed “We Shall Overcome” and the entire crowd crossed their arms, joined hands and swayed to the anthem, with Bernice King leading the movement from the front row.

John Lewis received a standing ovation as he shared his passion for the City of Atlanta and the history that happened here. He also spoke of The Center’s mission to share these movements with a new generation, saying, “A few days ago I had the opportunity to walk through portions of this museum. It reminded me of something Daddy King used to say when he would hear his son preach on Sunday mornings. He used to say, ‘Make it plain, son. Make it plain.’ This museum makes it plain. It tells the story of what happened and how it happened – not just for those who are living, but for generations yet unborn.”

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Others speakers included Johnny Isakson, U.S. Senator, Ga., Kasim Reed, Mayor, City of Atlanta and Lisa Borders, Chair, The Coca-Cola Foundation.

For images of The Center’s public celebration, please visit http://bit.ly/1iCGANW.

The Center Experience Designed with multimedia displays, compelling artifacts and interactive activities, The Center’s exhibitions are created to empower people to take the protection of every human’s rights personally. The Center was designed by architect Philip Freelon in partnership with HOK; George C. Wolfe served as The Center’s chief creative officer for the civil rights gallery; Jill Savitt curated The Center’s human rights gallery; and David Rockwell and Rockwell Group served as The Center’s exhibition designer. The Center is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, adjacent to the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. The 43,000-square-foot facility houses four primary exhibitions:

• “Voice to the Voiceless: The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection” Gallerypresents a rare collection of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s personal papers and items.

• “Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement” Gallery created by George C.Wolfe is comprised of a series of eight sequential exhibitions that bring to life the definingmoments of the modern American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

• “Spark of Conviction: The Global Human Rights Movement” Gallery designed by Jill Savittilluminates both individual and global human rights issues. The exhibition is designed to allowvisitors to experience a personal connection to individuals who are taking a stand in thecontemporary fight for human rights.

• A fourth temporary exhibition space features an inaugural-year exhibit celebrating selected worksfrom “John Lewis Series” by Georgia artist Benny Andrews (American, 1930-2006): this powerful,iconic series of paintings depicts scenes from the life of John Lewis.

The Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with closures on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Adult tickets are $15 and child (ages 3–12) tickets are $10. Group rates are also available. Memberships start at $50 per year and include unlimited free admission for one year, access to members-only events, and special discounts on programming, events and retail merchandise.

For more information on The Center, please visit www.civilandhumanrights.org. Join the conversation on civil and human rights on Twitter @Ctr4CHR and Facebook.

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THECENTER RECENT MEDIA COVERAGE

Click arrows ABOVE to view media coverage of The Center’s June 2014 opening.

Atlanta Summons the Past to Showcase the Present

BY ALAN BLINDER

Center for Civil and Human Rights Dawning of a New Day for Atlanta BY MARIA SAPORTA

‘It’s Long Overdue’: New Civil RIghts Museum Opens in Atlanta (VIDEO)

BY GABE GUTIERREZ

New Civil Rights Museum Also Explores Human RIghts(San Francisco Gate)

BY KATE BRUMBACK

Atlanta’s Newest Landmark Will Teach Generations of Southern-ers What Doing the Right Thing Really Means

BY CHUCK REECE

History is Now Honored in a Powerful New Civil Rights Muse-um in Atlanta (VIDEO)

INTRO BY LESTER HOLT

Civil Rights Struggle Brought to Life in New Human Rights Museum

BY BLANE BACHELOR

The Rise of the Civil Rights Museum (VIDEO)

BY JAMIE GUMBRECHT

In Atlanta, Freelon’s New National Center for Civil and Human Rights

BY J. MICHAEL WELTON

Ten Inspiring Images from The Center for Civil and Human Rights

BY KARI PAUL

Opening Day at the New Center for Civil and Human Rights (VIDEO)

BY KATIE LESLIE

The Newest Reason to Visit Atlanta

BY PAUL BRADY

CIVILANDHUMANRIGHTS.ORG

THECENTER RESOURCES

PHOTOGRAPHY Click HERE or on the image gallery above to access photos of the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

INTERVIEWS OR PRESS INFORMATION For media inquiries or other needs, please contact LATASHA SMITH at [email protected] or (404) 991-6977.

PARTNERSHIPS For partnership questions, ideas or feedback, please contact DINA BAILEY at [email protected] or (404) 991-6976.

CIVILANDHUMANRIGHTS.ORG

2014 Center for Civil and Human Rights Press Kit

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