The National Civil Rights Museum has re-opened its Legacy Experience building, offering new and expanded opportunities for learning, community building, culture and inspiration. The grand opening held on May 16 featured a full day of celebration, complete with a ribbon cutting, heart-felt speeches and discussions, uplifting music, food and so much more.
Located at the site from where the bullet that killed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was said to have been launched, the building had previously focused on programming surrounding King’s assassination. However, today, The Legacy Experience is designed to move Memphis, nation and world forward, addressing the pursuit of justice from 1968 to present day.
Russ Wigginton, president of the NCRM, says the idea sparked from visitors asking “What happened after Dr. King died?”
“At the time of concepting, we’d had this building for 20 years,” said Wiggington. “But we weren’t seeing people go over there. We were looking for ways to stay relevant and answer the questions visitors kept asking.”
Wiggington, who will celebrate his five-year anniversary at the helm this fall, joined the NCRM when attendance was rich and vibrant, surprisingly enough, during the global pandemic. But he says, in keeping with city trends, the museum has struggled over the last few years with attracting visitors.
“We are one of the drivers of tourism,” he said. “What hasn’t been the case is a lack of commitment or enthusiasm nationally and internationally.”
A $10 million grant from the state of Tennessee jumpstarted the renovation, followed by another $38 million raised from local and national corporate, philanthropic organizations and individuals to complete the park to the west of the museum’s plaza and the terrace atop The Legacy building.
“Though attendance is down, that kind of support reinforces that we have great momentum,” said Wiggington. “And The Legacy Experience allows people to see themselves as part of the ongoing civil rights and justice fight.”
These substantial investments have enabled NCRM to highlight the history of the movement from Dr. King’s death to today, focusing less on who killed him and more on why he was murdered.
The Legacy Experience features exhibits on the Poor People’s Campaign, and an incredible work of art from local, but globally recognized artist, Derek Fordjour. The Freedom Award Gallery, highlighting all 110 awardees since and their speech excerpts, is also featured.
A “decades” wall, beginning with the 1970s, spotlights key moments during the continual fight for freedom and justice throughout each decade until now. Perhaps one of the most moving parts is the “Say Their Names” exhibit, remembering Black Americans who have died at the hands of police brutality since 1968. It also illustrates how the Black Lives Matter Movement came to life as a result of these heinous acts.
“There are also exhibits connected to Dr. King’s book ‘Where Do We Go From Here’ and the Assassination Gallery has been completely transformed,” added Wiggington.
Additionally, the Legacy building houses interactive displays and exhibits focused on other social movements that were born out of the Civil Rights Movement, like environmental concerns, LGBTQ rights, affordable housing, economic justice, education, arts and culture movement and more.
There is even a space for participating in “hope as a discipline,” where visitors can share their hopes for the future.
The grand opening celebration was curated with the entire community in mind, from ages 2 to 92. Following the official ribbon-cutting and opening ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the newly renovated building, enjoy music from the terrace, “craftivism” art stations and other cultural activities in the plaza and Founders Park. Performances by DJ Cody Little, the Garry Goin Group featuring a myriad of local artists, and Yella P added to the festive nature of the day.
Seeing how all the spaces will now work together to create a full immersion and understanding of the struggle, and to inspire visitors to action today, is quite powerful.
“The Lorraine Motel is our sacred ground and foundation. … The Legacy building is our future,” said Wiggington. “People can understand the context of the Lorraine. But they need to own the Legacy building.”
The opening celebration was just the beginning. Community members are invited to contribute to the “Our Stories, Our Museum” summer story-telling activation, by sharing their experience and connection to the movement. This is how the community becomes part of The Legacy.
To learn more, visit https://civilrightsmuseum.org/
