EIU Booth Library to host civil rights display
EIU Booth Library to host civil rights display
Starting Sept. 1, Eastern Illinois University’s (EIU) Booth Library will showcase a traveling civil rights exhibit highlighting how the media brought America’s civil rights movement into the public eye, with photos, artifacts and other visual media.
“For All the World to See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights” includes iconic magazine covers, news footage and other TV clips. Additionally, cultural portrayals of black culture — both positive and stereotypical — enhance the exhibit, from iconic Aunt Jemima brand packaging and general advertisements to toys and baseball memorabilia.
Rather than identifying the display as a history, curators emphasize that the collection is a close look at imagery.
“This exhibit offers an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the past history of civil rights in our nation while pondering today’s issues,” Allen Lanham, dean of library services, said. “I look forward to hearing from our campus and the greater community as we explore this important topic together.”
Lectures, book discussions and music are planned to accentuate the show, with an opening reception at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8 in the Booth Library West Reading Room. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign journalism professor Janice Collins will serve as guest speaker with her presentation, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Race, Relations and Reflection.”
The exhibit will run through Oct. 20. For exact program details, visit http://library.eiu.edu/exhibits/civilrights.
Alerts Sign-up