Hooks Institute Looks to ‘Uplift the Vote’ in 2024
Return of Popular Exhibit Teaches Recent Local History to a New Generation
September 26, 2024 — The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis invites the public to experience the return of its acclaimed exhibit, "Uplift the Vote," which can be viewed in its original location in the rotunda of the Ned McWherter Library on the Central Campus of the University. This dual exhibit is focused on both the historical and contemporary importance of our most basic civil right: the right to vote.
Historical context on the urgency and importance of voting is given through an exploration
of the Fayette County “Tent City” Civil Rights Movement of the late 1950s and 1960s.
Using photographs, documents and reflections primarily collected by the activists
and their families, visitors learn how Fayette County African Americans' demand for
the right to vote changed their lives, the community and ultimately, the nation.
Visitors can also learn information about current Tennessee voter registration laws, and non-partisan best practices on how to research candidates, issues and prepare to cast one’s ballot in an election.
The exhibit will be displayed in the rotunda of the Ned McWherter Library on the UofM campus through Friday, Nov. 8, from 7 a.m. to midnight. For weekend and holiday hours, visit Libraries Hours of Operation. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Convenient paid parking is available at the public garage on Zach Curlin Street.
About the "Uplift the Vote" Exhibit
Fayette County, Tenn., 1959: The African American community faces Jim Crow laws, intimidation and violence in their efforts to register to vote. The New York Times described the movement in Fayette County as "the longest sustained civil rights protest in the nation." During that movement, African Americans worked to increase registered voters and demanded fair elections, integration of public facilities and equal access to economic opportunities.
First designed for display on the University of Memphis campus in 2018, the “Uplift the Vote” exhibit has become a popular touring exhibition for the Hooks Institute, traveling to Fayette and Haywood counties to educate students and community members about their own grassroots Civil Rights Movement. Additionally, it has inspired a second exhibit, now on display at the Memphis International Airport, which focuses on powerful images of the movement captured by LIFE Magazine photographer Art Shay. Lauded as an excellent example of historical context spurring contemporary action, many UofM students have registered to vote standing right beside the installation.
The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change extends its sincere gratitude to the following sponsors of this exhibit: OMO Energy & Technology, Inc.; the UofM's African and African American History program, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Department of History, Department of Political Science, Student Government Association, Department of Theatre & Dance and University of Memphis Libraries.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer Godwin
Director of Media and Public Relations
jennifer.godwin@memphis.edu
(O) 901.678.4822 (M) 501.529.7482