National Civil Rights Museum

in 1863, enslaved Black people in Texas learned of their long-awaited freedom when Union troops arrived with news of the end of slavery and the American Civil War.

Their resilience and hope continue to inspire Juneteenth celebrations today.

📸 courtesy of Austin History Center

Celebrate freedom, honor the journey. Our Juneteenth Collection from the National Civil Rights Museum gift shop is designed to tell the story of resilience, resistance, and joy.

Shop the collection in-store or online and carry the history forward.
https://shop.civilrightsmuseum.org/juneteenth/

in 1957, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the first major civil rights legislation in decades.

The act established a Civil Rights Division within the Department of Justice and aimed to safeguard voting rights for all Americans, among other protections. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law three months later.

📸 courtesy of Library of Congress

Juneteenth commemorates the day freedom finally reached the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

For generations, communities have honored Juneteenth through gathering, storytelling, education, and celebration. As we prepare for Juneteenth Community Day, we're reflecting on the history behind the holiday and the ongoing meaning of freedom today.

What does freedom mean to you? Share with us in the comment and at http://civilrightsmuseum.memfox.io/cztuah

Join us on June 19 as we commemorate Juneteenth through history, community, and conversation.

in 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. James Lawson, and Stokely Carmichael—together with members of SNCC, SCLC, CORE, and the MDFP—continued the March Against Fear into Grenada, MS, after James Meredith, who began the march, was shot and wounded.

That day, thanks to their efforts, more than 100 African Americans registered to vote.

in 1967, Thurgood Marshall became the first African American nominated to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. As a justice, he advanced landmark protections in civil rights and criminal procedure.

Earlier in his career as an attorney, he was part of the team that successfully argued in Brown v. Board of Education that “separate” was inherently unequal.

Black family reunions are more than cookouts and matching T‑shirts—they’re acts of resistance, remembrance, and joy.

From separation under slavery and Jim Crow to today’s cross‑country gatherings, Black families have fought to find one another, keep traditions alive, and pass on stories that history tried to erase.

Swipe through to explore how Black family reunions became powerful spaces of healing, organizing, and celebration—and why they still matter today. 🖤

Share your family's #1 family reunion tradition with us below!

in 1963, civil rights leader Medgar Evers was shot and killed at his home by a Klansman.

Evers, who worked closely with James Meredith during the integration of the University of Mississippi, championed economic justice, equal voting rights, and educational opportunity across Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement.

📸 coutsey of Brittanica

What brings you joy!?

Join us all day on Friday, June 12, as we celebrate the opening of Black Joy, In Spite Of… in the State of Tennessee Gallery at the National Civil Rights Museum.

Organized by the Frist Art Museum and guest curated by Brigette Janea Jones, the exhibition brings together historical photographs and contemporary artworks that explore joy, resilience, creativity, and self-determination across generations of Black Tennesseans.

Throughout the day, visitors can experience curator tours with Brigette, contribute to our Black Joy Community Playlist, create artwork inspired by featured artist TC, and enjoy a special DJ set by South Memphis Jeff.

We're also excited to welcome and hear from featured artists and contributors, including Chase Williamson and Ashley Mintz as we celebrate the opening of this beautiful exhibition. See you there!

🎟️ included with Museum Admission
📍 National Civil Rights Museum, TN Gallery
📅 Opening Day Activities June 12 (exhibit displayed until August 14)
🎤 Curator tour with Brigette Jones, 12 pm/2 pm
🎧 DJ Set, 3 pm