“The People’s Mayor: Maynard Jackson and the Politics of Transformation” traveling exhibition offers visitors an engaging journey through biographical and historical highlights of Jackson’s mayoral career. Upon winning the election for mayor of Atlanta in October 1973, Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. became not only the youngest mayor of a major southern city but also the first African American. A dynamic and dedicated politician, Jackson transformed city government, revolutionized both labor and neighborhood relations, raised the profile of the city, and galvanized the communities of Atlanta. He served two consecutive terms and then returned for a third term in 1990.
The ten-panel exhibition features select materials rarely seen by the public, including official proclamations, correspondence, and photographs. On display are artifacts and memorabilia celebrating the expansion of the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport as well as a 1988 Olympic Torch presented to Jackson. Also included in the exhibition is a video featuring archival news footage of Jackson. “The People’s Mayor: Maynard Jackson and the Politics of Transformation” is available for loan beginning in January 2012
The Jacob Lawrence and The Legend of John Brown travelling display will be on exhibit at the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library from October 1 through 31. Comprised of twenty-two digital images of silkscreen artwork, the display presents an artistic narrative on the radical abolitionist John Brown’s historic raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1859. The display was created by the Wayne State University Library Systems in collaboration with the Wayne State Art Collection and generously funded by the Detroit Area Library Network.
In addition to featuring the powerful artwork of Jacob Lawrence’s John Brown series, the display panels provide a descriptive overview of Lawrence’s life and career; and John Brown’s life and involvement in the struggle to end slavery in the United States. Also on exhibit and complementing the travelling display are select publications and correspondence from the Archives Research Center’s John Brown Collection.
Visitors of the Jacob Lawrence and The Legend of John Brown display will find it to be a rich educational resource. Please visit http://research.auctr.edu/JacobLawrence to learn more. To schedule a tour, contact askref@auctr.edu or call 404-978-2067. The AUC Woodruff Library is located at 111 James P. Brawley Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA, 30314.
The Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection represents much of King’s life and work spanning from 1944 to 1968. Encompassing approximately 10,000 items, the collection allows insight into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s thoughts, personality, ministerial preparation, organizational skills and strategic planning during the Civil Rights period.