Ford Motor Company has announced that it will underwrite the National
"Freedom's Sisters" Traveling Exhibition honoring extraordinary African
American women.
The
traveling exhibition to be created by the Cincinnati Museum Center and
the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES)
celebrates 20 African American women, from key 19th century historical
figures to contemporary leaders who have fought for equality for people
of color. The exhibition will open in Cincinnati in March 2008.
"Ford
is extremely excited about this extraordinary exhibition and its theme
of paying tribute to the legacies of African American women who helped
shape the spirit and substance of civil rights in America," says Jim
Vella, President, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "It is part of Ford's overall commitment to celebrating our American heritage and legacy."
Freedom's
Sisters is expected to attract people of all ages, races, and
backgrounds, whether they were a part of the civil rights movement
themselves, or a student of the movement through stories passed down
through family, friends, and history books. Throughout its three-year
nationwide tour, this interactive, multi-media exhibit will also seek
to encourage and motivate the next generation of leaders through
dialogue on the civil rights struggle, past, present, and future,
within their own local communities.
"Cincinnati
Museum Center is excited for the opportunity to create this exhibition
that will honor the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement," said
President and CEO, Douglass W. McDonald, Cincinnati Museum Center at
Union Terminal. "The opportunity to partner with both Ford and the
Smithsonian Institution is one which will provide our museum center the
opportunity to participate in what we believe will be a dynamic and
profoundly moving initiative."
"SITES is deeply proud to be able to share with the nation some of the
most profound stories of America's civil rights journey," says Anna R.
Cohn, Director of SITES. "The 20 remarkable women who illuminate this
exhibition will inspire everyone beyond measure."
In
support of the launch of the exhibition, notable African Americans who
have made significant contributions to the African American community
-- including U.S. Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI),
Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus -- have been invited to
sit on the National Committee of Honor for the project.
"I am
proud to be a part of this exceptional exhibition honoring the service
and sacrifice of African American women," said Congresswoman
Kilpatrick. "This powerful presentation highlighting their
contributions and commitment should inspire us to continue their legacy
of love and leadership. We must work together to build a stronger and
united America in which all citizens have equal access to opportunities
and justice."
This exciting collaboration between the Cincinnati Museum Center, Ford,
and the Smithsonian Institution brings together three outstanding
partners who will design, produce, and travel an exhibition that
promises to leave a lasting impression at every stop it makes. For
information on the Cincinnati Museum Center, call (513) 287-7000 or
1-800-733-2077 or visit www.cincymuseum.org. For more information on the Smithsonian Institution, including exhibition descriptions and tour schedules, visit www.sites.si.edu.
By Brandy Schaffels
Contributing Editor
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