The Atlanta History Center is hosting a full day of activities for the 2024 Martin Luther King Holiday celebration on Monday, January 15th. This family fun-filled day includes Family Trivia, an Interactive Choir Workshop, a Kenan Research Library pop-up, and self-guided experiences focused on the Black Church and its connection to the Civil Rights Movement. Clark Atlanta University Associate Professor Cynthanie Sumpter and Atlanta History Center’s Digital Storyteller Kris Weatherspoon join us to discuss the upcoming celebration.
I asked Kris Weatherspoon how the Atlanta History Center determined the programming for this year’s celebration. She explained that the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration is the largest public engagement event hosted by the Atlanta History Center. She goes on to share that the theme of “Cornerstone” has been used in their MLK Day programming, and this year, the Black Church is the institution that is being explored.
Associate Professor Cynthanie Sumpter will present information on Fashion and the Black Church. She speaks about how wearing our “Sunday Best” was a way to present our best selves while worshiping. She speaks about Black women and church hats, which can be traced back to our West African heritage. She speaks about how the broader culture was oppressive, but showing up in your best clothes for worship service allowed a modicum of freedom.
Kris Weatherspoon speaks about the Kenan Research Pop-up that will be on hand to provide insight on preserving family papers but also using their archivist to learn about family histories from primary source materials. They will also provide information on how you can maintain your family’s historic documents. The Atlanta History Center sits on 33 acres and consists of various structures moved to the property as examples of historic homes in previous periods.
There are also gardens throughout the campus that promote native plants. Currently, the Atlanta History Center is looking to collect ephemera and stories about community and family gardens that existed in our communities. If you have photographs or materials related to gardens, they are interested.
Register to attend the Atlanta History Center MLK Day Programming
For more information about the Atlanta History Center
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