GSU Special Collections and Archives Receives Grant to Support Lonnie King, Jr. Traveling Exhibition
The Legacy of Lonnie King, Jr. Travels Statewide with Georgia Humanities Support
Georgia State University Library Special Collections and Archives has been awarded a Georgia Humanities Grant of $2,100 to fund the Lonnie King, Jr. Traveling Exhibition, an initiative that highlights the legacy of civil rights leader Lonnie King, Jr. This grant will fund the creation and display of the exhibition, which will open at the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History and travel around the state of Georgia through the Georgia Public Library Service‘s strategic partnership program.
Lonnie King, Jr. was a transformative leader in the fight for racial equality, best known for his work with the Atlanta Student Movement in the 1960s. While a student at Morehouse College, he co-authored the “Appeal for Human Rights”, a manifesto that called for an end to racial segregation and sparked a wave of peaceful protests across the South. King’s leadership inspired countless young activists to join the movement and fight for justice.
The Lonnie King, Jr. Traveling Exhibition offers a unique opportunity to learn about the life of a local hero whose actions transformed our nation. Through storytelling, historic documents, and visuals, the exhibit captures the spirit of a movement that reshaped the South. It’s not just a celebration of the past but an invitation to reflect on how each of us can contribute to building a more equitable future.
“We are grateful to Georgia Humanities for providing the funding for our traveling exhibit and opening exhibit to be held at the Auburn Avenue Research Library,” says Christina Zamon, head of Georgia State University Special Collections and Archives. “With their support we are now able to share the story of the Atlanta Student Movement and the civil rights contributions of Lonnie King, Jr. across the state.”
Stay tuned for updates on the exhibit’s opening and its upcoming stops across the state.
This project is supported by Georgia Humanities, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, through funding from the Georgia General Assembly.