The Movement for Memory: Statements of Solidarity from Sites of Conscience. (4th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Norris, Linda; Paynter, Braden; Nelson, Ashley
• Is Part Of: Curator. Volume 63:Number 3(2020:Jul.)
• Page Start: 321
• Page End: 332
• Publication Date: 2020-09-04
• Subjects: Natural history museums -- Periodicals; 069.05
• DOI: 10.1111/cura.12377
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0011-3069

Abstract

Abstract: The authors consolidate here statements of solidarity made by Sites of Conscience – museums, historic sites and memory initiatives dedicated to using past struggles to address human rights today – in response to the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed African American man, by a police officer on May 25, 2020, and the global civil unrest that followed. The eight statements address a range of relevant issues from the historic connections between slavery, Jim Crow, mass incarceration and police brutality today; to the importance of amplifying black voices; to the vital role museums must take to dismantle racist practices in their own organizations. As a collection, they speak to the integral role of allyship in advocacy movements and can assist museum leaders in utilizing and articulating their own institution's collection, history, and voice in supporting movements for social justice.