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In what would have been the year of his 100th birthday, the Museum of Durham History is exploring the lasting impact of one of Durham’s most influential figures. This innovative exhibit, The Life and Legacy of Floyd B. McKissick Sr., will officially open for viewing on Friday, November 18 at the Museum of Durham History and is free and open to the public.The exhibit will examine McKissick Sr.’s work in desegregating local schools, universities (particularly UNC Law School), organizations, and businesses, an initiative that was carried forward by his children Floyd Jr., Jocelyn, Andree, and Charmaine. Other highlights will include his leadership in the national Civil Rights Movement and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), and his role as the Founder and Developer of Soul City. McKissick was a pivotal figure in the fight for equality for African Americans in Durham and across the country, and his impact continues to shape history and inspire change today.
As part of its unique “Museum Beyond Walls” vision of bringing history to the community, the Museum is presenting the exhibit at three meaningful Durham locations, each with a distinct theme and design.
The North Carolina Central University Turner Law Building explores McKissick Sr.’s Civil Rights advocacy and legal career.
The Museum of Durham History shares McKissick Sr.’s life and accomplishments, the controversy surrounding Soul City, and life growing up as a McKissick in the L is for Legacy kids exhibit.
The Hayti Heritage Center takes an in-depth look into McKissick Sr.’s Black Power ideology as the movement emerged following the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
“This is a special exhibit for our family and for Durham. I feel it is important people understand the many facets of my father’s life, and to discuss them in further detail at these three venues gives a deeper insight of his varied accomplishments and who he really was,” said his daughter and family archivist, Dr. Charmaine McKissick-Melton.
The Life and Legacy of Floyd B. McKissick Sr. is sponsored by Fidelity Investments and presented in partnership with North Carolina Central University and the Hayti Heritage Center. The exhibit is curated by the Museum’s Director of Educational Programs and Exhibits, Michelle Needham and Community Curator, Sharon Barry. The creative design was part of Needham’s vision to explore different perspectives around the content.
“Floyd McKissick Sr. has many milestones, achievements, and stories we want to share, and each has its own value and meaning to the community. To incorporate as many of these elements as possible, we want to present the exhibit through different lenses and work with our community partners to make it engaging, accessible, and relatable for all of our visitors,” Needham said of the concept.
As part of the exhibit, the Museum would like to hear from community members about their memories, perspectives, and experiences related to the story of Floyd B. McKissick Sr. and the themes of each location. Visitors are welcome to stop by the Museum at 500 W. Main Street in Durham to visit the Story Room and share their own stories, which will be featured on the Museum’s website along with a trove of photos, images, and interesting facts about the exhibit.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Museum of Durham History, 500 W. Main St,Durham,NC,United States