The University Museum Goes Downtown

Civil Rights Act of 1964 - A Celebration Exhibit

The 14^th Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 1868, extended “equal protection of the laws” to all United States citizens. However, hidebound prejudices and social customs kept people of color and women “in their places,” denying them full legal rights well into the second half of the 20^th century. Segregation of schools and other public facilities was especially common in the South but not unknown in the North. Poll taxes, literacy tests, and outright intimidation discouraged African Americans from registering to vote. Women as well as people of color commonly experienced discrimination in employment and wages.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 brought American society closer to realizing the promise of its Constitution, ensuring rights and opening new opportunities for people of color and for women.

"Thou Shall Not Stand Idly By"

by Ben Shahn

With Civil Rights Act of 1964 – A Celebration Exhibit, the University Museum at IUP celebrates this progress with a selection of American art from its permanent collection, including eight works created by African American women and a suite of nine prints by Ben Shahn commemorating the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

"Vintage Red" by Tina Brewer

The exhibition is supported, in part, by the Student Cooperative Association at IUP, private donations, and a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts through the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance.

The show runs from April 1, 2014 to May 3, 2014, with an Opening Reception, Friday, April 4, 2014 from 6 to 8. The Opening Reception is open to the public.