The story of Memphis is filled with remarkable people who have taken positive action in the face of injustice. The international nonprofit education organization
Facing History and Ourselves calls them "upstanders." Facing History plans to recognize some of the upstanders that have defined Memphis' history in a new mural at their offices in the South Main district.
To identify subjects for the
Memphis Upstanders Mural, Facing History and the
Urban Art Commission are calling on the people of Memphis to submit their ideas of who should be depicted. Submissions will be accepted online from
February 3 through February 29.
“Facing History seeks to inspire the upstanders of
tomorrow by acknowledging the amazing contributions of those who have come before us,” says Marti Tippens Murphy, Executive Director of Facing History and Ourselves’ Memphis chapter. “Our mural will serve as an ongoing tribute to the courage and conscience of these heroes -- and a challenge to future generations.”
A steering committee of local leaders will vet nominations and make the final selections of upstanders that will be featured on the mural. Facing History and UAC will issue request for proposals for a local artist in March.
The Memphis Upstanders Mural project kicks off with a breakfast reception at their office,
115 Huling Avenue, on
Tuesday, February 2 at 8:00 a.m. Free parking is available at the National Civil Rights Museum.
Learn more
here.
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