Students can get a snapshot of how a critical event in the civil rights movement affected students and the city of Athens through photos taken by an Ohio University alumnus during his time at the university.
Ken Steinhoff, former photographer for The Post and The Athens Messenger, will display pictures of the National Day of Mourning, which took place April 7, 1968. The event filled Court Street with people in memory of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.
“Typically when you see photos from these kinds of major events, you’re looking at what happened in major cities like D.C., New York and Atlanta,” said Winsome Chunnu-Brayda, associate director of the Multicultural Center. “It was a bird’s-eye view of what was happening right here … It’s the ultimate educational experience for students.”
Danielle Echols, a graduate student studying public media, said she stumbled upon the idea of holding a public display of the photos after having a conversation with the curator of the exhibition while searching for programming for Black History Month.
The Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, a traditionally African-American organization, of which Echols is a member, is presenting the event.
“We are really looking towards building a better relationship with the community so that education can flow both ways,” Echols said. “(Hopefully) anybody that attends can feel like they got, not just a part of black history, but a part of all history.”
The College of Arts and Sciences, the Athens Historical County Historical Society & Museum, The Foster and Helen Cornwell Lecture Series, University College, the Campus Involvement Center and The Athens Messenger will sponsor the event.
The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m., beginning with a viewing in the Walter Rotunda, followed with various speeches. The night will end with Steinhoff talking about the exhibit and answering questions. Steinhoff will be also be present during the viewing to speak with attendees.
Business attire is required.
eb104010@ohiou.edu
