Fifty years ago this country was at war—both at home and abroad. As the war in Vietnam escalated, so did the battle for civil rights and equality. While some people viewed these situations as bleak, others saw opportunity for change. Emerging as a prominent leader of the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. realized this opportunity through nonviolent protest in the face of oppression, ignorance, fear, and violence.

This display looks at the struggle for civil rights in early America alongside elements of King’s life, legacy, and lasting impact in Philadelphia and beyond.

Plan your visit

This document display is free and open to the public. Stop by and visit anytime during our regular library hours.