Students’ art pays tribute to civil rights movement
By DeAllous Smith

To celebrate Black History Month, Hartsfield-Jackson presents “Visions of the Civil Rights Movement and America Today,” a collection of students’ impressions of the people, events and legacy of the civil rights movement in America.

The Atrium Gallery exhibit — presented in partnership with the City of Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Atlanta Public Schools — features pieces chosen from winning entries of “The Dream” Art Contest, a citywide event designed to foster an appreciation for the relevance of history and to demonstrate the importance of the arts in education and daily life.

The collection features original artwork from students in kindergarten through 12th grade and in after-school art programs in metro Atlanta.

“Hartsfield-Jackson is proud to support and showcase the talents of young, visionary artists whose works vividly capture the struggles of but also honor the achievements of the civil rights movement,” Aviation General Manager Louis Miller said.

The submissions include portraits of famous and nonfamous individuals from the civil rights movement, a defining image of the movement and a contemporary depiction of the movement’s legacy.

“We’re encouraging travelers and employees who pass through the Atrium to take a moment to enjoy this very memorable collection,” said Katherine Dirga, Airport Art Program manager. “Art lovers also can enjoy related exhibitions at other venues throughout the city, starting this month.” 

For information about “Visions of the Civil Rights Movement and America Today” and a complete listing of other locations and dates, please visit “The Dream” Art Contest’s website at www.thedreamartcontest.com.

The exhibit will be on display February 3 through March 21.

“My Heroes: Mr. Maynard and Mr. Reed” by Willie Fulks of Lindley Middle School depicts former Mayor Maynard H. Jackson Jr. and current Mayor Kasim Reed.

Fifth-grader Andra Tudor of Sabah Kinder Art (SKA) Academy of Art and Design created this piece, called “The Civil Rights Movement.”

The Luther Judson Price Middle School Art Club collaborated on “Reflections of the Movement.”

“Portrait of Rosa Parks as a Young Girl” by Mekhia Emal Beasley, a fourth-grader at Deerwood Academy, portrays the civil rights heroine during the segregation era.