The Center for Civil and Human Rights Partnership (CCHR Partnership) held a media briefing on June 27 to discuss progress including the latest funding and content developments.

Doug Shipman, executive director of the CCHR Partnership, led an informal discussion with media representatives regarding the Center’s development process. A.J. Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress and Cheryl Strickland, managing director–Tax Allocation Districts of the Atlanta Development Authority were also present to address the Center’s economic impact and unique cultural and educational offerings.

“Hartsfield-Jackson and the 1996 Olympic Games are events that transformed the city of Atlanta,” said Robinson, “and this project, probably more than anything that I can point to in the future, is really going to transform the community.”

CCHR Partnership representatives were also proud to discuss the first meeting of the Content Council on June 19, a key milestone in the Center’s development. This national group of influential scholars, civil rights leaders, museum experts and business professionals is responsible for determining the Center’s overall narrative framework, internal design and architectural plan.

“The Center will tell the Atlanta story and Georgia story as a lens on to a larger set of issues that are national and indeed, international,” said Earl Lewis, provost, Emory University and CCHR Content Council chair. “This is a challenge, but the Content Council is committed to providing the outline for this critical narrative.”

Click here to read the Center for Civil and Human Rights Working Group Report, which originally developed the vision and concept for the Center.