GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY LAUNCHES
GEORGIA CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL

Atlanta, Ga., October 16, 2014 - The Georgia Historical Society, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc. officially launched the Georgia Civil Rights Trail today with a ceremony and dedication of two historical markers, one in recognition of the Atlanta Student Movement on the campus of Clark Atlanta University, followed by the unveiling of a historical marker at Rush Memorial Congregational Church.

“The Civil Rights movement, as one of the watershed events in American history, is something that all Americans, of every color, nationality, or creed, can take great pride in. It is a story of human beings at their best and a remarkable testament to what we are capable of achieving under very difficult circumstances. It is at the heart of the American story,” said Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. “As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement, the Georgia Historical Society is honored to partner with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc. to launch the Georgia Civil Rights Trail initiative and to bring these stories to a wider audience in the places where history was made.”

Other speakers included Lonnie King, Atlanta Student Movement, Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights, Doug Shipman, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc. and Dr. W. Todd Groce, Georgia Historical Society. Special music was provided by the Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society.

“The launch of the Civil Rights Trail adds to this year’s list of tremendous achievements highlighting Atlanta’s rich history in Civil and Human Rights Movements, said Doug Shipman, CEO of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc. “We are thrilled to partner with the Georgia Historical Society and the Georgia Department of Economic Development to help ensure that the legacies of Atlanta’s past live on to inspire the future.”

"With the addition of the Civil Rights Trail, travelers will have another phenomenal opportunity to discover and experience our heritage tourism offerings," said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner of tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. "By joining these sites together, visitors can easily explore Georgia’s history in the Civil Rights Movement, and can connect to the past by standing at the sites where profound events took place.”

For more information about the Georgia Civil Rights Trail visit GeorgiaHistory.com.

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