Compton Museum: We Want to Be Free: Honoring MLK’s Global and Local Impact

Compton, CA—Compton Art and History Museum is proud to announce their upcoming exhibition “We Want to Be Free: Honoring MLK’s Global and Local Impact,” is running from February 9, 2024 until May 10, 2024.

This new exhibition will feature a compelling collection of photography, archival images, and video, all paying tribute to the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his profound impact on both the global and hyper-local communities.

Through the lens of local artists from Compton, Kevin B. Jones and 100KDai, alongside archival images sourced from the Los Angeles Public Library and the Harry Adams Archive at the Tom and Ethel Bradley Center at California State University – Northridge, visitors will embark on a visual journey that captures the essence of Dr. King’s message of justice, equality, and freedom.

Highlights of the exhibition include a special focus on the soaring MLK Memorial located at Compton City Hall designed by the esteemed Compton architect Harold Williams in collaboration with sculptor Gerald Gladstone. The monument, composed of white panels jutting up to a point at various angles, evokes a mountain peak to reflect that  Dr. King had “been to the mountaintop,” and stands as a symbol of resilience, unity, and progress within the community even today.

The exhibit is organized by Museum Curator Meredith Lancaster and Co-Founder Abigail Lopez-Byrd. “We Want to Be Free” promises to be a thought-provoking and immersive experience, inviting audiences to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring vision for a more just and equitable society.

“We are honored to present ‘We Want to Be Free’ as a testament to Dr. King’s enduring legacy in Los Angeles and throughout the world, particularly in the African diaspora,” said Meredith Lancaster, Curator at Compton Art and History Museum. “Through the power of art and storytelling, we aim to inspire dialogue, foster understanding, and ignite positive change within our community and beyond.”

“We Want to Be Free: Honoring MLK’s Global and Local Impact” will be open to the public from February 9, 2024, to May 10, 2024, at the Compton Art and History Museum. Visitors are invited to join us at the exhibition opening on February 9, 2024, from 4:30 – 7:30 PM. Tickets price is by donation and can be reserved by visiting: https://shorturl.at/hktG5.

Abigail Lopez-Byrd, Co-Founder of the Compton Museum says “This exhibition serves as a reminder of Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to social justice and his tireless pursuit of equality for all. We invite visitors to join us in celebrating his remarkable achievements and reaffirming our shared dedication to creating a more inclusive and compassionate city and world.”

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and explore the rich tapestry of our shared history.

Compton Art and History Museum is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Compton, California, and its surrounding communities. Through dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives, the museum strives to inspire creativity, foster dialogue, and empower individuals to explore the intersections of art, history, and culture.

To learn more about the Compton Art and History Museum, visit: https://www.comptonmuseum.org/