USA TODAY International Edition
Black lawmakers to mark ‘counter opening’ of civil rights museum
WASHINGTON – Congressional black lawmakers, some who boycotted an earlier grand opening of the civil rights museum in Mississippi, will attend a “counter” celebration this month now that President Trump has come and gone.
“It could be called a counter opening,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, DMiss. “But the civil rights museum should not be highlighted by people who have no history in the civil rights movement, so we’re trying to legitimize the museum by bringing participants and supporters of civil rights who have a long-standing history of civil rights and not people who are there for the day and gone.’’
Thompson and others, including civil rights legend Rep. John Lewis, DGa., civil rights groups and local activists boycotted the grand opening Dec. 9 after learning Trump would attend.
Instead, Thompson and Lewis will speak at a two-day event at the museum hosted by Friends of Mississippi Civil Rights. The weekend event, which kicks off Feb. 23, includes a gala Friday and a program Saturday featuring a town hall and symposiums.
Other speakers include Derrick Johnson, head of the national NAACP, and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker.
The museum opened with much fanfare. The exhibits highlight the history of the civil rights movement in Mississippi, which was at the heart of efforts to register blacks to vote.
Civil rights veterans say the museum is an important recognition of hardfought efforts.
“Civil rights is a story that needs to be told and having someone that is the polar opposite of civil rights be the premier focus of the opening of that museum — people just felt that it was an affront,” Thompson said.
Johnson, who boycotted, said the December event was “usurped by Trump’s attempt to create a photo op for him.”
“This is about honoring the veterans and acknowledging the presence of the civil rights museum ... It’s just to say thank you.”