Traveling Exhibit Shines Light on the Life of Diplomat and Civil Rights Icon Andrew Young

The Life and Legacy of Andrew Young

Beginning next week, the University of Mississippi will host a traveling exhibit celebrating the life and achievements of Andrew Young, the first African-American U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a key assistant to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The exhibit, which will be stationed at the J.D. Williams Library on the Oxford campus, offers the public the opportunity to learn more about Young’s life from Tuesday to July 31. An inaugural reception, to be attended by Young himself, is scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m., featuring a book signing session. The event is open and free to all.

“I am eager to share my journey and discuss where we are in bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to all, as well as the future of our collaborations,” Young said in a press release. Sized as a significant testament to the enduring struggle for civil rights, the traveling exhibit offers invaluable insights into Young’s life through photographs, memorabilia, and his own words, based on Ernie Suggs’ book, “The Many Lives of Andrew Young”.

A Collaboration of History and Education

The James Armistead Brown Family Endowment facilitated the hosting of the exhibit at the University of Mississippi, making it the third university to house this unique collection. Elizabeth Batte, the outreach and strategic initiatives librarian, noted that the exhibit aligns well with the library’s mission to “celebrate and preserve history.”

“The life that Andrew Young lived is not only relevant to people in Mississippi but to our entire nation,” Batte said. “So, it’s really special to us to be able to host this. I’m hoping that having Andrew Young come helps the younger visitors realize that this Civil Rights fight wasn’t that long ago, and these conversations are still pertinent.”

An Invitation to the Public

The public is invited to experience this enlightening exhibit and engage with the life and legacy of Andrew Young. The exhibit will be open to visitors any time the library is operating.

Through such exhibits, we can continue our education on the history of civil rights, reflect on how far we’ve come, and discuss the work that still lies ahead. The portrayal of Young’s life is a significant part of this educational journey and allows us to acknowledge the efforts of those who have led the way towards diversity, equity, and inclusion.