Civil Rights Influence, Movement Explored In Utah

LOGAN, UT  – John F. Kennedy made a powerful and concise statement on civil rights in a radio broadcast June 11, 1963, that rings as true today as it did nearly half a century ago.

“We are confronted primarily with a moral issue … whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities — whether we are going to treat our fellow American human beings as we want to be treated.”

Building from this theme, Utah State University’s Museum of Anthropology presents “Civil Rights: A New Perspecitive” as the second event of the semester in its ongoing “Saturdays at the Museum” program. Activities take place Saturday, Jan. 15, and event organizers promise a day that will provide new, interesting information on the civil rights movement from across time.

The event features two guest speakers who appear at 1 p.m., including Rachael Brighton, USU Multicultural Program coordinator, and Maure Smith-Benanti, USU LGBTQA program coordinator. Their presentation looks at the struggle for civil rights. Following the presentation, they are open to questions and further discussion.

The USU Museum of Anthropology is on the USU campus in the south turret of the historic Old Main building, Room 252. “Saturdays at the Museum” event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition to its Saturday program hours, the Museum of Anthropology is open to USU students and members of the public six days a week, with regular hours Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For Saturday activities, free parking is available in the adjacent lot, south of the building.

Funding for Saturday events is provided by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.