"The Chicago Freedom Movement, 1965-1966"

A Photographic Exhibit

In Chicago in 1965 and 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders focused the Chicago Freedom Movement on open housing. Thousands of people participated in the marches and rallies in Soldier Field, Marquette Park, Grant Park and in front of Chicago City Hall.

This was the first large scale fair housing campaign in the country and the most ambitious civil rights campaign in the North. It placed the issue of equal opportunity in housing not just before the people of Chicago, but also before the Nation.

Bernard Kleina's rarely seen color photographs document the 1965-1966 Freedom Movement's peaceful demonstrations' call for open housing. The exhibit celebrates the efforts of Dr. King and other civil rights leaders and includes images of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Coretta Scott-King; the Rev. Jesse Jackson; former UN Ambassador, Andrew Young; comedian activist, Dick Gregory; gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson; and Rev. Ralph Abernathy, as well as thousands of peaceful demonstrators involved in these historic rallies and marches. The photographs also capture many of those who attempted to disrupt these peaceful marches.

Kleina's historic and contemporary photographs are being shown throughout the country. These soul stirring photographs encourage us not only to look back at where we have been, but also to reflect on the challenges we face and the direction we are taking as a Nation.

The Chicago Freedom Movement Exhibit has been displayed throughout the country. Some of these locations include:

• State of Illinois Building, (Chicago, IL)
• Cincinnati Museum Center, (Cincinnati, OH)
• State of Illinois Library, (Springfield, IL)
• Birmingham Civil Rights Museum, (Birmingham, AL)
• Love Museum, (Omaha, NE)
• Los Angeles Times Building, (Los Angeles, CA)
• Toledo Museum of Art, (Toledo, OH)
• Rosa Parks Museum, (Montgomery, AL)

View selections from the exhibit.

If you would like to show the Chicago Freedom Movement exhibit in your city or facility please contact HOPE Fair Housing Center via Contact Us or call 630-690-6500.