Members of National CORE organizations protest at the New York State World’s Fair, 1964

Black History Month Exhibit Opens in New York State Capitol

1964: New Yorkers Who Shaped History on View from February 1 to February 29

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the opening of the 2024 Black History Month exhibit in the New York State Capitol. The exhibit celebrates the 60th anniversary of the passage of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the New Yorkers who helped pave the way for its passage and continued to fight for justice throughout the state.

“New York State has played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and this exhibit will showcase the influential men and women who advocated for justice leading up to the passage of the Civil Rights Act,” Governor Hochul said. “We must continue to honor and pay tribute the New Yorkers who fought and marched for Black rights during this time.”

“New York is proud to have paved the way in the fight for racial justice and civil rights,” said Lieutenant Governor Delgado. “We know the importance of honoring our history and allowing our past to illuminate our future. May we never forget the sacrifices of the civil rights leaders who came before us and may we continue their fight until true liberty and justice for all is finally realized.”

Black History Month Exhibit

The exhibit, “1964: New Yorkers Who Shaped History,” is located in the Governor’s Reception Room on the Capitol’s second floor and takes visitors on a journey through the fight for civil rights and justice while shining a light on the New Yorkers who played a pivotal role in the fight for justice in New York and the nation. New Yorkers featured in the exhibit include:

Dorothy Height

Dorothy Height is one of the most influential women in the modern Civil Rights Movement. She is credited with founding the YWCA’s Center for Racial Justice in New York City. Dorothy was also among the first to merge Black and women’s rights. United States leaders, including President Johnson, came to Dorothy for counsel and advice on political matters because of her organizing and civil rights knowledge.

Bayard Rustin

Bayard Rustin was one of the most prolific advocates during the Civil Rights Movement. He was one of Dr. King’s closest advisors and a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He was also responsible for one of New York City’s largest demonstrations for civil rights in 1964: The New York City School Boycott.

A. Philip Randolph

A. Philip Randolph was a labor leader and political strategist who founded the nation’s first Black labor union in 1925, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. He was also key in organizing the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.