Video: Civil Rights Exhibit Attracts All Ages

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-It was the movement that changed the world when people like Martin Luther King Junior and Rosa Parks stood up for their beliefs.

Now, Columbus residents have a month to look through the Birmingham exhibit without taking a road trip.

Arrest records featuring mug shots.

Left over shrapnel from a church bombing.

These items are just a few historic pieces displayed at The Columbus Arts Council as a part of Dream 365.

“I’ve always been fascinated by history and I think it’s a great collection of artifacts from real people who went through different experiences during the civil rights movement,” says Keri Lewis.

While touring the Birmingham exhibit, Keri Lewis learned about a unique connection between a famous blues musician and the controversial era.

“Didn’t know for example that Nat King Cole, there was a kidnapping attempt and after that experience he never performed in the south again,” says Lewis.

Lewis says her favorite part was seeing young observers.

“It’s exciting to see some of the kids that have come through the museum and see their reactions,” says Lewis.

I was having fun looking around and stuff,” says Kayla Murray.

Kayla Murray enjoys learning about this historic event but says the separate water fountains still leave her speechless.

“I felt mad because it’s not fair,” says Murray.

Even though times seemed unfair in the 60s, Murray believes a lot has changed.

“Everybody can do the same thing and they don’t have to like use separate fountains anymore,” says Murray.

Lewis says it does not matter where you live or who you are. She believes anyone can make a difference.

“I think that each person can be a part of change in any time as long as they are willing to stand up for what they believe in,” says Lewis.

A reception for the exhibit will kick off Monday January 13 at 7PM.