Margaret Bush Wilson and the Promise of America: A Pragmatic Civil Rights Vision

Presented on

March 7, 2018

Priscilla Dowden-White explores the life and legacy of St. Louis attorney and NAACP leader Margaret Bush Wilson. In her lifelong struggle to advance freedom and equality for African Americans, women, and all those who were excluded from the mainstream of society, Wilson blazed a courageous trail marked by landmark legal decisions and major civil rights advances that opened doors to equal opportunity for all. Dowden-White examines the philosophical viewpoints and experiences that shaped Wilson’s definition of justice and fairness for all.

About the Presenter

Priscilla Dowden-White

Priscilla Dowden-White is associate professor of history at University of Missouri–St. Louis and the author of Groping toward Democracy: African American Social Welfare Reform in St. Louis, 1910–1949.

About the Lecture Series

African-American Experience in Missouri Lecture Series

Explore Missouri's past and prepare for the future through the African American Experience in Missouri lecture series. A collaboration of the State Historical Society of Missouri's Center for Missouri Studies and the University of Missouri's Division of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity, it is designed to offer the community opportunities to reach a new understanding of present-day Missouri by learning about the history of African Americans within the state.

Read more about African-American Experience in Missouri Lecture Series

Events

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Sep 19

Thomas Hart Benton: The Complete Editioned Lithographs Opening Reception

The State Historical Society of Missouri holds one of the few complete collections of the lithographs Thomas Hart Benton published in editions during his lifetime. Over 90 master prints dating from 1929 to 1974 reflect the many changes that took place in Benton’s attitudes and artwork over the course of his life. Many of these lithographs are variations on famed Benton paintings, and the diverse imagery attests to the complexity of the artist’s aesthetic, political and social ideas.

More Events

Aug 23 Aug 23

MinerRama Involvement Fair

Staff will be present to provide information about FREE resources available on campus for students.

Aug 29 Aug 29

Fall Volunteer Fair

Stop by the SHSMO table at the UMSL Fall Volunteer Fair to meet archivists who will showcase all the volunteer opportunities available at our St. Louis Research Center.

Aug 29

Finding Your Civil War Ancestor

Join Bill Eddleman, Associate Director of the Cape Girardeau Research Center, who will talk about strategies for searching and interpreting records.

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