The United for Human Rights art exhibit, co-hosted by the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, Youth for Human Rights International's Washington, DC chapter, and Art Impact International, opened in February to celebrate Black History Month. The event featured a commissioned artwork titled "Bloom," honoring the African-American men who fought in the Civil War, and was held at the historic Fraser Mansion as part of the monthly First Friday: Art Walk Dupont Circle.
Dr. Frank Smith, founder of the African-American Civil War Museum in Washington, DC, and a civil rights activist who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke at the opening. Dr. Smith recounted how President Lincoln allowed Black soldiers to be recruited into the Union Army in 1863, leading to approximately 200,000 Black men, mostly former slaves, serving as Union soldiers. This was a turning point in the war, as it allowed former slaves to fight for their freedom while aiding the Union. Dr. Smith also shared a personal story about encountering Dr. King at an airport en route to Memphis. When Smith mentioned he was hanging up his marching shoes, Dr. King advised, "Never hang up your marching shoes." That guidance led Smith to a long career as a DC City Councilmember and founder of the African-American Civil War Museum.
Guests at the exhibit enjoyed a period-authentic Black Union soldier in full uniform, along with artwork focused on human rights and civil rights. Marcus Manning, Deputy Director of the DC Mayor's Office on African American Affairs, thanked the artists for their work. Azhar Haq, Executive Director of Youth for Human Rights International's DC chapter, emphasized the significance of art in human rights advocacy, stating, "Art speaks for itself…. Through this event we can get the word out on human rights, particularly to youth so they become advocates for tolerance and peace."
In addition to the artwork, free educational materials on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights were available, courtesy of Youth for Human Rights International. These materials are also available free at www.youthforhumanrights.org. More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/YHRDC. Art Walk Dupont is a recurring cultural experience that brings free art exhibits to galleries, embassies, and cultural centers throughout the historic Dupont Circle neighborhood.
The event highlighted the ongoing relevance of human rights education and the role of art in fostering awareness and advocacy. By honoring the legacy of African-American Civil War soldiers, the exhibition underscored the importance of remembering history while promoting universal human rights.
