Memorialize the Movement looking for space

Leesa Kelly, founder of Memorialize the Movement (MTM), is participating in a fellowship named for Arthur C. McWatt (1926-2012), an African American researcher, writer, and educator who taught history and social studies for 33 years. He wrote “Crusaders for Justice” celebrating heroes of the Civil Rights Movement in Minnesota as well several magazine articles.

The fellowship is a joint project of the historical societies of Ramsey, Anoka and Dakota Counties along with the Hennepin History Museum in the interest of expanding their work with African American communities and advancing the preservation and presentation of African American history in Minnesota.

Just getting underway, it will involve connections and shadowing by others observing MTM’s work, which now goes beyond preserving the plywood protest art of the George Floyd summer. While looking for space and funds to house the collection where it can be viewed, MTM is also providing learning opportunities for youth, hoping to raise up the next generation of activists. Recently a group of girls from the Girl Scouts River Valley chapter came to the Northrup King Building where the murals are stored, to tour and then make mini-murals on the fourth floor of the building.

Due to impending restoration/renovation of that area of the building come August, MTM will need to move to another temporary or permanent space. They are working with a commercial real estate agent and would appreciate any leads at leesa@memorializethemovement.com.

Also in the plans, a public exhibition of a new selection of murals at Phelps Park around the 2nd anniversary of Floyd’s death. This second annual exhibit will feature murals that have not been seen since the uprising of 2020 and include an open call for artists to come and paint new murals at the park on event day. There will also be food trucks and a section for community-led organizations to come out and table during the exhibition.

—by Margo Ashmore