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, featured a commissioned artwork called "Bloom" honoring the African-American men who fought in the Civil War. The exhibition took place at the historic Fraser Mansion as part of the monthly First Friday: Art Walk Dupont Circle, where people walk between numerous galleries, embassies and organizations featuring art.
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 of the exhibit. Dr. Smith explained that the war was not going well on the Union side, pointing out that Gettysburg, being in Pennsylvania, was considered a serious incursion into the North. President Lincoln allowed Black soldiers to be recruited into the Union Army in 1863, after which approximately 200,000 Black men, mostly former slaves, served as Union soldiers. This was a turning point in the war as it allowed former slaves to help fight to keep their freedom while helping the Union.
Dr. Smith also shared a personal story about running into Dr. King at an airport on the way to Memphis when Smith was flying to Washington, DC for a new job. He told Dr. King he was hanging up his marching shoes, and Dr. King responded, "Never hang up your marching shoes." That advice led Dr. Smith to a long career as a DC City Councilmember and now as the founder and director of the African-American Civil War Museum.
Guests at the exhibit were treated to a period-authentic Black Union soldier in full uniform, as well as artwork focused on human rights and civil rights. Marcus Manning, Deputy Director of the DC Mayor's office on African American Affairs, attended and 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 to attendees, courtesy of Youth for Human Rights International. The organization's mission is to provide human rights educational resources and activities that inform, assist and unite individuals, educators, organizations and governmental bodies in the dissemination and adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at every level of society. These materials on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are also available free at www.youthforhumanrights.org. More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/YHRDC.
The exhibition represents a convergence of historical education and contemporary human rights advocacy, connecting the struggles of African-American Civil War soldiers with ongoing efforts to promote universal human rights. By combining art with education, the event creates accessible pathways for community members to engage with both historical narratives and current human rights principles. The availability of free educational materials ensures that the conversation extends beyond the exhibition space, potentially reaching broader audiences through digital resources and ongoing community engagement.
