Human Rights Activism in Minnesota, a Capstone Project & Exhibit Blueprint

Abstract

This capstone project was originally proposed by Barbara Frey, Director of the University of Minnesota’s Human Rights Program, in partnership with the University of Minnesota Archives and Special Collections, the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice, and the Advocates for Human Rights. The capstone team was tasked with facilitating the transfer of selected archival materials from The Advocates for Human Rights to the Archives to process and analyze historical materials in the context of transnational human rights activities in Minnesota. The ultimate goal for this capstone project was for the team to present a blueprint for a proposed exhibit that showcases Minnesota’s human rights legacy through archival research.The year 2023 provides a unique convergence of several important milestones for Minnesota’s human rights community: the 50th anniversary of the Minnesota Human Rights Act;the 40th anniversary of the founding of The Advocates for Human Rights; and the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice at the Humphrey School. It will also be the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights, so this is a timely opportunity to commemorate the history of human rights in Minnesota, over the last 75 years. It is in this convergence that the Human Rights Program intends to explore a rich history of activism. In considering these opportunities and milestones, we have made every effort to balance the tension of the abundant history of human rights activism with the deep and persistent inequities in Minnesota. Through this project, we have been called to honor the life work of so many dedicated individuals while also acknowledging the presence of white saviorism, white supremacy, and the title towards western dominance in human rights activism.