Save the Museum: Honor Sam Walker

The National Voting Rights Museum is a powerful symbol of history and justice, located at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Since its founding in 1993, this museum has drawn thousands of visitors from around the world, including President Obama and his family, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris, who visited just six months ago to honor the ongoing fight for voting rights. Co-founded by icons of the Voting Rights Movement like C.T. Vivian, Albert Turner, Marie Foster, and Amelia Boynton-Robinson, the museum has been instrumental in preserving the stories of those who fought—and continue to fight—for equality.

However, this vital institution is now in jeopardy. The museum has been vandalized and is in urgent need of renovations to restore and preserve it to its original condition. Among the necessary repairs needed are the replacement of the ceiling and a new HVAC unit, along with other critical restorations.

Without these renovations, we risk losing a cornerstone of our nation’s history. The museum is also working to be added to the national historical registry, a recognition that would secure its place in the American narrative and help protect its future. But we need your support to prove its significance and ensure it continues to serve the community.

For over 20 years, Sam Walker has been the heart and soul of this museum. His deep knowledge of Black history, combined with his passionate and charismatic personality, made him an irreplaceable figure. Visitors frequently asked for him by name, knowing his tours would bring history to life in a way that left a lasting impact. Tragically, Sam recently suffered a major stroke, leaving him in need of long-term care and rehabilitation. As Sam fights for his recovery, the museum is also struggling in his absence.

This museum is more than just a building; it is a living monument to the fight for voting rights and an essential resource for educating future generations. Without the necessary funding, we risk losing not only this irreplaceable institution but also the invaluable stories and lessons it holds.

We urgently need your help. Your donation will enable the museum to undergo the critical renovations required to restore and preserve it. By contributing to this fundraiser, you are helping to preserve a crucial piece of our nation’s history and ensuring that the legacy of the Voting Rights Movement continues to inspire future generations.

Please join us in supporting the National Voting Rights Museum during this critical time. Your generosity will make a lasting difference in both the museum's future and the community it serves.