Tacoma's Civil Rights Struggle:
African Americans Leading the Way
Ended December 7, 2008
The South was not the only place where Americans were denied equal rights. Right here in Tacoma, as little as 35 years ago, Americans couldn’t get jobs or housing because of their color. Learn how local leaders fought Washington’s own civil rights battle in Tacoma’s Civil Rights Struggle: African Americans Leading the Way.
President John F. Kennedy at the White House with African American
leaders, June 21, 1963. Tacoma’s Jack Tanner stands behind Kennedy,
his hands on a chair. (Washington State Historical Society)
This exhibit explores the trials and tribulations of the Civil Rights Movement right here in Tacoma. Through pictures, interviews, artifacts and more, many not seen in half a century, bring to life the struggles of local activists in Tacoma, and learn how the equal rights effort continues today.
Tacoma's Civil Rights Struggle: African Americans Leading the Way will be on display through December 7. Organized by the Washington State Historical Society and the Tacoma Civil Rights Project.
African American soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 9th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division on parade at Fort Lewis, Wash. before leaving for Korea, 1950.(Courtesy Fort Lewis Military Museum)
Anna Allen, first female African American bus driver in Tacoma, Wash., sits behind the wheel of her bus, 1970-1979.(Washington State Historical Society)
Dorothy Williams learning how to use a belt sander at the Rainier Aircraft Training School, 1945.(Washington State Historical Society)