About

Mission

The Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem interprets, documents, and shares the stories of the long and ongoing struggle for justice and Civil Rights in Northern urban environments across America.

Vision

The vision of the Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem is to provide a vibrant, educational experience that inspires visitors to realize their potential as agents of change in the ongoing movement for Civil Rights. It is a place where visitors can reflect on past Civil Rights efforts, imagine new possibilities, and inspire future action.

Values

Knowledge is Liberation

Knowledge is freedom. History belongs to everyone.

Storytelling with Purpose

We amplify our history and our voices to shape new futures.

We are a legacy told through culture.

Community & Place

Harlem is our home and community is at the heart of all we do.

Collective Action

Civil Rights are won through shared struggle and solidarity.

Bold Inclusivity

We welcome diverse audiences to the fight for justice.

Museum Staff

Jennifer Scott,

founding Executive Director and Chief Curator

Araya Henry,

Director of Learning & Engagement

Leslie Adams,

Collections Manager

Jordan W. Carter,

Manager of Public Programs

Saran Adkinson,

Visitor Services Manager

Michala Palmer,

Exhibitions Manager

Marcus N. Valcourt,

Operations Associate

Mbali McCluskey-Nightingale,

Museum Educator

The Building

A New Home In Harlem

The Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem is located on the 4^th floor of 117-125 West 125th Street in the new Urban League Empowerment Center, one of the most significant economic development projects in Harlem’s recent history. This multi-purpose building includes National Urban League’s new office headquarters and Conference Center, major retailers - Target, Trader Joe’s, Sephora, and Pandora, nonprofit offices such as Studio Museum Harlem, Virginia Union University, United Negro College Fund, 100 Black Men, and Jazzmobile, and 171 units of affordable housing. Since its founding, the National Urban League has worked to strengthen and vitalize urban neighborhoods through community investment. This well-funded and community-backed, public-private partnership not only marks the return of the National Urban League to its birthplace in Harlem. It demonstrates the organization’s continued commitment to enhancing the economic and cultural revitalization of communities of color.