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Is one of the most inspiring and complex figures in American history. Poet, lawyer, priest, activist, professor Murray wore many hats throughout their life, and each role reflected their unwavering dedication to justice and equality. What strikes me most is how Murray never confined their identity to a single label, and instead lived a life defined by purpose, courage, and integrity.

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We chose this exhibition because Pauli Murray’s story is a powerful example of how intersectionality race, gender, sexuality, class shapes both personal identity and social movements. Murray’s life challenges us to rethink the way we view history and whose stories get told. In a time when we’re still fighting for racial justice, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, Murray’s legacy feels more relevant than ever. This exhibit does a beautiful job of showing how one person can influence change through many different paths law, art, activism, and spirituality.

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From being denied entry to the University of North Carolina because they were Black, to writing a bold letter to President Roosevelt about racial injustice and then receiving a response from Eleanor Roosevelt Murray exemplified what it means to "survive with dignity." Their arrest in 1940 for refusing to comply with segregation laws, as well as their role in pioneering sit-ins while at Howard University, are powerful reminders that Pauli Murray was at the forefront of civil rights activism long before the movement became a national force.

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What makes their story even more compelling is their exploration of identity. Though Murray used she/her pronouns during her life, there were times when they identified as male what today we might recognize as gender fluidity. By using both “she” and “they” to refer to Murray, we can better honor the complexity of their identity and experience

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Murray’s poetry, such as “Color Trouble” and “Harlem Riot, 1943,” beautifully captures the pain and hope of the times. These poems remind us that activism can take many forms not just marches and court cases, but also art and words. Murray’s legal writing even influenced landmark Supreme Court decisions, showing that their voice mattered in both poetry and policy.

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Question for Discussion:

Pauli Murray fought for justice in the courtroom, through poetry, and even from the pulpit as the first African American woman ordained as an Episcopal priest. In what ways do you think their personal identity influenced their work across so many different fields? How can we better acknowledge the contributions of people like Murray, who don’t always fit neatly into traditional historical categories?

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Origin: Ray Bradbury was born on August 22, 1920, in Waukegan, Illinois.

History: He wrote many science fiction and fantasy stories. His books often talk about people, technology, and problems in society. He won many awards, including the National Medal of Arts.

About Fahrenheit 451: This story is about a future where books are illegal, and firemen burn them. It talks about censorship, the danger of too much technology, and why books and thinking for yourself are important.

Personal Reflection: This book reminds us how important freedom of thought is. It shows what can happen when people can’t share ideas, which is still a problem in many places today.

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Origin: Pauli Murray was born on November 20, 1910, in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in Durham, North Carolina.

History: She was a leader for civil rights, a lawyer, a feminist, a poet, and the first Black woman to become a priest in the Episcopal Church in the U.S. She helped start the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, but later left because it didn’t include women of color enough. In 1977, she became the first Black woman Episcopal priest.

About Proud Shoes: The Story of an American Family: This book is about Pauli Murray’s family. It talks about race, strength, and fighting for justice. It tells the story of her ancestors and the struggles they faced in America.

Personal Reflection: Her honest story helps us understand how people fought against racism and gender inequality. It still connects to today’s fight for equal rights and justice.

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Origin: Frederick Douglass was born in February 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland.

History: He escaped slavery and became a strong voice for ending it. He was also an early supporter of women’s rights and worked in public service.

About Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave: This book tells his life story—what it was like being a slave and how he gained freedom. It shows the cruelty of slavery and why it needed to end.

Personal Reflection: Douglass’s story shows the strength of the human spirit. It inspires people today to keep fighting for human rights and justice.

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Origin: Hisaye Yamamoto was born on August 23, 1921, in Redondo Beach, California.

History: She was a Japanese American writer. During World War II, she was sent to a U.S. prison camp with other Japanese Americans. These experiences had a big impact on her writing.

About Seventeen Syllables: This short story is about a Japanese American family. The mother loves writing haiku poems, and the daughter struggles with her identity. It shows problems between generations, culture, and how hard it is to be part of two worlds.

Personal Reflection: The story helped me understand what immigrant families go through. It connects with people today who try to balance two cultures and still be themselves.

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Origin: Paul Laurence Dunbar was born on June 27, 1872, in Dayton, Ohio. His parents had been enslaved in Kentucky.

History: Dunbar was one of the first Black poets to be famous in the U.S. He wrote poems, novels, and short stories about the Black experience in America. He was also a classmate of Orville Wright.

About We Wear the Mask: This poem talks about how Black people had to hide their true feelings to survive in a racist society. It speaks about pain, identity, and the strength it takes to keep going.

Personal Reflection: The poem made me think about how people today still wear "masks" to fit into society. It’s a strong message about hiding pain and being strong.