We Demand: A Legacy of Activism in America

We Demand! A Legacy of Activism in America exhibition promotional graphic with image from the “Save Our Cities March + Rally” in Washington, D.C., by Kirk Condyles, Impact Visuals, May 15, 1992, Impact Visuals Photograph Collection, SCRC.

Bird Library, 6th Floor

March 2, 2026 – December 23, 2026

Since this country’s founding, the American people have shaped—and continue to shape—a more just and equitable future. For decades, the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) has collected materials related to histories of activism and social reform in America that illustrate how advancements in rights were made possible by those who came before. This tireless pursuit and ongoing work of individuals and collective groups who have come together to push for change—not always seen during their lifetimes—in the face of extraordinary challenges and circumstances are documented within this exhibition. Traces of resistance and perseverance in the form of posters, protest signs, photographs, demands, newsletters and more represent the critical role of activism in challenging injustice and securing greater freedoms in the United States. We invite you to consider which legacies of activism have shaped your own experiences, what movements and causes resonate with you, and which stories remain to be told.

The exhibition was curated by Courtney Hicks, SCRC Lead Curator and Curator of Plastics and Historical Artifacts, Jana Rosinski, SCRC Instruction and Education Librarian, and Lindy Smith, SCRC Assistant Director.

The exhibition will be on view at the Special Collections Research Center, Bird Library, 6th floor gallery until the close of the Fall 2026 semester.