The National Center for Civil and Human Rights will name one of its two new wings for its visionary founder, former Mayor Shirley Clarke Franklin.
The Center surprised the former mayor with this announcement on Thursday, Feb. 27, as part of the annual Power to Inspire Celebration, where Franklin was honored for her lifetime of leadership. Power to Inspire recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to protecting the rights of others, according to a press release.
The new Shirley Clarke Franklin Pavilion, on the building’s east side, will provide flexible meeting space for classrooms, performances, and events. The wing’s roof will accommodate a new ticketing experience and outdoor event space.
The Center’s expansion includes two new wings and improvements to the current building that will enhance the visitor experience.
The other new wing, as has been previously announced, will be named for Arthur M. Blank and called Arthur M. Blank Inspiration Hall. That wing, on the building’s west side, will house a café and three new galleries.
“Mayor Franklin’s extraordinary leadership includes her tireless efforts to create the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and continued service on our board of directors,” Jill Savitt, the Center’s president and CEO, said in the release. “It’s an incredible moment to honor her with the naming of the Pavilion just months before we open the expanded building, coming ever closer to fulfilling the vision for our organization that she set out roughly 20 years ago.”
The Center has raised more than $53.8 million for its expansion, with approximately $2.8 million remaining to meet the campaign goal. The facility is currently closed for construction and will reopen in Fall 2025.
The Atlanta City Council at its Feb. 3 meeting approved an ordinance to rename Westside Reservoir Park to Shirley Clarke Franklin Park. The council also approved an ordinance renaming Downtown’s Central Avenue to Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard.