Local Museum President On Protests, Revenue Lost Due To Pandemic And Remaining Hopeful
Jill Savitt, president and CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, joins “Closer Look” to reflect on the current climate in Atlanta as it relates to the eruption of protests, police reform and the pandemic.
COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Despite the physical doors of a downtown Atlanta museum being temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its top leader says the museum’s power expands beyond its building.
Jill Savitt, president and CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, says the closure has cost the museum about $356,000 in revenue monthly and about $1 million to date.
In an attempt to combat the revenue lost, Savitt says she and her team are prioritizing offering online programming and services. Savitt says she and her team are working to transform the museum from an Atlanta attraction to a cultural institution.
“We want to see the center not only survive but thrive,” said Savitt.
On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Savitt told host Rose Scott that the museum aims to educate its visitors about how the American civil rights movement is connected to multiple global human rights movements throughout the world.
“We tell the story of young people who secured voting rights for Black Americans and how they did it,” said Savitt.
During the conversation, Savitt also talked about race and racism, the eruption of protests, recent police shootings and what actions she thinks Atlantans and the country should take to heal.
“Many days, despite everything, I wake up very hopeful because while it’s painful and frustrating right now, we have a chance to reimagine our country,” she said.
The museum is expected to open in late July.
Guest:
Jill Savitt, president and CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
To listen to the full conversation, please click the audio player above.
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