National Civil Rights Museum Receives Makeover
Samuel L. Jackson and Hampton Hotels’ Program Helps
By: Anthony Austin
GeorgeAnthony86@gmail.com
The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee is receiving a renovation thanks to a famous actor and some helping hands. The famous museum is the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated almost 40 years ago. Samuel L. Jackson and the Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark program are pitching in to help.
The renovation is the largest in the program’s nine year history. Samuel L. Jackson and more than 100 Hampton Hotel volunteers from the area will work together to restore the Hotel. Volunteers will paints wall, replace wallpaper, repair displays, and upgrade the exterior and the landscape. The program plans to complete most of the project by the 40th Anniversary of Dr. King’s death which is April 4th.
“Landmark Legends” is the name of Hampton’s 2008 campaign. The program is devoted to restoring sites honoring influential American such as Amelia Earhart, Jackie Robinson, and Hellen Keller. The list of legendary figures was chosen through a nationwide survey conducted by Hampton Hotels. Those chosen were Americans who have inspired change, overcome adversity, and made a difference.
“The National Civil Rights Museum is an important landmark in American History.” said actor Samuel L. Jackson, “I’m looking forward to working along the volunteers at Hampton Hotels and their Save-A-Landmark program in restoring the grounds.” Jackson actually served as an usher at Dr.King’s funeral.
Landmark nominations have been an important part of the Save-A-Landmark program’s success since it began in 2000. If you would like to nominate your own “Landmark Legend”, you can visit the Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark site at www.hamptonlandmarks.com and click on “submit a landmark” to enter a nomination for a legendary landmark.
