The Chicago Public Library’s Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection presents a new exhibition recognizing the life and work of the late Reverend Addie L. Wyatt. Wyatt served as co-pastor of Chicago’s Vernon Park Church of God and was one of the leading human rights activists in 20th century America.
Wyatt donated her papers to the Chicago Public Library in 2007. Faith in the Struggle tells her amazing story with more than 100 items, including photographs, manuscripts, awards, correspondence, and memorabilia.
Rev. Wyatt was part of the “Great Migration” of African Americans to Northern cities. She became a leader in diverse struggles including fighting for civil rights, women’s rights, and labor. As a local president of United Packinghouse Workers of America union, she worked directly with civil rights and labor rights icons including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., A. Phillip Randolph, and Congressman Charles Hayes. In addition, she was founder of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, an early supporter for the National Organization for Women (NOW), and a national campaigner for the Equal Rights Amendment. In 1975, Rev. Wyatt was named one of Time magazine’s “Women of the Year.”
Faith in the Struggle: Rev. Addie Wyatt’s Fight for Labor, Civil Rights and Women’s Rights runs through February 2014 at Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted Street, Chicago IL 60628. For more information about the exhibit or collection, visit www.chipublib.org/branch/details/library/woodson-regional.
UPDATE, 08 December 2013: The Chicago Public Library website now indicates the exhibit will be open through 15 March 2014.