Heather Roegiers
News Editor
kroegiers.express@gmail.com
The California Museum will host a free block party Saturday, Aug. 26, to kick off its new Unity Center exhibit, with events that include a civil rights discussion with co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association Dolores Huerta.
Alongside Huerta on the civil rights panel will be Stuart Milk, LGBT activist and nephew of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay San Francisco Board of Supervisor member who was assassinated in 1978 at City Hall. Sacramento’s new Police Chief Daniel Hahn and state Senator Holly Mitchell will also participate.
“For 19 years, many of us have dreamt and worked for this day,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, who will give an address at the event.
In an interview with the Sacramento Bee, Steinberg praised the center and similar efforts as part of an “antidote to Charlottesville.”
The event will celebrate the opening of the interactive Unity Center, a new anti-racism and diversity gallery housed in the museum.
The Unity Center features exhibits such as “Courage to Act,” which teaches visitors how bystanders can stand up to hate and harassment, and “Facing Assumptions,” which allows visitors to engage in conversations with marginalized groups, correct misconceptions and deepen their understanding.
Originally conceived in response to a 1999 hate crime spree, the long-term exhibition will address racial profiling, civil rights, equality, religious freedom, immigration and gender identity, among other issues.
Festivities at the block party include children’s activities, musical performances, food trucks, a beer garden and more.
The California Museum is located in Downtown Sacramento at 1020 O St. The free block party takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and to download a free light rail pass to the event, visit californiamuseum.org/unity-party
