Living in an international city that is an important part of the Civil Rights Movement, Julie Smith wants Atlanta to be at the forefront of improving race relations. She educates others on the history of civil rights in our country, and how each of us have the ability to make changes to protect human rights all over the world at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. As a docent and gallery assistant, she enjoys engaging with visitors on their reactions and responses to the uplifting, emotional, and sometimes shocking exhibits at the Center.

Smith recalls a moving volunteer experience from Black History Month this past February, “The Center provided additional children's programming which included a scavenger hunt for kids to really engage in the exhibits. Another volunteer and I were working a prize table at the end of the hunt when a father came up with his young son. The little boy was asked what he had learned. He looked at me and my fellow volunteer and said, ‘Because of Dr. King, you two can be friends.’

It inspired me that this little boy learned that two women, one - a black college professor and the other - a white retired former business owner, are friends because of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. These times are heartwarming and make me happy to be a volunteer at the Center.”

Due to the pandemic, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights closed its doors in March of 2020, leaving Julie heartbroken.

“Volunteering at the National Center for Civil & Human Rights inspires me to actively work to make changes in the world,” says Smith about her volunteer experience.

Fortunately the Center has since re-opened, and you can find Julie volunteering there in April. Swing by and visit her Thursday through Sunday and become inspired to make change in the world.

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