Civil Rights Leader John Lewis Honored by Artist Michael Tumelo Moloi on International Artist Day Amidst Historic Woolworth Theatre's Legacy
Henry Lewis (on left, brother of John Lewis), artist / Shiners Nashville performer Michael Tumelo Moloi, and Samuel Lewis (brother of John Lewis) pose with the painting on display at the Woolworth Theatre
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (October 25, 2023) – To celebrate “International Artist Day" today, Woolworth Theatre highlights celebrated artist, and Shiners Nashville performer, Michael Tumelo Moloi, whose captivating artwork graces the historic Woolworth Theatre.
The acclaimed artist created the artwork to honor the legacy of American civil rights leader, Representative John Lewis.
Michael says: "John Lewis reminded me that even in dark places, there is light, and the only way to overcome hate is to love. If one has lived in the past, one must learn to adapt to the future. Talking about issues that disturb society is nothing but "good trouble." The inspiration to paint this art piece was the life of John Lewis. I’m honored that it hangs in the Woolworth Theatre as a tribute to the “good trouble” that helped change the world."
Chuck Wicks, owner of the Woolworth Theatre, said: “When Michael surprised me with his John Lewis art piece, I was blown away. The amount of detail and reasoning he puts behind his art is spectacular. I wanted to present it in a place where everyone had to walk past it when entering the theatre. As long as I’m a part of this building, the legacy of John Lewis, and what he did in this space, will always be alive. This piece of art from Michael is one of the cornerstones of that mission.”
Situated at 223 Rep. John Lewis Way North in downtown Nashville's Fifth Avenue Historic District, the Woolworth Theatre's building holds a crucial place in our nation's history. Dating back to the 1890s, the structure has housed various businesses. In 1913, Woolworth opened one of the original "five and dime" stores, attracting shoppers with its commitment to quality and value. A few years later, in 1925, Woolworth established its renowned lunch counter, offering affordable meals to downtown Nashville's shoppers and workers. However, this was an era of segregation, where African Americans were barred from public lunch counters.
The building's true historical significance comes to light in the civil rights movement. On Saturday, February 13, 1960, a group of students initiated a movement to challenge decades-old segregation practices by conducting "sit-ins" at downtown Nashville's lunch counters, including Woolworth, Kress, and McClellan. These students, most of whom attended historically black universities, such as Fisk University, American Baptist College, and Tennessee A&I (now Tennessee State), were met with denial but refused to vacate their seats.
John Lewis, born in Troy, Alabama, in 1940, was a prominent American civil rights leader whose unwavering commitment to justice and nonviolent activism left an indelible mark on the nation. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Lewis became deeply involved in the civil rights movement during his early years at the American Baptist Theological Seminary and Fisk University. He played a pivotal role in organizing sit-ins at segregated lunch counters, including the historic Woolworth's sit-in, where he and other activists peacefully protested racial segregation.
Lewis's dedication to nonviolent protest led him to lead the historic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 7, 1965, a pivotal moment that contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Throughout his life, Lewis served as a bridge between generations, advocating for social justice, healthcare reform, and economic equality during his over three-decade tenure in Congress, representing Georgia's 5th congressional district. His legacy as a fearless champion of civil rights continues to inspire activists and leaders, reminding us of the enduring power of one person's determination to bring about positive change in the world. John Lewis's life and work exemplify the relentless pursuit of equality and justice for all.
Today, the building stands as a registered historic site within the Fifth Avenue Historic District in Nashville, immortalized for its role in the Civil Rights movement. The Woolworth Theatre, housed within this historically significant structure, has once again become the center of attention as acclaimed artist Michael Tumelo Moloi's artwork graces its walls.
On this International Artist Day, Woolworth Theatre celebrate Michael Tumelo Moloi, whose work transcends boundaries and speaks to the soul. This piece of art, inspired by the indomitable spirit of John Lewis, reflects the enduring legacy of those who fought for justice, equality, and love.
