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Mr. Gray concluded his remarks by challenging the College to help keep the doors of the Tuske- gee History Center open and to examine what he and others did in the civil rights movement in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s and to use that experience to solve the problems facing us. “The challenge to yourselves is to leave here today more commit- ted than when you came, more challenged to use what was learned from the civil rights movement to lead change and bring about change in your communities in 2023 and beyond.” Fred’s final message to the College came out of his last conversation with his good friend, the Late Honorable John Lewis, a few days before his death: “So I say to all of you members of this association and all persons who are interested in civil and human rights, keep pushing, keep going, set the record straight; and I add, do it in a non- violent manner and continue to do it until jus- tice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.” Gregory K. Wells Rockville, MD THE TUSKEGEE HISTORY CENTER Originally established in 1997 to be a memorial to the victims of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, the Tuskegee History Center is now a cultural center and historical museum. Patron and co-founder Fred D. Gray wanted to not only share the rich and complex history of the South, he wanted to bring recognition to the people who shaped the community, including African Americans, Native Americans and European Americans. Housed in a downtown bank building deeded by Alabama Exchange Bank, the Tuske- gee History Center has grown under the patronage and direction of Mr. Gray into what is now the official visitor center in Tuskegee, Alabama. In addition to housing both permanent and travelling exhibits, the Center provides workshops, educational programs and a host of local activities throughout the year. The Tuskegee History Center relies entirely on community support to continue telling its stories of history, people and culture. If you want to accept Fred Gray’s challenge, visit www.tuskegeecenter.org. SUMMER 2023 JOURNAL 28 28