The Remembering Monroe Project is a hands-on art & storytelling event—a celebration of the history of Monroe street and the importance of neighborhood.  Kress on Dexter will showcase the stories emanating from Monroe Street, which in its heydey was the epicenter of Black Enterprise and culture. Over 6 curated events, multiple generations will gather, stories will be shared, the faces and places of Monroe street will come to life in a one-of-a-kind art installation. Through a collaborative partnership with the Montgomery Downtown Business Association, a film crew will capture the most memorable aspects of these 6 special events. The final collective art piece—made by and for the people of Montgomery- will be displayed in Kress’s showcase window on Monroe Street as an official part of the Kress Exhibition, This is where you’ll find me, opening 4/21.

Free admission. Limited Tickets available for each event here: http://kressondexter.eventbrite.com/

Thursday, April 12th, 5pm-7pm
Remembering when……..Entrepreneurship and resilience were intrinsic to Monroe Street. Dr. Valda Harris Montgomery conveys the story of her father, Dr. Richard H. Harris, Jr. The proprietor of Dean Drug Store on Monroe Street, the Harris store served as “command center” for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, playing key communication and transportation roles for countless citizens.

Friday, April 13th, 5-7pm (young adult night)
Remembering when……. Hard work and determination in the face of adversity was commonplace and backing down was not an option. Foreword South will provide an interactive storytelling experience about the professional career of the first African American hired at an all white establishment on Monroe Street.

Saturday, April 14th, 11am-1pm
Remembering when……Relationships were greater than laws and cultural norms; when respect for humanity outweighed prejudice. Former co-workers along Monroe discuss the formulation of personal relationships while social unrest persisted outside of the refuge of work.

Sunday, April 15th, 3-5pm
Remembering when…..Monroe Street was live with entertainment. Author and archivist, Joseph Caver, will offer knowledge about the entertainment on Monroe Street, pre and post Civil Rights Movement, to include jazz clubs, the Webber Building, theatre, and more. He will shed light on the peak of entertainment on Monroe Street to its decline when the last entertainment establishment closed, including social unrest, segregation, as well as, desegregation and the impact of these social issues on the decline of entertainment on Monroe Street.

The Remembering Monroe Project is produced by Handshake Union, Shakita B. Jones, Serquest, and Montgomery Builds. Donated proceeds will go towards development of ongoing educational tools designed to extend the reach and impact of these important stories for future generations.