The Orange County Office of Equity and Inclusion will host a special event Dec. 5 to honor the incredible life and work of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. The event will include the unveiling of a stunning mural dedicated to this trailblazing civil rights activist, lawyer, and feminist icon along with a special screening of the award-winning documentary “My Name is Pauli Murray.”
“We are so proud to lift up the legacy of the late Dr. Pauli Murray,” said Dr. Shameka Y. Fairbanks, Orange County Office of Equity & Inclusion, Chief Equity & Human Rights Officer. “Dr. Murray is a true social justice pillar and icon. We strive to lead and propel the human rights and activist work that was started years ago by Dr. Murray’s leadership. Generations continue to benefit from the persistent hard work of such an amazing trailblazer.”
Raised in Durham, N.C., by her aunt, Murray was a civil rights activist and trailblazer throughout her life. She was the only woman in her class at Howard University Law School and in 1946 was hired as California’s first Black Deputy attorney general.
She was credited with coining the phrase “Jane Crow” laws to highlight the impact of segregation on African-American women and was a co-founder of the National Organization for Women in 1966.
She later became the first African-American woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest.
Local artist Scott Nurkin, owner of the Mural Shop, was chosen to create the mural.
“After spending time researching Pauli Murray’s story, I was astounded at the numerous accomplishments, particularly in civil rights, gender equality and theology,” he said. “Her name should be spoken and honored alongside leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Ella Baker and John Lewis when speaking of great achievements for the good of humanity. I am proud and honored to be able to commemorate her legacy with a mural.”
The event will take place at the Orange County SportsPlex (101 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough) beginning at 1:30 p.m. The screening will be held inside the Passmore Senior Center (adjoining the Sportsplex) after the unveiling.
Attendees are asked to register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-a-legacy-unveiling-mural-of-rev-dr-pauli-murray-tickets-753828209467?aff=oddtdtcreator
Refreshments will be provided at the Passmore Center in the Great Room.