WILMINGTON — A collection of historical boycott posters will be exhibited at the Meriam R. Hare Quaker Heritage Center at Wilmington College from July 5 through Oct. 14.
An opening reception for “Boycott! The Art of Economic Activism,” will be Saturday, July 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. Normal gallery hours are weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by special arrangement from curator Ruth Brindle.
The traveling exhibit features more than 50 posters from almost 20 boycott movements of the 20th century, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, United Farm Workers’ grape and lettuce boycott, divestment from South Africa to protest Apartheid, boycotts of corporations using sweatshop labor and the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions.
“Posters are one of the most effective and widespread means for educating the public about an issue, promoting a cause or inspiring action,” Brindle said, noting that boycotts as a form of nonviolent protest have been used for centuries to bring an end to injustice.
“These powerful posters tell a history of grassroots activism that is often left out of history books.”
The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker organization that promotes lasting peace with justice as a practical expression of faith in action, initiated the exhibition, which was produced in collaboration with the Center for the Study of Political Graphics.
Jennifer Bing, AFSC official and national coordinator of the exhibition, added, “We hope that viewers will be challenged to evaluate their economic choices and consider whether or not our choices contribute to a more just and peaceful world.”
In September, the QHC will host several activities related to the “Boycott!” exhibit, including Museum Day Live! Sept. 24, from noon to 5 p.m., and the showing of three films: Boycott, Sept. 13; Cesar Chavez, Sept. 20; and Walkout, Sept. 27. Also, the gallery will be open on three Saturdays, from noon to 5 p.m., during the show’s run: July 30, Sept. 24 and Oct. 8.
