Margaret Walker & The Power of Words

Client: Margaret Walker Center, Jackson State University

Exhibition on view beginning September 22, 2025

Margaret Walker (1915–1998) was an important writer and scholar whose work remains relevant today. This is the first significant exhibition dedicated to Walker. It shares her personal story and significant moments from her career. The exhibition begins chronologically with her childhood and early professional pursuits, then shifts to a thematic approach that highlights key works and legacy. The design is colorful (grounded by her academic home’s primary school color—royal blue) and bold to emphasize Walker’s continued relevance and the strength of her words. Significant publications are highlighted in golden circles, pull quotes from the author appear in red bubbles, and sidebars of historical information appear on green panels. Original artifacts are blended into the story as touchpoints to the past, and archival photos depict relevant people and places. Visitors hear Walker’s voice in video and audio presentations, engage in conversation with others via journal prompts, and witness her words inspire others in a closing video.