Rutha Mae Harris

"Without the songs of the movement, personally I believe that there wouldn't have been a movement."- Rutha Mae Harris

The Rothko Chapel continues its tradition of honoring The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life with a musical tribute on his birthday. This year the Chapel is thrilled to feature the renowned Freedom Singer Rutha Mae Harris in an exploration of singing as a nonviolent practice during the Civil Rights movement. In addition to rousing renditions of freedom songs, Harris recalls the roles each song played in one of the most successful nonviolent movements in history. Rutha Mae Harris became a member of the Freedom Singers at age 21. She was arrested three times during her work as a civil rights activist, spending 14 days in jail. Numerous civil rights leaders considered her voice "invaluable" to the success of the movement. A reception and cd sale follow on the plaza.