Time to Get Ready: Fotografía Social Civil Rights Photography of Maria Varela In-Person
Inspired by social justice activism in her south side Chicago Catholic high school, Maria Varela accepted an invitation in 1963 to join the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a civil rights organization working in the U.S. south. She helped develop a voter literacy program and by 1965 was the only female staff photographer for SNCC.
In 1968, she accepted an invitation from Reies Lopez Tijerina to join the Land Grant Movement in New Mexico. While there, she supported them in establishing co-ops and non-for-profits to help improve their lives.
"The images in this exhibition reflect the evolution of resistance movements over nearly three decades, from demonstrations to political organizing to establishing alternative institutions, which would model what we would do 'if we were in charge." - Maria Varela
Exhibition organized by the National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, IL. Sponsors: Chicago Park District, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Please visit https://houstonlibrary.org/exhibits for more FREE exhibits at HPL and suggested reading for this exhibition.
- Date:
- Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Show more dates
- Time:
- All Day Event
- Time Zone:
- Central Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Self-guided Activities
- Campus:
- African American History Research Center at the Gregory School
- Age Group:
- All Ages
- Categories:
- Exhibits