Art possesses the passion to inspire and history the power to teach.

By melding the two, “Stories that Shaped a Nation: A National Commemoration of the Women Icons of the March on Washington” and the “Civil Rights Movement, The Freedom Memorial of the Lehigh Valley” and “This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement,” through May 15, Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley, enliven the past.

“The Stories that Shaped a Nation” volunteer leadership team, led by Esther Lee, co-chair public relations, marketing and social media, presented this year’s event schedule surrounded by the Allentown Art Museum’s “This Light of Ours” exhibit which, as stated in a press release, “... captures the commitment of black and white alike to the cause of racial justice ...”

Visual depictions of those who championed civil rights dovetail well with “Stories that Shaped a Nation,” a three-year project to promote national awareness about iconic women of the Civil Rights Movement.

Icons are inducted annually, and at the close of the campaign, the publication of a commemorative book composed of the stories of the honorary chairs, women icons and Pennsylvania civil rights leaders is planned.

Lee said the project has two goals: to retain the legacy of those who gave voice and spirit to the Civil Rights Movement and to promote the inclusion of Civil Rights history in the public school curriculum.

This year’s celebration begins with “Hear the Icons,” a free event, 2 p.m. April 24, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown. A panel composed of the 2016 Icons, 2015 Icon Laureates and honorary co-chairs will relate their experiences. African-American poetess Nikki Giovanni and U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke will moderate the discussion.

After light refreshments, attendees may participate in “March with Icons” by walking from Symphony Hall to The Freedom Memorial at Fourth Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

The Freedom Memorial is a particularly appropriate gathering point because, as pointed out in the “Stories that Shaped a Nation” brochure, “[It is] the only memorial in the world honoring both Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King.”

“March with Icons” segues into “Worship with Icons,” a sunset memorial service during which the 2016 Icons will be inducted.

“Meet the Icons,” a ticketed buffet dinner, 6 p.m. April 24, Rodale Community Room, Miller Symphony Hall, concludes the day’s activities.

On April 25, the Icons, Icon Laureates, Honorary Co-Chairs, partners and keynote speakers will attend a private viewing of “This Light of Ours.” Festivities close with “Honor the Icons,” a ticketed community luncheon in the Rodale Room.

Tickets for dinner April 24 and or luncheon April 25 may be purchased online at stsan.eventbrite.com or by contacting Nah-Tarsha Cherry, 484-547-7082, or Tomacene Nickens, 610-865-9379.

Stories that Shaped a Nation is a non-partisan, inclusive collaboration of the U.S. Library of Congress, PBS39, women leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus, women leaders and community organizations of the Lehigh Valley and The Freedom Memorial of the Lehigh Valley.

Tickets for the April 24 dinner and April 25 luncheon may be purchased online at stsan.eventbrite.com or by contacting Nah-Tarsha Cherry, 484-547-7082, or Tomacene Nickens, 610-865-9379.

Information: Esther M. Lee, emlanelee@gmail.com, 610-866-2078