Sixth Street Museum District’s Generations Strong Wall receives three American Advertising Awards from the American Advertising Federation District 7
Hattiesburg, MS (September 3, 2024) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Sixth Street Museum District’s Generations Strong Wall design and presentation has received three American Advertising Awards.
The American Advertising Awards are the pinnacle of creative excellence in the ad industry, attracting nearly 30,000 entries annually! This prestigious three-tier competition begins at the local level, with winners from Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, which comprise the American Advertising Federation District 7. “We are proud that the Generations Strong Wall has been recognized among the top advertising works in the AAFD7,” said Latoya Norman. “It is a true showpiece and I hope we will go on to be an award winner on the national level.”
In the category of Professional Best of Show, the Generations Strong Wall received the Mosaic Award and Judges Choice Award. “This piece shows what phenomenal things can be accomplished when art and commerce collaborate to create work that celebrates those who helped build a community,” commented the judges. “I was inspired to explore the installation even further post-judging and it gave me chills to read more about the 180 leaders featured in the project.”
Additionally, the Generations Strong Wall received the Professional Gold Addy® Award for Ambient Media > Installations > Single Installation. Kari Zendejas, Art & Design Supervisor for the Hattiesburg Convention Commission was the Art and Design Supervisor for the project, and Latoya Norman, Director of Museums oversaw the project with Rick Taylor, Executive Director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission.
“It is an honor to be recognized with these awards,” said Zendejas. “We take such pride in what we do in every Hattiesburg Convention Commission project and attraction, and through this recognition I hope more people are exposed to the Generations Strong Wall.”
In 2019 it was determined that fencing was needed to define the North border of the Historic Eureka School’s property, and the Hattiesburg Convention Commission wanted to make the space a statement piece for the Sixth Street Museum District.
On February 23rd, 2023 the Hattiesburg Convention Commission in cooperation with the City of Hattiesburg, unveiled the 375-foot wall to the public, which highlights African American individuals or families from Hattiesburg who have inspired or continue to inspire others through their work and service. On December 9th of that same year the HCC unveiled the final two panel installations to the wall.
“For more than 15 years the Hattiesburg Convention Commission has been strategically preserving the history of the African American community of Hattiesburg through the Sixth Street Museum District,” said Rick Taylor, Executive Director of the Commission. “The fact that the work we are doing has been recognized and celebrated regionally is very rewarding, and a true testament to the dedication our team has to planning and presenting our attractions in an artistic and aesthetically pleasing manner.
Historic Eureka School is located at 410 E. Sixth Street. There is no charge to visit the Generations Strong Commemorative Wall, and due to backlighting, it can be viewed at night as well as during the day. Guests are welcomed to visit the wall anytime between daylight and 10:00 p.m.
