WASHINGTON, DC, February 12, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The United for Human Rights art exhibit was co-hosted by the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, Youth for Human Rights International's Washington, DC chapter, and Art Impact International. It featured a commissioned artwork called "Bloom" honoring the African-American men who fought in the Civil War.

Dr. Frank Smith, founder of the African-American Civil War Museum in Washington, DC, and a civil rights activist who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke at the opening of the exhibit. Dr. Smith explained that the war not going well on the Union side, pointing out that Gettysburg, being in Pennsylvania, was considered to be a serious incursion into the North. President Lincoln allowed Black soldiers to be recruited into the Union Army in 1863 after which time approximately 200,000 Black men, mostly former slaves, served as Union soldiers. This was a turning point in the war as it allowed former slaves to help fight to keep their freedom while helping the Union.

Dr. Smith also shared a story about running into Dr. King at an airport on the way to Memphis when Smith was flying up to Washington, DC, for a new job. He told Dr. King he was hanging up his marching shoes and Dr. King responded, "Never hang up your marching shoes." That advice lead Dr. Smith to a long career as a DC City Councilmember and now as the founder and director of the African-American Civil War Museum.

Guests at the exhibit were treated to a period-authentic Black Union soldier in full uniform, as well as artwork focused on human rights and civil rights. The pop-up exhibit, held at the historic Fraser Mansion, was part of the monthly First Friday: Art Walk Dupont Circle where people walk between numerous galleries, embassies and organizations that are featuring art.

Marcus Manning, Deputy Director of the DC Mayor's office on African American Affairs, also attended and thanked the artists for their work.

Azhar Haq, Executive Director of Youth for Human Rights International's DC chapter, emphasized the significance of art in human rights advocacy, stating, "Art speaks for itself…. Through this event we can get the word out on human rights, particularly to youth so they become advocates for tolerance and peace."

In addition to the artwork, free educational materials on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights were available to attendees, courtesy of Youth for Human Rights International, whose mission is to provide human rights educational resources and activities that inform, assist and unite individuals, educators, organizations and governmental bodies in the dissemination and adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at every level of society.

These materials on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are also available free at www.youthforhumanrights.org. More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/YHRDC.

Art Walk Dupont is a recurring cultural experience that brings free art exhibits to galleries, embassies, and cultural centers throughout the historic Dupont Circle neighborhood.

About Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI): YHRI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youth about human rights, with a focus on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through innovative outreach programs such as art exhibitions, concerts, and interactive community events, YHRI inspires young people to become advocates for peace and tolerance. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the 30 fundamental human rights and their relevance in everyday life.

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