Opening January 9 at the Gaston County Museum of Art & History, Making Our Voices Heard is a traveling exhibit that explores how everyday North Carolinians helped expand democracy by speaking up, organizing, and demanding change.

Developed as part of America 250 NC’s “When Are We US?” initiative, and made possible with support from Friends of the Gaston County Library and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the exhibit highlights the stories of seven influential North Carolinians. Featured figures include Gertrude Weil, Henry Owl, Abraham Galloway, Ronald Mace, and Willa Player—individuals who challenged injustice and worked to fully participate in our democratic society.