the medal awards ceremonies. The collection was created to find new ways to raise funds because the previous efforts were no longer sufficient. "Great Beautiful Black Women", a record of the journey of black women from their African origins to the present day, premiered at the Chicago Cultural Center in 1978. The Chicago unveiling was witnessed by driving forces in cultural evolution such as Rosa Parks, Wilma Rudolph, and Coretta Scott King. The collection was originally scheduled to tour for two years, but its journey was extended to five years, again due to its immense popularity. It highlighted the roles of many black women who were involved in the Civil Rights Movement that changed the United States forever. In 1979, Collins started an ever-growing collection of works entitled "Contributions to the History of the United States of America". The series showcases individuals who symbolize the struggle of human dignity and human rights such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks and Liberty and Justice, a mural symbolizing historical moments of the shaping of the United States. The painting depicting "Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad" has become a national icon. This image is used in history books, school books, children's books, and museums. Well over a million posters have been sold worldwide. Pieces of this collection are on permanent display at the Van Andel Museum and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan. Moving on to portray ‘ordinary’ people engaged in ‘extra’-ordinary activities, Collins completed the "America at Work" series in 1983. It was first exhibited at the Great Hall of the United States Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. The popularity of this series continues to grow, as does the collection, with new pieces gradually being added. The collection is on permanent exhibit at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1987, Collins’ travels took him to the Middle East. The result: "The Voices of Israel". The images shed light upon the unique mesh of cultures and religions that comprise the traditionally-rooted, yet newly forming identity of the nation. With no political or religious affiliations, Collins captures the people of Israel on their own terms. The twenty-five piece collection toured Israel and the United States under the auspices of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith. During his two-year stay, Collins was commissioned to