our time , but for all times . So , as visitors explore exhibits that depict the creation of families , the forging of bonds and the building of communities , they witness the indomitable spirit that has sustained the African American community throughout history . The concept of love expands beyond personal relationships to encompass the collective love for community and the relentless pursuit of freedom and equality .
In this way , the museum hopes to connect with visitors on a human , emotional level . In some ways , it ’ s an attempt by a historical museum to remove the history bias . “ So often when we contemplate history , we ’ re contemplating it on a timeline . We are contemplating it in this sort of grand sweeping way and we lose the humanity ,” Pryor-Martin says . She notes that , in doing this , we can lose the fact that people are making history in the moment , unsure of outcomes or , often , what is happening outside their community . “ They are making it sometimes , just in their small neck of the woods . We read it on a timeline as if it is inevitable , but they ’ re experiencing it as human beings . And so , we strive to bring a bit of that , because not only does it further humanize individuals and a group of people who have historically been dehumanized , it also facilitates this opportunity for a visitor , no matter their background , to be able to identify with a fundamentally human story ,” she says .
A NECESSARY DIALOGUE IN CHALLENGING TIMES While the IAAM hopes to inspire dialog , understanding and illumination , there is no doubt it comes in challenging times , when a disturbing number of voices are attempting to revise or even deny history . The museum confronts the dangers of nostalgia and revisionist history , emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and learning from the complexities of the past . The exhibits are not just a retelling of events ; they are a call to question preconceived notions and engage in a dialogue that transcends biases .
“ We are navigating a moment when historical facts are being challenged in
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Many of the museum ’ s exhibits are interactive .
favor of nostalgia , which can be very , very dangerous ,” Pryor-Martin says . But , she adds , that just makes the museum ’ s mission even more vital .
By presenting a full and authentic portrayal of African American history , the IAAM challenges the idea that the lack of personal experience equates to nonexistence . It invites visitors to confront uncomfortable truths , fostering a deeper understanding of the struggles , achievements and contributions of the African American community .
MONEY TALKS Perhaps there is no better metric to gauge belief in a project in modern America than money . And if that ’ s true , the IAAM comes through with flying colors . In the making for more than 20 years , the project gained supporters from every corner of the country , raising over $ 100 million toward its completion . From Congressman Jim Clyburn and Civil Rights icon John Lewis to founding donors Salamander Collection CEO Sheila Johnson and local hotelier Michael Bennett , support for the museum was as eclectic as it was determined . They , along with dozens more like them , defied what many said would – could – never happen .
But then , that seems a most fitting testament to the museum ’ s mission . Triumph through adversity . Strength from uncertainty . “ I think about our existence , particularly in this moment . And in Charleston , a space where folks might think the existence of a $ 100 millionplus capital project that centers [ on ] the African American journey couldn ’ t exist ,” Pryor-Martin says . “ And yet , here we are .”
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