Much of our black history can be traced back to Charleston, South Carolina. At the height of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the majority of enslaved West Africans arrived at Gadsden’s Wharf, torn from their families and sold for labor. Now, at the very same wharf will be the forthcoming International African American Museum. Scheduled to open in 2019, the museum is gearing up to transform this historic land into an "epicenter for exploring and uncovering the pivotal role African-Americans have played in designing the modern world."
Photo: Michael Boulware Moore / IMAA
The CEO and visionary behind the project is Michael Boulware Moore, an activist and former marketing professional. In a chat with Forbes, he gave insight into what people can expect, "We’re going to tell some of the hard truths about our history, while also celebrating the beauty and importance of our history. We want to leave people feeling inspired and uplifted by learning of these stories of achievement and telling the broader aspect of American history."
The International African American Museum will have several exhibiting spaces and will be home to an Educational Resource Center that will support teachers and students, as well as a Center for Family History for researchers in African-American, American and African diaspora history.
The $75 million global landmark will certainly foster new international conversations about America's racial history. According to the museum's website, visitors will be guided through the African-American story beginning in West Africa in the 17th century and ending with the formation of new African-American communities in the 21st century.
Take a look at the upcoming museum in this detailed animation:
Learn more about Moore's vision for the International African American Museum in his interview with Forbes.
Loving Blavity’s content? Sign up for our newsletter!
