The Museum remembers the life of Judge Bernard Fielding
This fall saw the loss of several of the pillars of the Charleston community. Most recently, we received news of the passing of Judge Bernard Fielding. Judge Fielding was the first African American probate judge in South Carolina. His family owns Fielding Home for Funerals, the largest and oldest black-owned funeral home business. Born in […]
The Museum remembers Dr. Ade Ajani Ofunniyin
The International African American Museum team honors the life and legacy of educator, author, community leader and cultural anthropologist Dr. Ade Ajani Ofunniyin. Born in Charleston, Dr. O, as he was affectionately called, moved to New York City as a child but returned in adulthood upon the request of his grandfather, renowned blacksmith Philip Simmons, to […]
Breonna Taylor and the Legacy of Racially Charged Violence
By now the nation has learned that the Louisville police officers who killed Breonna Taylor were not charged with any crimes related to her death. In fact, only one of the officers was indicted for “wanton endangerment,” because some of the bullets he fired hit the apartment of one of Breonna’s neighbors. This is yet […]
“Topping Out” Ceremony Marks Major Milestone for International African American Museum
CHARLESTON, SC—July 10th, 2020—The construction of the International African American Museum is progressing as planned, despite the global presence of COVID-19. Today marks an important milestone in the museum’s journey, as major donors, board members, and elected officials attended the “topping out” ceremony, marking the placement of the structure’s final steel beam. “Every steel beam […]
African American stories of unspeakable pain reverberate through US history
As seen in Post & Courier on June 7th 2020 By: Dr. Elijah Heyward III I am admittedly challenged writing this op-ed amid widespread protests and an epic clash between reality and “truths we hold to be self-evident.” I am burdened by the fact that despite the strides of our forebears, we continue to experience […]
The Impact of COVID-19 and Our Community Safety Response
Dear Friend, Like you, we are deeply concerned about the impact of COVID-19 in Charleston, South Carolina, and throughout the global community. Times like these require courageous inquiry and creative solutions. As we navigate the uncertainty of this public health dilemma, our highest priority is the health and safety of our community—staff, volunteers, members, museum stakeholders, and […]
Dominion Energy Gifts Nearly 1800 Museum Memberships to Students
Charleston, SC – Friday, February 7, 2020 – Today, teams from the International African American Museum (IAAM), Dominion Energy, and Charleston Promise Neighborhood (CPN) gathered at the museum’s headquarters to stuff and seal Charter Membership packages. The packages will be sent to nearly 1800 CPN students and their families, thanks to a generous donation from […]
IAAM Supports Interactive Map
Charleston Justice Journey -” It begins with an interactive map of historic sites, but it can develop into much more, Holman said. Over the summer, more content will be added and a mobile app developed.” Read full article in Post and Courier.
Voices of Civil Rights Lawyers with Armand Derfner at Blue Bicycle Books.
Voices of Civil Rights Lawyers offers eyewitness accounts of some of the most dramatic moments in civil rights history–the 1965 Selma March, the first civil judgment against the Ku Klux Klan, the creation of ballot access for African Americans in Alabama, and the 1968 Democratic Convention. The narratives depict attorney-client relationships extraordinary in their mutual trust and […]
The “Transforming Public History Conference” Starts June 14th.
Hosted by the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, the Carolina Lowcountry and the Atlantic World Program (CLAW), the Addlestone Library, and the Race and Social Justice Initiative at the College of Charleston the “Transforming Public History from Charleston to the Atlantic World” conference will be held at the College of Charleston, June […]
