IAAM Reflects on Celebrating Black History Month with Powerful Programming, Looks Ahead towards Women’s History Month

March 4, 2025

PRESS RELEASE: February Programming Recap; What’s Ahead in March

Contact: Paul Holston, IAAM Marketing & Communications Manager, [email protected]; IAAM Marketing Division, [email protected]

International African American Museum Reflects on Celebrating Black History Month with Powerful Programming, Looks Ahead towards Women’s History Month

Charleston, S.C. – The International African American Museum (IAAM) proudly reflects on a successful February 2025, filled with engaging programs and events that honored Black History Month and fostered a deeper understanding of the African American journey. From thought-provoking lectures to captivating performances, IAAM provided a dynamic space for learning, engaging, reflections, and celebrations.

February Highlights:

• Commemorative Lectures and Discussions: IAAM hosted a series of insightful conversations featuring renowned historians, authors, and scholars, exploring diverse aspects of African American history and culture. These discussions sparked meaningful dialogue and illuminated critical historical narratives. 
• Artistic Performances and Exhibitions: Visitors enjoyed captivating performances showcasing the richness of African American artistic expression, including musical performances, poetry workshops, and special viewings of curated exhibitions.
• Community Engagement Programs: IAAM engaged with the local community through interactive arts-and-craft workshops and educational programs designed to connect with diverse audiences and promote intergenerational learning.

“February was a powerful month at the International African American Museum,” said Brandon Reid, IAAM’s Public Historian. “Black History Month is not only a time to reflect on resilience and strength, but to also celebrate the profound joy woven throughout the African American experience. Joy is its own form of resistance—it fuels creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of Black culture. We are honored to provide a space where these stories of triumph, artistry, and collective joy can be shared and celebrated.”

Looking Ahead: March 2025 at IAAM

IAAM is excited to continue its mission of education and cultural enrichment with a diverse lineup of programs and events in March 2025.

Upcoming March Programs and Events:

• 2025 IAAM Sankofa Fellowship (APPLY TODAY!):  IAAM invites rising juniors and seniors in college to apply for the 2025 Sankofa Fellowship—an 8-day immersive experience (June 8–15, 2025) designed for students passionate about African American history, community-building, and cultural preservation.
  • Application Opens Though: February 15, 2025
    Deadline: April 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM
    Notification of Selectees: April 18, 2025
• IAAM Summer Camp 2025 (Registration Opens March 1!): Get ready for a summer of joy, creativity, and exploration at the International African American Museum! Our 2025 Summer Camp, “Full Op Wid Joy,” runs from June 23 – July 18 and offers weekly themed experiences inspired by the Gullah Geechee tradition of resilience and well-being. Secure your child’s spot early.
  • For sponsoring a child or scholarship information email [email protected].
• March 5 from 6:30PM – 8:30PM — Unveiling Truths: Family Histories and the Legacy of Slavery: This enriching program will feature a panel discussion on the powerful role of genealogical research in uncovering hidden family histories and its impact on understanding the enduring legacy of slavery. Esteemed speakers include Dr. Shirley Green, author of “Revolutionary Blacks,” and Margaret Seidler, author of “Payne-ful Business,” who courageously unveils her family’s ties to Charleston’s slave trade. [REGISTER HERE!]
• March 8 from 5:30PM – 8:00PM — Eduardo Montes-Bradley’s Black Fiddlers [Film]: As part of IAAM’s Visions of the South Film Series, we invite you to join us for a screening of “Black Fiddlers.” [PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!]
• March 12 from 6:30PM – 8:30PM — Roots of Faith: Unveiling the Gullah Geechee Muslim Experience in America: The International African American Museum, in partnership with American Muslim Pathways, proudly presents a nationwide lecture series that highlights the rich history and impact of Islam and Muslims in America from the 16th century to the present. This enlightening discussion will feature Dr. Muhammad Fraser-Rahim, a distinguished scholar and professor at The Citadel here in Charleston, S.C. His research delves into Islam’s deep roots in America, particularly focusing on the untold stories of Gullah Geechee Muslims. [REGISTER HERE!]
• March 15 from 1:00PM – 3:00PM — Exploring the Digital and Historical Archives of South Carolina | Podcast: Join us for an engaging discussion with the Lowcountry Digital Library (LCDL) and the South Carolina Historical Society (SCHS) as we explore how these two remarkable institutions preserve and share South Carolina’s rich historical and cultural legacy. Discover how they work together to provide unique access to invaluable records—digitally through LCDL and physically through SCHS—supporting historians, genealogists, educators, and writers in their research. [WATCH HERE!]
• March 15 from 5:30PM – 8:00PM — All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert [Film]: As part of IAAM’s Visions of the South Film Series, we invite you to join us for a screening of “All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert.” [PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!]
• March 19 from 6:30PM – 8:30PM — Illuminating Voices: A One-on-One Spotlight Conversation with Khristi Lauren Adams: This Women’s History Month, join us for an empowering and interactive discussion hosted by Khristi L. Adams, a renowned speaker, author, youth advocate, and ordained Baptist minister. Illuminating Voices will delve into faith and theology through the unique and powerful lens of Black girls’ experiences. [REGISTER HERE!]
• March 27 from 6:30PM – 8:30PM — Women of the Diaspora | Featuring Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie: Join us for Women of the Diaspora, a dynamic program series honoring woman of African descent who are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. This Women’s History Month, we are proud to feature Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first woman elected Bishop in the AME Church, in conversation with Kenya Dunn, entrepreneur and founder of the Power-Filled Woman. Together, they’ll explore themes of faith, perseverance, and empathy, reflecting on their groundbreaking journeys and the importance of empowering young women to lead with authenticity and purpose. [REGISTER HERE!]

• Ongoing Special Exhibition — Unsettled Things: Art from an African American South: Visitors can continue to explore IAAM’s latest exhibition, which features 44 works by 28 artists that challenges traditional hierarchies and showcases the brilliance of often-overlooked Black artists from the South. Experience profound expressions of life, spirit, and materiality that transform American art at the International African American Museum. Our latest exhibit is organized by the Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with the help of national tour sponsor Bank of America. Additional support comes from the Major Sponsor, Tim W. Hughes and Gail Coutcher-Hughes, and Contributing Sponsor, the Herzman-Fishman Charitable Fund.
  
• Educational Programs: IAAM will continue to offer engaging educational programs for all ages, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures.
  • IAAM offers youth and families the opportunity to learn more about African American history and culture in an informal, relaxed environment through our Young Griots Drop-In Workshops every Tuesday from 10:30AM to 1:30PM.  All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is located in Studio Time and is included with your purchase of a ticket for museum admission. No reservation is required, however spacing is limited on a first come basis.
  • Join us for an enlightening 20-minute presentation on “Getting Started with Genealogy,” followed by a 10-minute Q&A session, where your curiosity about tracing your family’s roots can be explored and answered. The presentation is offered Tuesday through Friday, at 11:00AM and 2:00PM in the Center for Family History Conference room. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into your family’s history, connect with your ancestors, and discover stories that have shaped who you are today. This class is included with your museum admission ticket.
    
• Membership Month: March is Member Month which means IAAM is celebrating our community of dedicated supporters! To show our appreciation, we’re offering 10% off all memberships! Members enjoy unlimited visits for one year, plus exclusive benefits, and invitations to exciting programs and events year-round!
  • Visit iaamuseum.org/member-discounts/ for more information about perks and discounts for members: Bintu Atelier; Casual Crabbing with Tia; Danny’s Philly Steak; Gullah Tours; Ibu Movement; Mills House Hote; South Carolina Aquarium & more!

“We invite everyone to join us in March as we continue to explore the rich tapestry of African American and African diasporic history and culture,” said Reid. “As we celebrate U.S. Women’s History Month, we honor the women who have shaped history with their leadership and brilliance. Our upcoming programming will offer many more opportunities to learn, engage, reflect, and connect—uplifting the voices and legacies of the women who continue to inspire us all.”

For a complete list of upcoming programs and events and a look back at past programs and events, please visit iaamuseum.org/events/.
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About the International African American Museum

The International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, South Carolina, the nation, and the world, shining light and sharing stories of the diverse journeys, origin, and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. Located at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, IAAM honors the untold stories of the African American journey.

Learn more about IAAM at www.iaamuseum.org and follow IAAM on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, TikTok, and LinkedIn.